![Giant Groundsels with Mount Kenya in the clouds](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F1FVIMjaSpl5xdvZsdf66cM%2Faeefdd710b1965b2bdabdb79ae3e3554%2Fmount-kenya-getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Climb Mount Kenya (4985m) and Go on Safari
Summit the trekking peak of Africa's second-highest mountain and explore a wildlife-packed corner of Kenya on this epic adventure combo
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, certified guides and a support teamAll accommodation
4 nights camping, 3 nights in riverside lodges, 1 night in a wilderness safari campMeals
All your meals are included throughoutTransfers
Airport and local transfers, including a porter to carry your overnight luggage on the trekEquipment & Permits
All your camping gear, permits, taxes and licencesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
![Giant Groundsels with Mount Kenya in the clouds](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F1FVIMjaSpl5xdvZsdf66cM%2Faeefdd710b1965b2bdabdb79ae3e3554%2Fmount-kenya-getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Tents in the sun at Shipton's Camp on Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-176119586](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F4nA3WdU5VbYz28OYWaQwaj%2F31bab8af6c7ba3522577eb0389f4b3c9%2FShipton_Camp_Mmount_Kenya_Getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Rhinoceros in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-1438803293](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6XFkKiynz3rZKx7BQWOFWT%2F7e9a1af3fe91228bd673455d042b3aa3%2FRhino_Ol_Pejeta_Kenya_getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-515161366](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F27SRVYLjET0NIENF55QWfQ%2F15fe73d7077ebc76fa5223a5804656b1%2FGettyImages-515161366.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-1154993644](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6kDpn48BCxBswAX1JAYfN6%2Fcfea2b6f04b9a4eebfe1fbbd30b26621%2FGettyImages-1154993644.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Mount Kenya summit. Photo: Megan Devenish](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2Fasset-a03c4523375d4472a33d47c8f23afefd%2F09be0a97d1109e8772dca4f78ee7626c%2FMount-Kenya-summit_Megan-Devenish.jpeg&w=2048&q=50)
![](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F2UDrPlXWwV1JPpF4GhOJ6O%2F5b409f9ad6aa02421d881fb691290f8b%2FIMG_20191231_173954_9.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
![Yawning cheetah. A cheetah yawns and displays its teeth. Ol Pejeta conservancy, Kenya.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F1Cr4CJLShAgNGzB1OftdB4%2F6238b5410273430723d3f93ade8a4811%2Fol-pejeta-kenya-unsplash__1_.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Tackle an epic hike through alpine forests, meadows, glaciers, lakes and lunar landscapes to summit Point Lenana (4985m): Mount Kenya's trekking peak
Look out over Africa from the continent's second highest point, with vastly fewer climbers than its famous next door neighbour, Kilimanjaro
Head deep into the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to spot elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and endangered black rhinos
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Kenya
![Group of gazelles grazing with Mount Kenya is the bankground](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6BwlIOjk7w2dHjAcDgWWcv%2F9c0d06e186996fe1fc410c20b790397b%2Fmount-kenya-unplash.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Descend over the plains of East Africa and touch down at Nairobi Airport where your host will be waiting to transfer you to their base on the banks of the Sagana River. Tuck in to a welcome dinner this evening with your host and fellow adventurers for a chat through the adventure to come.
Day 2
To Mount Kenya
![Hikers heading for Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-176070798](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6WiE3oEfmSmk8VJMq7XXBB%2Fe63d6ef73a015e3e41defb9db4dd20bf%2FMount_Kenya_Getty__1_.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Driving
Hiking
Grab an early breakfast before leaving Nairobi for a 4-hour drive through the plains, with the Mount Kenya massif gradually coming into view. You'll be trekking the Chogoria Route to the 4985m-high Point Lenana, the 'trekker's peak' of Mount Kenya and its third highest (Batian, at 5199m and Nelion, at 5188m can only be reached with specialist mountaineering equipment). Reach the Mount Kenya forest at 2200m, from where you'll set off for an acclimatisation hike to reach the first camp at Chogoria Gate (2950m). Take in your first taste of this incredible wilderness area while dinner is cooked for you and camp is set up. Relax around a campfire before retiring to the sounds of the Mount Kenya rainforest.
