4 Days Mount Kenya National Park
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization
Morning: Arrival
- Arrival at Mount Kenya National Park: Arrive at the park in the morning. You can travel by road from Nairobi, which takes approximately 3-4 hours.
- Check-in: Settle into your lodge or campsite. Popular options include Serena Mountain Lodge, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, and Naro Moru River Lodge.
Afternoon: Acclimatization Walk
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your lodge, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- Acclimatization Walk: Go for a short acclimatization walk around the lodge area or take a guided nature walk. This helps prepare your body for the altitude and gives you a chance to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Evening: Relaxation
- Sundowners: Relax at your lodge with sundowners and enjoy the sunset with a drink.
- Dinner: Have a hearty dinner at your lodge. Rest and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Day 2: Trekking to Old Moses Camp
Morning: Begin Trekking
- Early Breakfast: Have an early breakfast at your lodge.
- Transfer to Sirimon Gate: Drive to Sirimon Gate, the starting point for your trek.
- Start Trekking: Begin your trek to Old Moses Camp (3,300 meters). The hike is about 9 kilometers and takes approximately 3-4 hours. You will pass through montane forest and moorland.
Afternoon: Arrival at Old Moses Camp
- Lunch: Have a packed lunch en route or upon arrival at Old Moses Camp.
- Acclimatization Walk: After settling in, take a short acclimatization walk around the camp to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Evening: Rest and Prepare
- Dinner: Enjoy a warm dinner prepared by your trekking team.
- Rest: Relax and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next day’s trek.
Day 3: Trekking to Shipton’s Camp
Morning: Continue Trekking
- Early Breakfast: Have breakfast at Old Moses Camp.
- Trek to Shipton’s Camp: Begin your trek to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 meters). The hike is about 14 kilometers and takes approximately 6-8 hours. You will pass through the scenic Mackinder Valley with views of the main peaks.
Afternoon: Arrival at Shipton’s Camp
- Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch along the way or upon arrival at Shipton’s Camp.
- Acclimatization: Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing at Shipton’s Camp. Take a short walk around the camp to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Evening: Rest and Prepare
- Dinner: Have a hearty dinner prepared by your trekking team.
- Rest: Rest and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the summit attempt the next day.
Day 4: Summit Attempt and Descent
Early Morning: Summit Attempt
- Pre-Dawn Start: Begin your summit attempt around 2:00 AM. The goal is to reach Point Lenana (4,985 meters) at sunrise.
- Summit Point Lenana: After about 3-4 hours of trekking, reach the summit and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise views from the third-highest peak of Mount Kenya.
Morning: Descent to Shipton’s Camp
- Descent to Shipton’s Camp: After spending some time at the summit, begin your descent back to Shipton’s Camp.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a late breakfast at Shipton’s Camp.
Afternoon: Continue Descent
- Descent to Sirimon Gate: Continue your descent to Sirimon Gate, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- Transfer Back: Upon reaching Sirimon Gate, transfer back to your lodge.
Evening: Celebration and Departure
- Lunch and Relaxation: Enjoy a late lunch and relax at your lodge.
- Celebrate: Celebrate your successful trek with a special dinner at the lodge.
- Departure: Depending on your schedule, you can either stay one more night at the lodge or begin your journey back home.
Tips for a Great Trekking Experience
- Pack Essentials: Include warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to maintain energy levels.
- Acclimatize Properly: Take it slow to acclimatize properly and avoid altitude sickness.
- Follow Guide Instructions: Listen to your guide’s instructions and follow safety protocols.
- Be Prepared for Weather: Mount Kenya’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Enjoy your adventure at Mount Kenya National Park!