Central Kenya - Climbing Tour & Safari

Flight to Kenya, latest arrival in the evening (or very early morning the next day), transfer to hotel near the airport.

Airport transfers, ****hotel B/B Four Points by Sheraton JKIA

After a short rest, we drive straight to climbing/hiking at Lukenya, which is close to the airport. Afterwards back to the hotel.

Transfers, snacks for the day, hotel B/FB, Small World Country Club

We drive past the Ngong Hill's to the Rift Valley for climbing in the Embaribal and Frog areas. We offer a taster climb for beginners. Advanced climbers can try their hand at the many routes and if they are interested they can also set up new routes. We stay overnight with friendly Maasai who live in a mixture of tradition and modernity.

Transfers, overnight stay in private campsite B/FB near a Maasai settlement.

We visit an original Maasai village, then we go climbing again on the cliffs of the Rift Valley.
Transfers, overnight stay in private campsite B/FB near a Maasai settlement.

After the drive to Lake Naivasha through the impressive Rift Valley (approx. 3-4 hrs) we check in at a classic lodge, relax the afternoon in the dignified ambience or take part in some of the many activities. Cycling, horse riding, boating, fishing, safari (additional costs to be paid on spot)

Transfers, B/FB in ****Lodge (planned: Sopa Lodge)

Hell's Gate National Park is less than 15 km away. There the Fischer's Tower offers 50m high traditional routes, also good for beginners, the Main Wall even 200m high adventurous crack climbing (long tours from 6a, to be secured by yourself) or you can hike through one of the gorges. Our lodge serves as a base: If there is time, you can go horseback riding in the afternoon, go fishing, visit a flower farm or just lie in the swimming pool.

Transfers, B/FB in ****Lodge (planned: Sopa Lodge)

Early in the morning we still enjoy the lodge, then we drive from the west side into the Aberdares National Park. We will go on a short bush safari on foot, stay overnight in the park at one of the national park lodges.

Transfers, overnight camping B/FB in Aberdares National Park.

We leave early to climb to the highest point of the mountain, La Saitima Peak (often indicated as 4001m). On a clear day we can see Lake Naivasha and on the other side Mount Kenya. We spend another night in the park.

Transfers, overnight camping B/FB in Aberdare National Park.

We drive out of Aberdare National Park via Nanyuki to Sirmon Park Gate (2660m) and from there to the end of the road at Old Moses camp (just under 3000m) and continue on foot up into Mackinder's valley, where we stop at the aging Teleki North Hut.

Transfers, hike approx. up: 700 m / 2,200 ft / 3h, camping B/FB

Well acclimatized we continue climbing through Afro-Alpine slopes to the next camp, Shipton's Hut (4200m) below the main summit. The rest of the day we can rest or continue to use: Small climbing routes on the north-facing towers of Mount Kenya present themselves.

Hike approx. up 500 m / 1,600 ft / 2-3h, camping B/FB

Depending on the season we plan the itinerary. In the summer season (June to September) we stay on the north side, in the winter season (December to March) we change to the south side with base in Teleki valley. If time permits we can do some more small climbing.

Distance / time according to itinerary tbd on the mountain, camping B/FB

Today we plan the summit push:

• Supported by the local guide, we will take the easiest route to the summit (depending on the season: north-facing normal route or south-facing normal route).
• For independent strong rope teams or with upgrade (international professional guide) alternative routes, such as the east and north side pillars on the Nelion with subsequent traverse on the Batian (summer) or the SE ridge or Diamond pillar (winter) can be walked.

Accompanying hikers can go around the main peaks, or visit one of the many lakes.

Climbing 10-14h on most routes, camping B/FB

Reserve day for the ascent of Mount Kenya. Alternatively, in good weather, other routes can be climbed. At the end of the day we descend via the Chogoria Route, into the breathtaking Nithi Gorge near Lake Michaelson. We will spend the night in this unique place. Fishermen should definitely bring their equipment: Trout are waiting in the lake and with some luck we can prepare the fresh catch in the evening.

Hike ca. 3-4h, camping B/FB

Today we wake up at the lake, surrounded by the Chogoria Gorge. We will hike to the beginning of Chogoria route. If the road conditions are good we will be picked up at the bandas, otherwise we will have to descend further, drive to Meru National Park.

Hike approx. 3-4h, transfer approx. 4h, Overnight B/FB *****Lodge (planned: Elsa's Kopje)

Meru National Park is one of the most diverse game reserves in Kenya: African elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, northern black rhino, southern white rhino, Grévy's zebra, hippo, lesser kudu, gerenuk and many other species can be seen. The whole day is available for wildlife safari

Unlimited game drives, overnight B/FB *****Lodge (planned: Elsa's Kopje)

After breakfast with wonderful view we will go on last safari experience on the way to the bush airstrip. The plane will take us comfortably back to Nairobi. Return flight in the early evening, night flight.

Today you'll be on your way home, or we can discuss an extension to Kenya's beautiful coastal reagions.