Day 3
Chogoria Gate to Lake Ellis (3200m)
![Mountainside camping, Africa. Photo: GettyImages-660843442](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F3br7f0oiyDw5A4jNyDDoGd%2F5e25e8c3f5d6737a049eb4407a592fb2%2FGettyImages-660843442.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Hiking
Unzip the tent, grab an early breakfast while watching the mountain wake up, then set off for the first full day of trekking. You'll hike through moorland and tussock grass in this more lush part of the ecosystem with many flowers in bloom creating a colourful backdrop. You'll then pass Urumandi Falls to reach a higher moorland with low tree cover for amazing views back over the plains. Lake Ellis, at an altitude of 3390m, is your next camp spot – a tranquil location with full panoramas of the main peaks of Mount Kenya, and set a good way off the main trail for an amazing camp out beneath the stars.
Day 4
Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson (3962m)
![Long road to the top, Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-606222454](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F1TK1pnR0k2MOadjjEkrXNI%2Fb37c3b607bd1e960e25e1606da96208a%2FGettyImages-606222454.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Hiking
Today's route is well off the beaten track. Set off skirting Lake Ellis, cross over the valley and follow a ridge deeper into the mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back towards Itinguni and the northern moorlands. At the head of the Gorges Valley is Lake Michaelson, a crystal-clear glacial lake with still blue water. Lake Michaelson is surrounded by 'The Temple', a huge amphitheatre of 200m-high rocky cliff faces, and it is in this spectacular location that you will camp for the night.
Day 5
Lake Michaelson to Mintos Camp (4200m)
![Camping at Lake Michaelson, Mount Kenya National Park.](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6pKHVV0rHJtN3tMkQjaAwl%2F47018631ef76e990b608c22fce8a927c%2FGettyImages-1018613326.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Hiking
Today will be a much gentler day, allowing you to acclimatise and get ready for the long push to the summit tomorrow. Leaving camp, you will continue along the Chogoria Route to reach Mintos Camp at 4200m. Mintos is set on a ridge with incredible views, and you have chance to soak up this camp spot during the late afternoon, preserving energy for your summit day tomorrow. Dinner and a very early night is the name of the game, as you are going to be up very early tomorrow morning.
Day 6
Summit Mount Kenya at Point Lenana (4985m)
![Summit Point Lenana on Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Route](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F4AjY1QL3S2sbM6W1JW4VZr%2F172d5ebc0cb2bef1d56f3c19fde55bbe%2Fpoint-lenana-mount-kenya-unsplash__1_.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Hiking
Driving
Very early means 02:15 am! Grab a coffee then set off on the trail in the darkness, with head torches lighting the way. The feeling of setting off to summit in the middle of the night with your fellow trekkers is an amazing experience. Eat into the final sections of the trail as you ascend to Point Lenana (the trekker's peak of Mount Kenya) via the Simba Col, reaching the summit by sunrise. If conditions and cloud coverage are favourable, you'll be rewarded with an amazing sunrise panorama while you stand on the roof of Kenya – on a clear day, you can even see across to Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 200 miles away. Descend back to Simba Col, before turning on to an alternative trail and down a steep, scree slope to Shipton's Camp. You should arrive by 10:00, so a well-earned late breakfast and rest await you here, before you tackle the walk down the mountain to Judmier Camp. Say goodbye to your porters and trekking guide here after an epic few days together, load up the Land Cruisers and settle in for the drive towards Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You'll be staying in a beautiful lodge this evening, enjoying some creature comforts and hot showers following your time on the mountain. Fall into bed exhausted and elated from a huge day of mountain trekking.
