Burguret – Chogoria Traverse

Meet at the Mohakin Mountain Store office in Nanyuki at 11:00 am for a mountain gear and equipment check. The guide will ensure that all essential equipment is available before the trek begins. Meet the mountain team, including the guide, cook and porters, before starting the approximately 17 km drive to Gathiuru Forest Station at 2,300 m. A picnic lunch will be served at the forest station before completing the park registration and entry procedures. After signing into the park, begin the day’s trek of approximately 10 km to the Giant Bamboo Forest Camp at 2,800 m. The trail takes approximately 3–4 hours and follows a beautiful route beneath the canopy of the bamboo forest all the way to camp. Arrive at camp in time for the traditional 4:00 pm tea, coffee and hot drinking chocolate, served with cookies and popcorn. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire while dinner is prepared and served, followed by a peaceful night in 4-season-rated mountain tents with foam mattresses. Overnight: Giant Bamboo Forest Camp.

Wake up at 6:00 am and enjoy breakfast at 7:00 am. Be ready to begin trekking by 8:00 am. The day’s trek initially continues for approximately 4 km beneath the bamboo forest canopy. The trail then gradually enters the moorland vegetation zone, covering the remaining approximately 8 km toward the Highlands Castle Camp. Enjoy a hot lunch break along the route before continuing to the camp at approximately 3,559 m. Arrive at camp in time for the 4:00 pm tea, coffee and hot drinking chocolate, served with cookies and popcorn. For smaller groups, there may also be an opportunity to experience the unique possibility of sleeping in a natural mountain cave, depending on the time of the year. Later, enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in 4-season-rated mountain tents with foam mattresses. Overnight: Highlands Castle Camp.

Wake up at 7:00 am and enjoy breakfast at 7:30 am. Prepare to begin the day’s trek by 8:30 am. Today’s trek takes you higher into the alpine zone, with the objective of reaching American Camp at approximately 4,400 m. Along the way, enjoy a hot lunch break at Two Turn, near the mountain lake, before continuing toward camp. The American Camp is located close to the main peaks of Mount Kenya and offers a spectacular high-altitude environment with beautiful surrounding scenery. Arrive at camp and spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing in preparation for the early-morning summit attempt. At 4:00 pm, enjoy tea, coffee and hot drinking chocolate served with cookies and popcorn. Dinner will be served later in the evening, followed by an early rest in preparation for the summit trek. Overnight: American Camp.

Wake up at 1:00 am for a light breakfast and prepare for the summit attempt. Begin the approximately 4 km ascent to Point Lenana at 2:00 am, following the trail via Austrian Hut. The route enters the high-altitude cold desert zone as you make your way toward the summit. Reach Point Lenana at 4,985 m in time to witness the spectacular Mount Kenya sunrise, expected between approximately 6:00 and 6:40 am, depending on the time of the year. Celebrate the achievement, take photographs and enjoy the incredible views from the summit. After the summit experience, descend back to Austrian Hut for a full breakfast and a short rest. Later, continue the descent for approximately 5 km to Lake Michaelson at 4,000 m. Lake Michaelson is one of the most spectacular mountain lakes on Mount Kenya, situated on the floor of the magnificent Gorges Valley. The lake is surrounded by a combination of alpine vegetation and moorland grass, creating a dramatic and beautiful high-altitude landscape. A hot lunch will be served upon arrival. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the lake, with the opportunity for trout fishing or a walk around Lake Michaelson, depending on weather conditions and arrangements. Enjoy the 4:00 pm tea, coffee and hot drinking chocolate served with cookies. Dinner will follow, before another night in 4-season-rated mountain tents with foam mattresses. Overnight: Lake Michaelson Camp.

Begin the day’s trek with a 2.5 km climb out of the Gorges Valley. Once you reach the top of the valley, take time to appreciate the remarkable views toward the eastern side of Mount Kenya. From the top of the valley, continue along the trail toward the roadhead at approximately 3,300 m. This section involves a continuous 8 km descent. Enjoy a hot lunch at the roadhead followed by a short rest. Later, visit the nearby Nithi Waterfalls as you continue the descent for approximately 7 km toward Anabas Campsite. Arrive at camp in time for the 4:00 pm tea, coffee and hot drinking chocolate served with cookies. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in 4-season-rated mountain tents with foam mattresses. Overnight: Anabas Campsite.