Timau / Chogoria Route
This rarely trodden route starts from the northwestern part of Mt Kenya. The climate and vegetation is savannah type and as you hike you will invariably see herds of zebra, eland and gazelles on the lower part of the mountain.
7 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Timau – Chogoria Route
Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Marania Camp (3700m)
From Nairobi, drive for 3 hours to Nanyuki where we meet up with our crews for onward transfer to Timau. From the end of the forest line (3000m), we hike for 2-3 hours to Marania Camp (3700m). Overnight in tents.
Day 2: Marania / Majors Camp (4000m)
Early start for a 7 hour trek across gently rolling topography and Savanna type vegetation to Major’s Camp (4000m) for overnight in tents. Picnic lunch en-route.
Day 3: Majors / Shipton Camp (4200m)
Today’s trek is mostly through the moors that are habitat for the giant lobelias, giant groundsels and tussock grasses. Today’s is a 5 hour hike and we spend the night at Shiptons Camp where we may, for the first time, meet other trekkers.
Day 4: Shiptons / American Camp (4400m)
Breakfast and depart at 0800 Hrs for an acclimatisation hike on the summit circuit path via Hausberg col (4700m), Two Tarn (4500m) and down to American camp (4400m) for overnight. It is a trail that offers excellent views of all the major peaks from all angles.
Day 5: American / Pt. Lenana (4985M) / Mintos Camp (4300m)
Start predawn summit attempt at 0300 hrs, hiking for three hours up to Pt. Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you have good views of Pt. Nelion (5188m), Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding peaks, and on a clear day the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding from the sky over 320km to the south. From the summit descend to Mintos / Hall tarn campsite (4,300m) for breakfast then relax for the rest of the day. Dinner and overnight at Mintos campsite.
Day 6: Mintos Camp / Meru Mt.Kenya Bandas (2950m)
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Chogoria Park gate (2950m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy the gorgeous landmarks on the lower gorges valley including Vivienne falls, Nithi falls, mushroom rocks and an array of interesting mountain plants. Dinner and overnight at the bandas with hot shower and fire place.
Day 7: Chogoria Bandas / Nairobi
After breakfast gradually descend through the Chogoria Forest for 10km to meet your 4WD jeep to Chogoria for lunch and later transfer back to Nairobi arriving by 1600hrs.
Included in the price:
Þ Airport transfers.
Þ All camping equipment.
Þ Transfer to and from the base of the mountain.
Þ Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
Þ 3 Meals a day ( special diet vegetarian and hallal).
Þ Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary.
Þ All park entrance fees to include government taxes.
Þ Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook.
Þ Start and finish Nairobi.
Þ Water -You just need bottled water only the first day. The rest of the days we boil or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles in the morning.
Þ Rescue fee.
Þ H.F Radio communication for backup incase or rescue.
Excluded in the price:
Þ Laundry.
Þ Tips.
Þ Hikking equipment.
Þ Soft drinks.
Þ Accommodation before and after the trek.
Þ climbing gears ( we have them for hire).
Þ International flights.
Þ Visas to Kenya.
Þ Items of personal nature.
Þ Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
Þ No mosquito net.
NB: Proper equipment are vital to safe and enjoyable trek.
Sample Food Menu
During our expedition we normally provide enough, fresh and clean food. When it comes to cooking we cook different food at different elevation putting into consideration of the boiling point at different heights so that the food will be well cooked for easier digestion. We also have food supply on the Mountain to make sure that there is enough and fresh food through out the trek.
Considering all that, you need water to avoid dehydration, we will provide you with fresh fruits.
BREAKFAST: Fruit Juice, Fruit, Cereal/Porridge, Eggs bread/French-toast/Plain-toast/Pancakes, Sausages, Margarine, Jam/Honey, Tea/Coffee/Drinking chocolate. Boiled egg, spinach omelet or fried egg with beacon and bread.
SNACKS: Peanuts/Crisps/Popcorn/Cookies.
LUNCH: Sliced Carrot and Cucumber stripes, Avocado slices, Boiled egg, Vegetable/Meat cutlets, Sandwiches (Egg/ Cheese/Tomato/Tuna/Meat/Peanut butter), Fruit. Boiled egg, salami sandwich, cheese, French toast, Macaroni, meat sauce and bread.
DINNER: Soup of the day, Bread, Salad, Rice/Pasta/Potatoes, Chicken/Meat, Mixed Vegetables (Carrot/French -Beans/Cabbage), Lentils, Fruit Salad, Fruit with custard, Tea/Coffee/Milo/Drinking chocolate. Spaghetti with meat sauce or fish with rice, Fried beef with roast potatoes, rice, carrots, cabbage. Roast chicken with vegetable, fried rice, green pepper, carrots.
ON WAY TO THE SUMMIT: (midnight snack) Hot Chocolate, Tea or coffee and biscuits, Glucose, Chocolate bar, orange squash or soup.
NOTE: We are flexible and willing to accept Tourist suggestions on Food menu and equipment information during our trek.
NB: You have the right to bring your food if you see any need to do so. But on our side, the food will be enough and fresh to avoid any side effects.