Day 7
Safari time and wild camping in the bush
![Lion in Ol Pejeta conservancy, Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-1438802909](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2FW4kTBPdWEEjtLFyB44ZIb%2Fee557c9531e1355fb8c50cd5f383a0f4%2FLion_Ol_Pejeta_Kenya_Getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Wildlife Tracking
It's safari time! Wake up feeling refreshed and head out into Ol Pejeta Conservancy in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a specialist wildlife guide, searching for the quintessential animals of Kenya. Ol Pejeta is one of the best places for a safari in Kenya, with incredibly high chances of seeing the 'Big Five'. Of the many highlights today, spotting herds of elephants, endangered black rhinos and chimpanzees are right up there. You'll spend a full day exploring, before spending a memorable night in a wilderness bush camp set in the middle of the reserve. Watch a quintessential African sunset and experience the bush at night time as you bed down in tents, listening to the sounds of Africa right outside.
Day 8
More safari time and back to the river
![Elephants, Mount Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-520709559](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F2PwnPlhfDfhfLJHHPNn4T1%2F64f72c9401442760fee93665240f3b02%2FGettyImages-520709559.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Wildlife Tracking
Waking up in the middle of the African wilderness is an incredible experience. Roll out of the tent and take in the wild surroundings with a coffee at camp before heading out early doors for more safari time in this incredible conservancy. Hop back in the van to head to your final night for the trip back on the banks of the Sagana River. Owned by your host, this is a beautiful and hidden spot in Kenya and makes for a cracking final afternoon of your adventure. After such a busy week, there is no organised activity this afternoon, allowing you to settle into your cottage accommodation and soak up the tranquil vibe here before dinner.
Day 9
Farewell, Kenya
![African sunset, Kenya. Photo: GettyImages-596072022](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F38u4ANvxs0yaWtxsrFG5Gy%2Fee55384e58980dd9e207b02225a2a837%2FAfrican_sunset_Kenya_Getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Your adventure comes to an end as you bid farewell and hit the road back to Nairobi. Your host will drop you off at the airport in time for your onward flight.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (NBO)
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (NBO)
Any time on Day 9
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) where your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. Alternatively, if you’re already in Kenya, your host can arrange a pick-up from any point upon request (not included). On the final day, your host will transfer you from their base on the Sagana River a couple of hours outside of Nairobi back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), for any flight departing that day.
Travel options
There are frequent flights to Nairobi (NBO) from major airports across the UK, Europe and US.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
![](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F2FmmOhmvHM6FGBQ2MFDNmO%2F7a5b3e221de875242495e6156bebaec8%2FGettyImages-882186476.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Throughout your trek, a team of experienced chefs will cook and serve you nutritious meals. Breakfast will usually be a combination of fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs, bread, French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Lunch will be a mix of vegetables, fruit, boiled eggs, meat cutlets, various sandwiches (e.g. egg, cheese, tomato, tuna, meat, peanut butter), macaroni with meat sauce and bread. Dinner, meanwhile, will usually consist of soup, bread, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, curry, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad and fruit with custard.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
![](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F3g61lBNS4IVooNHiG3D5KA%2F8467bc75386fac0ad06e131fbdbc75e0%2F10_05_02_camp__31_of_51_.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Sagana River Camp
Your host created a camp on the banks of the Sagana River over 30 years ago, which has grown and grown into a peaceful and beautiful adventure camp. On the first and last nights of your trip, you'll stay in one of the quaint cottages with private bathrooms. The camp has two swimming pools, a bar and a huge area for exploring. The camp is best known as an adventure paradise, offering a wide range of activities including zip lining, bungee jumping, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. You'll have an afternoon and evening of downtime here if you want to try any extra activities, or you can simply relax by the river.
![Mt Kenya Camping Tents Host Savage Wilderness](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F2c0bi608f8w5V8IJVYFbgM%2Fbc128725ca04a4c7aa7943f52dd34b8e%2FMt_Kenya_camping_tents_Host_Savage_Wilderness.jpeg&w=2048&q=50)
Camping on Mount Kenya
During the trek on Mount Kenya, you will camp at a number of sites along the route, namely Chogoria Gate, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and Mintos Camp. You'll stay in premium twin-share expedition tents with sleeping mats, sleeping bag and a fleece liner provided.
