A 7 day Mount Kenya trek along a little used wilderness trail through the bush wild camping along the way.
Private Trek Adventure 1 week
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for two people sharing.
Our holidays are rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
…We were really happy with the service we got from Tourdust which can be best described as friendly, efficient and expert.....
Matthew McSweeney. See all Reviews 
The undoubted highlight of any trek on Mount Kenya is reaching Point Lenana, at 4,985m the highest point accessible to non technical climbers. Most trekkers aim to get to Point Lenanna for sunset, and watching the sun rise over the misty African plains below is an awe inspiring moment. Made only better by the fact that you have just scrambled up steep scree and rocks for 3 hours in pitch dark.
The sense of discovery you get on climbing up Burguret route is palpable, buffalo and elephant are common in the bush around the camp sites. Your guide will often be hacking a clear trail as you pass.
The descent is along the dramatic Chogoria route, which although not the fastest, offers the most striking views with terrifying gorges, waterfalls and beautiful tarns on offer.
Route duration: 6 days on the mountain
Total hiking distance: Approximately 76 Kms.
DAY 1 MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE - 1950m.
AM. Nairobi (1,650) – Mountain Rock lodge (2,000m) by car (200kms /3.5hrs). PM. Acclimatisation nature hike. Span, 12kms /3hrs.
Depart after breakfast and journey north past divergent agricultural lands and landscapes to the slopes of Mount Kenya. After lunch at the base lodge you take part in some easy walks around this predominantly Kikuyu area, exploring local farms and villages and perhaps local schools. We can gain a privileged insight into the lives of the people who live on the slopes of Mt Kenya and know that our visit is contributing towards their local economy. Meals and overnight at the lodge.
TRANSFER: Road transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya at 09h00 (Duration 3 hours)
OVERNIGHT: Mountain Rock Lodge 1 night In a twin room - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 2 GIANT BAMBOO CAMP – 2,600m
AM. Base lodge – Gathiuru Forest by car (15kms / 1h). P.M Trek, Gathiuru Forest – Giant Bamboo camp (2,600m - 3,600m). Span, 10kms / 4h. Ascent: +740m. Habitat: Montane Forest / Bamboo / Hagenia zones.
After breakfast we get a full briefing, equipment check and meet the crew - each one gets a personal porter and there are extra porters for camping equipment and food. Shortly afterwards is the drive to Gathiuru forest station via the renowned Mau Mau caves then a 4 hour ascent through dense stands of towering bamboo to our own Giant Bamboo camp at 2600m. Elephant and buffalo are common here.
TOUR: Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse. Includes all National Park fees, camping & mountain huts fees where applicable, camping equipment EXCEPT sleeping bags, insulation mats, English speaking guide(s), porters and cook(s), meals while on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner), transfers from and back to base hotel and complimentary Nature hike included on first day when accommodated at the Mountain Rock Lodge. Own sleeping bag and mat required.
OVERNIGHT: Mount Kenya Trek 5 nights Own sleeping bag and mat required. (Available to hire locally) - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 3 HIGHLAND CASTLE – 3,700m.
Trek, Giant Bamboo camp - Highland Castle (2,600m - 3,700m). Span, approx.10kms / 5-6h). Ascent: +1,100m. Habitat: Montane Forest / Bamboo / Hagenia / Moorland zones.
The luxuriant bamboo yields to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest before we climb to the hagenia rosewood zone at the edge of the moorlands. This marks our lunch spot before heading up through the extraordinary giant lobelia and groundsels. We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the “Highland Castle” at 3,700m. Todays hike takes 5-6 hours with an ascent of 1,100m.
OVERNIGHT: Mount Kenya Trek (night 2 of 5). Own sleeping bag and mat required. (Available to hire locally) - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 4 SHIPTON’S CAMP – 4,236m.
Trek, Highland Castle via Hausberg col – Shipton’s Camp (3,700m - 4,600m - 4,236m). Span, approx.10kms / 5-6h. Ascent: +900m. to Hausberg col. then descend -365m to Shipton’s camp. Habitat: Moorland / Alpine desert.
