Mount Kenya Lakes & Trout Fishing Expedition

Arrival in Chogoria Town is scheduled for approximately 9:00 am, where you meet the mountain team, including the guide, cook, and porters. Before starting the trek, the guide will assist in mountain gear and equipment check to ensure that all essential equipment required for the expedition is available and ready. A vehicle transfer then takes you toward the Chogoria Forest Gate. The surrounding lower slopes include areas of man-made forest before transitioning into the natural mountain environment. At the forest gate, park entry registration, payments, and other formalities are completed before continuing higher up the mountain by vehicle. The drive continues toward Anabas Camp at approximately 2,950 m. Depending on the arrival time, an early hot lunch can be served at camp, or a packed hot lunch can be carried and enjoyed later along the route. The trek toward Lake Ellis then begins, passing through the spectacular Nithi Waterfalls at approximately 3,200 m. The waterfalls are one of the major attractions along this section of the Chogoria Route. The route continues toward the roadhead at approximately 3,300 m, which provides an ideal location to stop and enjoy a packed hot lunch while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery. After lunch, the final approximately 3.5 km section continues toward Lake Ellis at approximately 3,450 m. Arrival at camp is expected in the afternoon, in time for the 4:00 pm tea, coffee, and hot drinking chocolate served with cookies and popcorn. The afternoon can be spent enjoying a leisurely walk around the lake or trying your hand at trout fishing while appreciating the peaceful surroundings. Dinner is served later in the evening, followed by an overnight stay in comfortable 4-season-rated mountain tents equipped with foam mattresses.

Wake-up is at approximately 7:00 am, with breakfast served at 7:30 am. After breakfast, preparations are made for the approximately 12.5 km trek toward Lake Michaelson at approximately 4,100 m. The route provides an excellent acclimatization opportunity as it climbs toward the Gorges Valley viewpoint at approximately 4,300 m. This section follows the “trek high, sleep low” principle, allowing the body to experience a higher elevation before descending to the overnight camp. The trek is undertaken at a slow and steady pace, with regular rest stops and adequate hydration recommended to help the body adapt to the increasing altitude. A packed hot lunch is enjoyed at the viewpoint while taking in panoramic views of the rugged mountain peaks above and the lowlands below. On a clear day, the views from this high point are particularly spectacular. After the viewpoint, the trail descends toward the floor of the magnificent Gorges Valley and continues to Lake Michaelson Camp. Upon arrival, there is time for a short rest before taking a leisurely walk toward the shores of Lake Michaelson. The walk provides an opportunity to enjoy the lake and appreciate the dramatic surrounding landscape. Return to camp for the traditional 4:00 pm tea, coffee, and hot drinking chocolate served with cookies and popcorn. Dinner is served later in the evening, followed by another peaceful night in the mountains.

Day 3 is dedicated entirely to the trout fishing expedition, allowing plenty of time to explore Lake Michaelson and its spectacular surroundings without the pressure of a long trekking day. The day begins at approximately 7:00 am with tea, coffee, hot drinking chocolate, cookies, and fruits served before heading to the lake for the first morning fishing session. After the morning fishing session,return to camp at approximately 9:30 am for a full breakfast and a short break. The expedition then returns to the lake for a lake-circuit walk. This provides an opportunity to combine trout fishing with sightseeing while exploring different sections of the lake and surrounding alpine landscape. Return to camp at approximately 1:00 pm for lunch, followed by a longer rest period until approximately 3:00 pm. In the afternoon, return to the lake for another fishing session and leisurely walk along the shores. As the day comes to an end, return to camp for evening snacks followed by dinner. The evening provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful high-altitude surroundings before another overnight stay at Lake Michaelson.

Wake-up is at approximately 7:00 am, with breakfast served at 8:00 am. After breakfast,prepare to begin the approximately 12.5 km trek back toward Lake Ellis at 3,450 m. For those who would like additional fishing time, the morning can alternatively begin with approximately two hours at Lake Michaelson before starting the descent. The trek begins by climbing approximately 2.5 km out of the Gorges Valley toward the top of the ridge. On a clear day, this section provides beautiful views back toward Lake Michaelson below. From the ridge, the trail continues with a gradual 10 km descent toward Lake Ellis. Arrival at Lake Ellis Camp is expected in time for a hot lunch, followed by a short rest. The afternoon can be spent relaxing at camp or enjoying another trout fishing session at Lake Ellis for those who wish to continue fishing. At 4:00 pm, tea, coffee, and hot drinking chocolate are served with cookies and popcorn. Dinner follows later in the evening, with an overnight stay at Lake Ellis Camp.