![](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F586SSldO5xSz17V87DluwU%2F0f67d20e67ef32f5fb051413f1ac8a74%2F356470759.jpeg&w=2048&q=50)
Naro Moru River Lodge
Set on the banks of the Naro Moru River at the foot of Mount Kenya, this 3-star hotel is nestled amongst big trees and beautiful gardens. It's a peaceful and relaxing location about a 30-minute drive from Ol Pejeta, where you'll be heading the next morning for a full day on safari. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en suite bathrooms.
![Wild camping at night in the African bush, Kenya](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.ctfassets.net%2Fm5us57n7qfgl%2F6OxSaR19xWXJleUc7Ck6XN%2F6cc8c8106e11250dead95af2aa771676%2Fwild-camping-ol-pejeta-kenya-getty.jpg&w=2048&q=50)
Wild camping in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A magical night out in the African bush awaits you after a day spent on safari in this magical conservancy. You'll sleep out at a mobile safari camp in the middle of the bush, surrounded by wildest Africa. Your host will set up camp with a mess tent and kitchen, and twin-share tents (with beds and bedding provided). There are also bucket-showers and long-drop toilet facilities. For security, an electric fence is erected around the perimeter of camp.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Challenging
You'll be trekking to reach the summit at Lenana Point. This is commonly known as the 'trekker's summit' of Mount Kenya, and is the third highest point of the massif. This isn’t a technical summit and anyone with good fitness levels and some experience of challenging hikes or treks should be capable of summiting. The route we have chosen for this trip is the Chogoria Route – widely considered the most beautiful way to reach Point Lenana, it is also one of the most challenging routes. The summit push and subsequent descent on Day 5 of this trip is a real beast of a day. The main challenge is the high altitude; however, your experienced trekking guides and porters will keep everyone safe and looked after.
When you trek in the mountains, there's always the risk of getting altitude sickness, regardless of how old, young, fit or unfit you are. We would expect most trekkers to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, sleeplessness, heavy breathing) when over 3500m. Your guides are trained to identify the symptoms of altitude sickness so if any more serious symptoms are noted, there is a strict procedure regarding extra care or a rapid descent if needed. Your host and the guides they employ work regularly with the British Army and International Schools of Kenya, due to this they have extensive safety practices in place, and all guides hold international qualifications which are kept up to date.
What if i need to skip an activity?
There is a support team throughout the trek who are there to assist the group to complete the trek. If you are unable to continue at any stage, they will asses the situation and arrange an evacuation. As you are wild camping in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy it is not viable to skip any of the safaris, but frankly why would you!
What will I need to carry?
You'll have a team of porters transporting your main backpack for the duration of the trek. You will need to trek each day with a smaller daypack, we recommend a minimum of 30 litres to be able to carry enough water, snacks, layers and waterproofs, plus any additional personal items for each day of trekking.
Please note that there is a limit to the weight that the porters can carry. Your main rucksack must be no heavier than 20kg.
It's possible to climb Mount Kenya all year round; however, the months outside of the rainy seasons are more desirable. The best climbing months are from December to March and July to October. The best weather is usually at the beginning of the year from January to March, which are also typically the warmest and driest months.