Spectacular scenery as the jagged volcanic peaks and shimmering glaciers tower above our trek around the summit circuit. Turquoise tarns nestle in the valleys, eagles and buzzards soar overhead. We might, for the first time, meet other trekkers here as we hike for 5-6 hours to overnight at Shipton’s Hut at 4,236m.
OVERNIGHT: Mount Kenya Trek (night 3 of 5). Own sleeping bag and mat required. (Available to hire locally) - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 5 NITHI CAMP - 3,300m.
(Summit attempt) Shipton’s camp – Pt. Lenana – Nithi Camp (4236m - 4,985m - 3,300m). Span - approx. To Pt. Lenana (3kms / 4h). To Nithi Camp (14 kms / 6h) Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: 1,685m to Nithi Camp. Habitat: Scree / rocky summit / Moorland
After the wilderness experience comes the highlight of the Mount Kenya trek: the stiff, but exhilarating, scramble by starlight up to Point Lenana, the "trekkers’ summit", in time to see the African dawn from a vantage point of nearly 5,000m. We leave at 4am and climb the 800m to the peak in 3-4 hours. A further 3 hours down to a late breakfast by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley. Then in the afternoon another three hours down past spectacular chasms, waterfalls and weirdly eroded lava flows to camp by the track-head in the giant heather zone.
OVERNIGHT: Mount Kenya Trek (night 4 of 5). Own sleeping bag and mat required. (Available to hire locally) - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 6 MERU BANDAS – 3300m.
Trek, Nithi Camp - Meru Bandas (3,300m - 3,000m). Span, approx. 7Kms / 2-3h. Descent: -300m. Habitats: Moorland / Giant heather/ Hagenia zones
Short descent through the forest zone to the mountain cabins and afternoon relaxing. Log fires, hot showers, beers, and beds for overnight. Wildlife viewing in evening - often from your cabin window as the elephant and buffalo graze outside!
OVERNIGHT: Mount Kenya Trek (night 5 of 5). Own sleeping bag and mat required. (Available to hire locally) - Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
DAY 7 NAIROBI - 1650m.
AM. Hike, Meru Banda’s – Pick up point (3,000m - 2600m). Span, approx.10kms / 2h. Descent: -400m. Habitats: Bamboo / Montane Forest zones. P.M. Pick up point – Nairobi by car. (230kms / 4-5hrs).
Descent on a broad track for about 10 kms through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicles for the return to Nairobi - usually arriving mid to late afternoon.
TRANSFER: Road transfer from Mount Kenya to Nairobi (Duration 4/5 hours)
Getting to Kenya: Kenya has international airports in Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta NBO) and Mombassa (Mombasa Moi International MBA) which are around 8 hours flying time from the UK. British Airways and Air Kenya and various European and Middle Eastern carriers fly regular direct services to Nairobi. Return tickets usually range from £650 to £950 depending on when you are travelling.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr 16km drive from Nairobi City Centre, but traffic can be bad.
This trek includes pick up and drop off in Nairobi by minibus or 4wd Landcruiser.
This price includes:
All National Park fees.
Camping & mountain Huts fees where applicable.
Camping equipment EXCEPT sleeping bags, mattresses.
English speaking guide(s).
Porters & Cook(s).
Meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Transfers from and back to base hotel.
Complimentary Nature hike included on first day when accommodated at the Mountain Rock Lodge.
NOT included
Tips
Meals/drinks not mentioned as included
Insurances.
Visa.
Any increase in National Park fees or other fees/taxes charged by National Park and/or other government authorities.
Sleeping bag / mattress and other personal equipment (a limited selection of hire equipment is available - please pre-order).
Please note
Persons attempting the climb must be physically very fit and in very good general health
Clients climb at their own risk
Transfers might be shared with other guests
Campsites and toilet facilities on the mountain are very basic
Water for personal hygiene on the mountain is limited
Hut accommodation is dormitory style with bunk beds
It is at the guide's decision to break off a climb in case weather conditions or clients health dictate it for safety reasons.
