REMK002: 7 Days Mt. Kenya - Sirimon/Chogoria Traverse + Game Drive at Samburu National Reserve


Interesting combination of the two most scenic routes on Mount Kenya, from the lush green forests and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon to the unique features of the temple, mushroom rocks and the Gorges Valley on the Chogoria side. There is also a marked contrast in micro-climatic conditions, Chogoria being wetter and moister than Sirimon. This itinerary includes mandatory camping at Mintos on Day 3 but less preferred the other nights can be in the huts that exist along the route. A hot shower waits for you at a lodge at Samburu National Reserve a swim and then a relaxing game drive in the reserve.



Detailed Day by Day itinerary
DAY 1: NAIROBI - OLDMOSES CAMP (3300M)
Leave Nairobi and drive to Mountain Rock Lodge arriving for lunch. Leave Mountain Rock Lodge at 1400hrs to be transferred to Sirimon Park gate from where you hike through montane forest, bamboo and rosewood up to the OldMoses Camp, gaining an elevation range of 700m in 3-4 hours. Dinner and Overnight at OldMoses Camp (3300m)

DAY 2: OLDMOSES - SHIPTON’S CAMP (4200M)
A long and rather tiring day leading to the base of the high peaks. Today's trek is largely through the moorlands and the Mackinder Valley, with good views of the main peaks and a brief stopover for picnic lunch. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude. Dinner and Overnight at Shipton's Camp (4200m)

DAY 3: SHIPTON’S HUT - MINTO’S CAMP (4300M)
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs, taking 3-4 hours to reach Pt. Lenana 4985m (the hikers summit) in time to watch the sunrise. When the morning skies are clear, you can see the snow capped summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro several miles away to the south. Descend to Minto's camp for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or exploring the spectacular Gorges Valley. Dinner and Overnight at Mintos campsite (4300m)

DAY 4: MINTO’S - CHOGORIA PARK GATE (3000M)
Leisurely descent along the left bank of Gorges Valley with a chance to enjoy the great scenery of the Temple, mushroom rocks, tarns etc. You arrive at the Meru Mt Kenya lodge after a 5-6 hours trek. Picnic lunch is served enroute. Dinner and Overnight at Mt. Kenya Lodge (3000m).

DAY 5: CHOGORIA PARK GATE - SAMBURU
Leave early to Samburu National Reserve. Check in for Shower & lunch at Samburu  Lodge then leave for an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Samburu Lodge.

DAY 6: SAMBURU
Whole day of game drives in Samburu. Samburu reserve which straddles the Ewaso Ng’iro River is the most renowned representative of semi-arid parks in Kenya. Some endemic animals found here are found nowhere else on our tour circuit. These include the reticulated giraffe, Jackson hartebeest, grevy zebra and gerenuk among others.  During the hot hours of the day you retire in one of the lodge for a swim or drink at extra charge. Dinner and overnight at Samburu  Lodge.

DAY 7: SAMBURU – NAIROBI
Morning game drive as we leave the Reserve for a drive back to Mountain Rock Lodge for lunch. Later return to Nairobi.