Mount Kenya and Safari with Rebecca Stephens

On arrival in Nairobi, you will be collected and transferred to the group hotel if you are on the group flight. If you are making your own way to Nairobi, then please make your way to the group hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in Kenya's capital city. This evening there will be a comprehensive group briefing from your leader Rebecca Stephens and our local expert guides that we have worked with for 20 years, Eddie and Moses.

Meals:  Nil

This morning we leave the hustle and bustle of Nairobi and head out across country where we can witness rural Africa. It takes around 4 hours to reach head to Chogoria Village before we start climbing the steep slopes of Mount Kenya. In the afternoon you will ascend the steep and rutted track to the Bandas (mountain huts) in woodland near the Chogoria gate (3,017m) of the Mt Kenya National Park. Our gear will be transported by Land Rovers while we start to acclimatise with our first walk at altitude, where we should keep our eyes open for wildlife. Subject to availability we shall either sleep in the simple but comfortable mountain hut at the park entrance or camp in the grounds of the huts. (1-2 hours walking)

Meals:  B,L,D

The flora and fauna surrounding the Bandas is prolific, with the possibility of seeing game in the surrounding forest (Elephant, Buffalo, Antelope, Colobus Monkey, Augur Buzzard & Verreaux's Eagle). As we walk, the forest gradually drops away and we enter a high moorland zone. En route we ascend nearby Mugi Hill (3600m) to help with acclimatisation before arriving to camp. Lake Ellis (3500m), where we camp tonight, is a peaceful spot off the main trail with good views of the dramatic peaks. We aim to arrive at camp in time for lunch and have the afternoon to explore the area around the camp. (500m ascent)

Meals:  B,L,D

The initial trek away from the lake ascends gentle moorland to attain a ridge that eventually joins the main Chogoria route. We continue our ascent to a fabulous viewpoint at 4200m to see Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley. From the main trail we descend to the little visited Lake Michaelson (4000m) and the most beautiful campsite on the mountain. Overhead tower the cliffs of The Temple while birds flit amongst the giant Groundsel and Lobelia and Mountain Hyraxes hop around in the rocks. (700m ascent, 200m descent)

Meals:  B,L,D

We ascend steeply to the main trail and continue west towards the main peaks of Mount Kenya. The trek now enters the Alpine Zone - after quite a boggy start to the walk the walking surface soon becomes scree. The ascent is gradual and we will soon reach our camp at Simba Tarn at 4560m, in time for a late lunch. An afternoon walk will assist with acclimatisation as we prepare to ascent to Point Lenana tomorrow. (560m ascent)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we have an early start to get to the summit for a memorable sunrise. We wake for tea and a snack and leave at 4am from Simba Col for a 2 hour ascent to the summit of Point Lenana (4985). The ascent is a walk and whilst steep in places on a rocky trail, most walkers find the ascent a challenge but the most exhilarating section on the mountain. The intention is to arrive at our highest point just after dawn to get the sunrise views over the jagged dramatic peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion. After a cup of tea and a photo stop we commence our 1 hour descent via Austrian Hut where we join the summit circuit path for one of the most stunning treks in Africa. To our right we have Mount Kenya's biggest glacier the Lewis Glacier sprawling below the spires of the summit. The path is mainly on scree and descends down for a further hour to American Camp at 4300m where we have fine views down the Teleki valley towards the plains below. From here we have a short but steady ascent for another hour up to Two Tarn Hut at 4500m for the classic view of the main peaks of Batian and Nelion in front of us. Leaving Two Tarn Hut the terrain undulates gradually for a further 2 hour walk around Arthur's Seat to Hausberg Tarn and Hausberg Col at 4600m before dropping down towards Kami Hut at 4440m. The walk today is long and exhausting, however the thrill of standing near the roof of Kenya, will be sure to make the effort worthwhile. (700m ascent and 800m descent)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we head down through the Sirimon Valley and the lush forest belt to the Park Gate near Old Moses Camp where our transport will be waiting to take us to the Serena (approx. 3-4 hours walking). We say goodbye to our hard working mountain crew and drive about an hour onto Sweetwaters Luxury Tented Camp in the Ol Pejeta Conservation Area for lunch. It might be a 'camp', but this is luxurious safari camping with ensuite bathrooms and every bit as comfortable as a luxury hotel in Kenya. After the rigors of the mountain climb this is the ideal way to end any trip in East Africa. Ol Pejeta is a wonderful game reserve situated in a convenient location between Mount Kenya and Nairobi. It is often referred to as the "Mini Mara". From a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya, to a trailblazer of conservation innovation, the story of Ol Pejeta is as enchanting as it is inspirational. Today, Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a Sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme. The conservation of the natural habitat, located in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, ensured the protection of existing rhino, elephant, and other wildlife populations in addition to captive chimpanzees living in a 300-acre sanctuary. Home to the Big 5, our game drives in our comfortable 4WD vehicles will provide excellent visibility for plentiful wildlife viewings in a wonderful well managed environment.

Meals:  B,L,D

With the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya as your backdrop, your safari in East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary is sure to be as beautiful as it is diverse. Find yourself and the Big Five as you explore 90,000 acres of pure wild with an experienced guide who will share his expert knowledge with you. Venture out there for close encounters with elephants, wild dog, lion, hyena, buffalo, cheetah, rhino, and herds of herbivores. Early morning is one of the best times to explore the Conservancy Park, as predators are on the hunt and their prey is on high alert. After our game drive of 3-4 hours we check out of camp and head to Naro Moro for lunch enroute back to Nairobi (3-4 hours drive). Our arrival in Nairobi is around 6pm in time for dinner before heading out to the airport for your flight home. Many flights back to Europe leave Nairobi late at night, so we would aim to transfer to the airport. (Please book flights leaving Nairobi after 10pm)

Meals:  B,L,D