Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Trekking Kenya's Iconic Namesake: Mount Kenya

Highlights
  • Standing at 5,199 meters above sea level, Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. Mt. Kenya boasts a range of stunning challenging treks and some of the best technical alpine climbing in Africa.
  • Trek through different ecological zones and may see more wildlife and birdlife than you would expect at such high altitudes. Buffalo and elephants are regularly seen at lower just above the forest and bamboo zones, and an abundance of zebra, eland, and duiker at higher altitudes.
  • Trek to and camp at two of the most iconic lakes on the mountain and largest lakes in Kenya—Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. These lakes are filled with rainbow and brown trout, providing a unique opportunity to fish for any avid fishermen or women. The campsites at the lakes boast incredible views of the peaks and fresh, crisp air. They are the perfect places to relax after long days trekking.

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Karibuni sana! Travelers will arrive in Nairobi today and be picked up from the airport by a private driver and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing before the group convenes for a welcome dinner to get to know each other and kick off this week’s adventure!

Day 2: Morning Sightseeing or Site Visits in Nairobi

After breakfast at the hotel, the group can do some sightseeing in Nairobi or visit your organization's program work in the morning. Afterwards, transfer to the local Wilson Airport for a flight from Nairobi to Nanyuki. From there, the group will drive to tonight’s lodging to rest and relax before the trek begins tomorrow.

Day 3: Trekking Day 1: Nanyuki - Chogoria - Forest Camp

Today the trek begins! After a leisurely breakfast, the group will drive to the beginning of the Chogoria Route to trek through the forest to the Forest Base Camp.

Trekking Distance: 6 miles (10 kilometers)
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Elevation Start: 7,743 feet (2,360 meters)
Elevation End: 8,301 feet (2,530 meters)

Overnight: Forest Camp

Day 4: Trekking Day 2: Forest Camp - Lake Ellis Camp

Today’s walk starts with spectacular views of rolling hills ahead and perhaps even a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Batian and Nelion high above.

This is a relatively short hike, and the group should be in camp a little earlier than the previous day, which will give everyone time to relax after lunch and enjoy the views of Lake Ellis. An evening walk to nearby Mugi Hill can be a wonderful way to end the day and help acclimatize the group and prepare for the ascent.

Trekking Distance: 6 miles (10 kilometers)
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Elevation Start: 8,301 feet (2,530 meters)
Elevation End: 11,417 feet (3,480 meters)
Elevation Gain: 950 meters

Overnight: Lake Ellis Camp

Day 5: Trekking Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp - Lake Michaelson Camp

This day is a beautiful walk along the ridge overlooking the Gorges Valley, and later on in the day, Lake Michaelson comes in to view. The group will break for lunch overlooking the lake with a spectacular view, and then continue on a gentle traverse and descend to the Lake Michaelson camp site. In the afternoon, travelers can rest at the camp or wander around the lake.

Lake Michaelson is considered to be the most stunning location on this great mountain. It is set at the head of the Gorges Valley surrounded by 200m rock walls on each side.

Trekking Distance: 5 miles (8 kilometers)
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Elevation Start: 11,417 feet (3,480 meters)
Elevation End: 14,075 feet (4,290 meters)
Elevation Gain: 810 meters

Overnight: Lake Michaelson Camp

Day 6: Trekking Day 4: Lake Michaelson Camp - Simba Col

The group will have a slower start this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Lake Michaelson. Afterwards, the group will walk up to Simba Col, which is steep and short, so it's best to find a slow and steady pace and enjoy the breathtaking views while walking out of the Gorges Valley. Simba Col Camp is nestled in a bowl on the shoulder of Point Lenana at 4,500 meters. This makes for a great camp for an approach to the summit.

Elevation: 15,331 ft. Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Trekking Distance: 2 miles (3 kilometers)
Trekking Time: 2 hours
Elevation Start: 14,075 feet (4,290 meters)
Elevation End: 15,256 feet (4,650 meters)
Elevation Gain: 360 meters

Overnight: Simba Col Camp

Day 7: Trekking Day 5: Simba Col - Summit & Descent to Old Moses

The group will leave the campsite early this morning for a sunrise summit—the best way to experience this climb and enjoy the expansive views of the mountainside, valleys, and country beyond, even the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The descent takes the group down the southern side of Mount Kenya, along the Sirimon Route, where the group will have brunch in the Mackinder Valley. Then it’s a final walk down to Old Moses, where you will be transferred to a safari camp.

Trekking Distance: 11 miles (17 kilometers)
Trekking Time: 8 - 10  hours
Elevation Start: 15,256 feet (4,650 meters)
Elevation End: 9,974 feet (3,040 meters)
Elevation Loss: 1,610 meters

Day 8: Safari or Site Visits

Your organization can decide how you would like to end the trip. We can arrange for a relaxing safari at the base of Mount Kenya or site visits for the group to engage with your organization’s community and learn about your program work in Kenya.

Day 9: Morning Safari or Site Visits and International Departures

After breakfast at the hotel, return to Nairobi. Before taking off, enjoy a final group lunch together before being transferred to the airport with a private driver to fly back home or continue on with your travels.