Thanks to Kenya’s proximity to the equator, the region doesn’t typically experience the extremes of winter and summer weather you might expect and instead has dry and wet seasons. The local weather conditions on Mount Kenya can be somewhat unpredictable (to say the least) and rainfall varies from 2100mm per year in the rainforest belt, to less than 120mm per year in the summit zone. Temperatures vary considerably with height and with time of day. On the plains surrounding Mount Kenya, the average daytime temperature is about 25°C. At 3000m frosts can be encountered at night, while temperatures in the day range from 5 to 15°C. Nighttime temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Twin-share expedition tents and sleeping mats
- Sleeping bags and fleece liner (you are welcome to bring your own sleeping bag if you would prefer)
- Dining tents with a solar light
- All cooking equipment
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft duffel bag or backpack (your main pack will be transported for you during the trek)
Trekking backpack 30+ litres
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight down jacket
Waterproof trousers
Breathable wicking layers
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear & socks
Sunglasses (essential for summit day)
Sunhat
Winter hat
Gloves
Something to sleep in
Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
OTHER
Sleeping bag liner, for added warmth (optional)
Travel pillow
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel Insurance documents
Earplugs
Insect repellant
Suncream
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Quick-dry towel
Alcohol hand-gel
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x2 litres)
Biodegradable wet-wipes
Energy bars and snacks
Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Double/twin room at Sagana River Camp
Payable Before Departure
Double/twin room at Sagana River Camp
… Per Night
Single room at Sagana River Camp
Payable Before Departure
Single room at Sagana River Camp
… Per Night
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…
Nairobi Airport to Sagana River Camp (each way)
Payable Before Departure
Nairobi Airport to Sagana River Camp (each way)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 217kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
The guides have been extensively trained on the routes, terrain and conditions you'll be crossing. With over 10 years of experience, they have also been to the summit more than 100 times. Additionally, all of the guides are certified First Aid Responders and CPR trained.
The mountain has three main summits: Batian (5199m), Nelion (5188m), and Point Lenana (4985m). Point Lenana is known as the 'trekkers summit' as is the only peak that is accessible without previous mountaineering experience. Both Bastian and Nelion summits involve multi-pitch trad rock climbing and are highly technical.
Our trip follows the Chogoria Route which approaches the mountain from the east. This is considered to be the quietest, yet most beautiful route to the top. It passes by Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson, two picturesque glacial lakes which sit at over 3000m.
Yes, your host has long been campaigning for more responsible policies towards the employment of local people, including porters, and sharing the benefits of tourism more fairly with local communities. Your host ensures porters receive fair pay and ethical treatment.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. There is no expectation or obligation to tip your host and main guide for the trip as a whole, however any tips are gratefully received should you wish to offer them at the end of the trip.
Tips for the porter team on Mount Kenya are obligatory. The minimum expected contribution is $100/£80/€90 per person for the full 5 days on Mount Kenya. Please budget for this and make sure you have cash readily available at the end of your trek on day 6.
You can securely leave any excess luggage at your host's base before setting off on the trek.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
No plastic bottles are allowed on Mount Kenya. Your guides will supply you with purified drinking water, either by boiling, filtration, or use of purification tablets.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can range from extremely hot to extremely cold during the times of year when this trip operates. In very hot locations, high humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. In cold locations, where daytime temperatures are consistently below freezing (0C/32F), at night it will likely be even colder. Personal care should be taken to keep cool/warm as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration and nutrition. Very hot or cold temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at more moderate temperatures. In hot conditions, people may experience symptoms associated with Dehydration and Heat Stroke, and in severe cold conditions people may experience symptoms associated with Exposure, Frostbite and Hypothermia. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with extremely hot and cold temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
This trip visits locations where wild animals are present in a natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some wild animals may be predatory in nature, poisonous, venomous or otherwise can be considered dangerous in a close encounter. Wild animals by their nature are unpredictable and visitors into their habit should follow the safety instructions given by their local guide(s) and/or any signage present. It is a privilege to see wild animals in a natural environment and an experience that should be respectfully conducted at all times.
This trip visits locations at or above 4500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The likelihood of more severe conditions, such as HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) and HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), increases at higher altitudes. Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
![Private trip](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2Fguides.png&w=2048&q=75)
Got questions? We've got answers
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 900 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 5th October 2024
to Sunday 13th October 2024
![Private trip](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2Fgroups.png&w=640&q=75)