No refunds are given in case of a break off of the climb / early exit
As a general rule you can trek up Mount Kenya at any time of year, but the paths will be better and you will stay drier outside the rainy seasons (particularly the long rains in April and May). The best time to trek is early in the year (January and February) before the long rains and in the summer months of July, August and September.
Whilst this is an incredible trek, you do need to come prepared for a tough time. The trail is rough and during the rains, very muddy. You will also be camping out at night in the bush most nights. Other than that the same health warnings apply as with any other Mount Kenya trek, you need to have a good level of trekking fitness but a pre-trek fitness regime is not strictly necessary. Altitude sickness can be a real problem but the ascent is steady and provided you take your guides advice and keep to a nice and easy pace and drink plenty of water you should be okay.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
Our customers agree - a conversation with an expert makes for a better trip. Call us now or request a call back out of hours.
Call 0203 291 2907 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
Or request call back weekday evenings or Saturdays
We both suffered but enjoyed it immensely. Just how it should be!!!!
Our route up the mountain, the Burguret trail is very arduous and certainly should not be used for people who are not very fit and experienced trekkers. It mainly followers animal trails through the forests and bog lands around the mountain. The Chogoria route down was great. The guide and porters were great. Wild camping means just that, really just what I wanted, but I have lived in Kenya.
Jonathan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 24 September 2018
We had an excellent trip, thanks!
The guide was very knowledgeable and flexible with breaks, timings, etc. He kept phone contact with the main office to ensure all connections/vehicles were in the proper place at the right time. The lodging was acceptable for a trek. Nothing great, mostly hard huts or tented camps, but nice to have a warm shower on days between our tenting nights. The one night we were supposed to be in The Pelican Lodge, we were changed to Lake Nakuru Lodge, which was fantastic!During the trek, the cook made wonderful breakfasts and dinners. There was a decent variety of soups, vegtable and meat dishes. Lunch was a basic 'box lunch' with a sandwich, chicken, boiled egg and fruit. Lunch was acceptable and fueled us for the journey, it just got a little redundant by the end of the trek.
All pre-trip literature was informative and sufficient.
I have already and will continue to recommend this trip to others. For the trek: the days are long and tiring, but it was very worth the effort, and the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable. The safari itself was also great. The amount of time spent driving between the trek end to Nakuru and Nakuru to Masai Mari got old... however, this is unavoidable when trying to do it all.
Thanks again for aranging a very enjoyable trip!
Alan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 11 January 2013
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
We both suffered but enjoyed it immensely. Just how it should be!!!!
Our route up the mountain, the Burguret trail is very arduous and certainly should not be used for people who are not very fit and experienced trekkers. It mainly followers animal trails through the forests and bog lands around the mountain. The Chogoria route down was great. The guide and porters were great. Wild camping means just that, really just what I wanted, but I have lived in Kenya.
Jonathan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 24 September 2018
We had an excellent trip, thanks!
The guide was very knowledgeable and flexible with breaks, timings, etc. He kept phone contact with the main office to ensure all connections/vehicles were in the proper place at the right time. The lodging was acceptable for a trek. Nothing great, mostly hard huts or tented camps, but nice to have a warm shower on days between our tenting nights. The one night we were supposed to be in The Pelican Lodge, we were changed to Lake Nakuru Lodge, which was fantastic!During the trek, the cook made wonderful breakfasts and dinners. There was a decent variety of soups, vegtable and meat dishes. Lunch was a basic 'box lunch' with a sandwich, chicken, boiled egg and fruit. Lunch was acceptable and fueled us for the journey, it just got a little redundant by the end of the trek.
All pre-trip literature was informative and sufficient.
I have already and will continue to recommend this trip to others. For the trek: the days are long and tiring, but it was very worth the effort, and the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable. The safari itself was also great. The amount of time spent driving between the trek end to Nakuru and Nakuru to Masai Mari got old... however, this is unavoidable when trying to do it all.
Thanks again for aranging a very enjoyable trip!
