Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and driver guide and transferred to Hemingways Nairobi for your 1-night stay
Check in Hemingways Nairobi
Accommodation: Deluxe Suite (B&B)
Day 2
Check Out Hemingways Nairobi 9am
Transfer to Wilson Airport (30mins)
Scheduled flight to Nanyuki Airport (1hour)
Check In Soames Hotel
Accommodation: Garden Room (B&B)
Day 3 Chogoria Gate Special Camp
Check Out Soames Hotel
After an early breakfast, you will meet your driver who will drive you to the start of the route.
After an early breakfast, you will be met by your driver and team and driven to the start of the route. The first day’s trek takes you up through majestic old-growth rainforest and dense stands of bamboo. After rising above the forest belt, you enter a sort of natural parkland, where groves of ancient cedars and African rosewood trees stand interspersed with grassy glades. After passing the KWS Bandas, a short walk will bring you to our ‘forest campsite,’ which is nestled in a grove of giant trees. The afternoon is a good opportunity to wander around the area and acclimatise.
FOREST CAMP
START – 7,743FT / 2360M
END – 9,970FT / 3039M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM TIME – 5 HRS
Day 4 Lake Ellis
The walk begins with spectacular views of rolling hills, and possibly even a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Batian and Nelion high above.
The walk starts with spectacular views of the rolling hills ahead and perhaps even a glimpse of the snow- capped peaks of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) high above.
This is a relatively short hike and you should be in camp a little earlier than the previous day, which gives you a great chance to sit back and relax after lunch and simply enjoy the views around Lake Ellis. We go by the general rule of thumb to “climb high and sleep low” to allow for better acclimatisation. An evening walk up to nearby Mugi Hill can be a wonderful way to end the day and will hopefully make your ascent a lot easier as well.
START – 9,970FT / 3039M
END – 11,417FT / 3460M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 4 HRS
Day 5 Lake Michaelson
This is a beautiful trek, taking you from one lake to another, and passing unforgettable scenery en route. After an initial down-up on relatively steep terrain, you gain the ridge, and the gradient soon eases up. It is very pleasant trekking along the ridgeline past giant, lichen-covered boulders, with the Gorges valley dropping away to your left. You may have glimpses of the main peaks, and later in the day Lake Michaelson comes into view like a spherical jewel. Lunch is enjoyed whilst perched above the lake, with awesome views both up and down the mountain. A gentle traverse and a final descent bring you to Lake Michaelson campsite. The afternoon is for resting, and perhaps taking a stroll around the lake. There is also good fishing at Michaelson.
START – 11,417FT / 3460M
END – 13,124FT / 4000M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 5 HRS
Day 6 Acclimatisation at Lake Michaelson
You wake up with a slightly stiff body after the previous day's trek, unzip your tent, and look outside. The sky is turning pink behind a rocky silhouette. It is a wonderful feeling to hold a mug of something warm, and watch as the lake water reflects the fiery dawn sky, without any rush to pack up and leave. No need to wake up for dawn - have a lie-in if you like. Michaelson is the ideal spot for a rest day. Rarely used by other groups you're likely to have the place to yourself. The altitude is also ideal for good acclimatisation. If anyone is feeling energetic then exploring the area, and going up to slightly higher altitude, will not only reveal gorgeous scenery, but also go towards aiding acclimatisation. Fishing on the lake is another pleasant way to pass the day. Or simply chill out, read, eat, admire the views from the comfort of your camp chair, and have a lazy day.
Day 7 - Simba Tarn
You will depart at around 9 am for another splendid trek. Following the course of a lively stream brings you up through a tumble of boulders, and beneath the red cliffs of ‘the Temple,’ where alpine swifts frolic, and occasionally roar past like jets. Once in the upper part of the Gorges valley you trek along on easy terrain, beneath the splintered heights of Macmillan and Delamere peaks. The vegetation changes as you gain altitude, and there is more bare rock and scree. You will arrive at Simba Col in time for lunch.
START – 13,451FT / 4100M
END – 13,451FT / 4100M
DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 3KM
TIME – 2 HRS
Day 8 Lenana Sumit Old Moses Camp
An early departure at 5:30 am for a sunrise summit is the best way to experience this climb and enjoy the expansive views whilst sipping a nice warm drink. On a clear day the valleys light up golden-green, little tarns reflect the sun and even the summit of Kilimanjaro can be seen way off in the distance.
The descent takes you down the southern side along the Sirimon route. You will enjoy a well-deserved brunch in the Mackinder Valley. Having refueled, you'll continue with the final trek down to Old Moses for collection.
Your transfer will have you back in the Nanyuki area by 3:00 pm for a late lunch at Soames Hotel
START – 13,451FT / 4100M
END – 10,498FT / 3200M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 17KM
TIME – 8-10 HRS
Check In: Soames Hotel
Accommodation: Garden Room (B&B)
Day 9
Check Out: Soames Hotel
Transfer to Nanyuki Airport
Scheduled flight Wilson Airport (1hour)
Met by our representative and driver guide and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
End of Services