Alan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 11 January 2013
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Hi Lisa
It was a fantastic experience, thanks very much. All the arrangements were seamless and our guiding/support team were excellent, if there is a way for you to formally commend the team to your ground operators then I would be grateful if you could do that, they really were brilliant.
Many thanks for your help in arranging the trip, and for your patience during the multiple re-arrangements over the past couple of years.
Kind regards, John
John B
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 14 November 2022
I had just the most incredible time on the climb.
The team were incredible and just so accommodating. I really only have good things to say as it was such a great experience.
George was as good as a guide as it gets, very articulate and made sure I was comfortable the whole way up with frequent briefings.
Finn R
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 10 May 2019
The trip was amazing everything was better than we could have imagined.
There was a moment climbing the mount Kenya where my wife accused me of tricking her into doing this (half kidding) as some of the nights got pretty cold, but we were dressed well and the sunrise at the peak was astonishing.
Safari was spectacular, Ben who was our main guide and driver was awesome! We saw everything excepts rhinos which were more of a hope than a reality. We also were able to watch a rock python eat a Thompson gazel live. It was one of the most interesting and unsettling things I have ever seen.
Just overall, so many moments that make you think wow or I can't believe I am here. Thank you for your help in getting everything set up. I don't believe I could have booked the trip without your help and guidance. It was an amazing way to start our marriage and truly the trip of a lifetime!
William K
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 29 October 2018
Terri and I just got back from Mt. Kenya, the tour you arranged for us was fantastic.
Shawn M
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
Daisy and I really enjoyed the trek, it was the highlight of our holiday. I'm full of admiration for the our Guide Francis, cook Wilson and his team of porters. Not only did they feed us like kings but Francis never put a foot wrong on the whole mountain and, as you know, they don't have all the high tech equipment we have such as good boots and 4 season sleeping bags. That really brought home the income gap and I was glad we had brought a decent tip with us. We both enjoyed chatting to Francis as we walked and at meal times and he gave us a very interesting perspective on Kenya life.
At the Rock House Patrick and his wife were very helpful especially sorting out our forward coach trip. It would be great if you could feed back our thanks to the guys.
Transport to and from the mountain was fine, better than I was expecting. The huts were a bit of a shock to the system but you quickly get used to them and its definitely better than tents! The acclimatization day was interesting, I think it may well have helped us summit fairly easily but we were the only group who did it. Overall I would recommend it if you have time.
I will recommend Tourdust to others and I'd give you 5/5.
chris k
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
A big thank you to the team at Tourdust for our fantastic trek to Mount Kenya.
We made it. It was a tough climb and not for those who are afraid of heights. I learnt loads about the flora and fauna of Africa from our expert guide Francis and we enjoyed great food prepared by Ngari.
Full write-up and pictures of my trip are here
Kathryn B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria Trek
on 04 April 2013
Altogether a great trip. We were extremely well looked after by Tourdust, and Francis and his team from the moment we were picked up at our hotel in Nairobi to the moment we were dropped off at Lewa safari Park. Francis was an excellent ‘Leader’, bright and knowledgeable, and with very good judgement. We would very happily recommend both Francis and his team, and Tourdust. The final ascent to the non-technical peak of Mt Kenya, Lenana, was perfectly judged despite the foot of snow that had fallen overnight. A great trip.
Julian W
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 06 July 2012
We had a great time! We really appreciated that the trip was booked with a local tour operator, which we learned was one of the biggest and best in Kenya. Patrick was exceptionally helpful, and came to meet us 3 times to check in and make sure things were going well.
There was an unfortunate change to our flight to Lamu which happened 2 weeks before leaving, but were only told the morning of, and it meant waking early, somewhat unnecessarily, except that our flight was changed to the intl. airport instead, and it also meant stopping in another city on the way, which added time to our flight, and detracted from our time in Lamu.
Nevertheless, we had an amazing time, and are very pleased with the trip!
I would rate both customer service and our experience a 5. I would definitely recommend you to others, and am looking forward to saving up again so I can book my next trip.
Jaclyn R
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 17 August 2011
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