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Climber Felix Berg high up on Mount Kenya's Temple Cliff | © SummitClimb Kenya

Central Kenya - Climbing Tour & Safari

 

Active journey through Kenya for nature experiences with many highlights:

Climbing in the Rift Valley
Lake Naivasha and Hell's Gate
Mount Kenya Trek & Climb
Meru private luxury Safari

Facts

Country
Kenya
Altitude
5199 m
Difficulty
Trip dates
15.08.2025 - 31.08.2025
Booking status
from €15,250.00
Book
Mountaineer Felix Berg guiding on Mount Kenya's South West Ridge | © SummitClimb Kenya

Overview

 

In central Kenya, we combine some of the most stunning climbing spots (Rift Valley, Hell's Gate) with the ascent of Mount Kenya, dedicating ample time to trekking and/or climbing in an adventurous Kenya safari journey. Packed with numerous nature experiences (alternatives/add-ons to climbing include hiking, boat rides, horseback riding, and wildlife observation), this tour culminates in a luxurious safari finale in Meru National Park.

This trip is ideal for outdoor-enthusiast friends and families, offering two full weeks in Kenya (including flights) with an optional beach extension—examples include Lamu, Watamu, or Mombasa for one additional week.

See Map

Aktivreise durch Zentralkenia

Our way through Kenya leads us through the Rift Valley of Nairobi past the Ngong hills to Lake Naivasha and the nearby Hell's Gate National Park. Many adventurous climbing areas and outdoor activities off the beaten track await us. As the whole region is situated on a high-altitude plateau, we will tackle the Aberdare mountains highest peak, the 4001m high Mount Satima, well prepared before we continue to climb to the "Top of Kenya". After extensive trekking and climbing on Mount Kenya, we will drive to Meru National Park to finish with a luxurious wildlife safari.

Itinerary Kenya's Trek & Climb & Safari (17 Days)

Planned Itinerary

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. 

Prepare

 

The following information will help you prepare for your trip. The main challenge will be adapting to higher altitudes - a process that requires time and patience (alternatively members, who do not want to climb Mount Kenya can stay at the base in the luxury Fairmont's Club). Thankfully, the altitude profile of our route is specifically designed to facilitate a smooth and effective acclimatization process, ensuring your safety and comfort along the way.

Individual arrangements

The details of the daily itinerary will be discussed and adjusted to suit different levels, making it suitable for a wide range of active travelers, from those seeking a moderate adventure to highly ambitious climbers.

Gear & Rental

For your personal equipment please follow our recommendations in PDF.

Rental: We run a rental service in Nairobi with high-quality equipment including sleeping bags and warm down jackets.

Tents: We provide high-quality, comfortable tents with thick underlay mats, large comfortable group tents from Hilleberg during the trek.

Temperatures

From tropical (+35°C / 95°F) to alpine conditions (max -15°C / 5°F during the climb, -5°C / 23°F while hiking). For the ascent of Nelion/Batian:

- Nighttime and early mornings around -5°C (23°F)
- Daytime temperatures around 0°C (32°F), warmer in the sun
- With wind chill, temperatures can feel as low as -10°C (14°F)

Participation requirements

Skills trekking
Skills climbing
Condition Trekking
Three mountaineers on top of Mount Kenya's Batian Summit, guided by Felix Berg | © SummitClimb Kenya

Testimonials

Since 2002, we have been climbing in Kenya: Felix Berg is one of the most recognized experts on Mount Kenya and plans to personally lead these special tours. He lived in Nairobi from 2002 to 2003, studied at the university, learned Kiswahili, and climbed a lot. In addition to leading many tours on the standard routes of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, he has made difficult first ascents in East Africa and established over 100 rock climbing routes in Kenya.

View from Meru Nationalpark onto Mount Kenya | © Summit Safari

Costs & Services

 

Climbing Safari in Kenya: This trip (called "Safari" in Swahili) combines adventure at the highest level with a touch of luxury, taking you to some of Kenya's highest climbing destinations within a 2-week journey. Feel free to send us your inquiry, and we will be happy to advise you on participating in this special safari climbing tour.

Full Service

  • SummitClimb Climbing Leadership, led by Felix Berg:
    • Participants: minimum 6, maximum 10 participant
    • Additional guides for Mount Kenya: 2 participants per guide
  • airport transfer in Nairobi
  • 1x overnight stay with breakfast at Four Points by Sheraton
  • Climbing transfers and safari in Landcruisers (max. 5 guests per vehicle), plus 1 guide per vehicle (6 passengers per vehicle)
  • 1x overnight stay with full board at Lukenya (Small World Country Club) Camping Equipment for Maasai Land:
    • Tents, matt, Bush toilet, Bush shower
    • Kitchen, dining table, chairs, etc
  • 2x Overnight stays with full board at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
  • Camping Equipment in the Aberdares:
    • Showers with basins, as there are no trees to hang the shower. Shower curtain.
    • Kitchen, dining table, chairs, etc. Park entry fees and camping charges Rangers in the Aberdares
  • Full-Service Trek and Climb on Mount Kenya
    • Tents, matt, Bush toilet, Bush shower
    • Kitchen, dining table, chairs, etc.
    • 1 personal porter for your bag (max. 18kg)
  • 2x Overnight stays with full board at Elsa’s Kopje Wildlife Safari with Landcruisers Local flight with 25 kg total weight:
  • 1x lunch and day room at Four Points by Sheraton
  • Flying Doctor evacuation insurance
Selected Trip: 
15.08.2025 - 31.08.2025
€14,950.00
Booking status
Book
Not included
  • International flights
  • Visa for Kenya (approx. USD 51)
  • Personal travel insurances
  • Personal expenses, snacks, special drinks 
    (sodas and beer can be pre-ordered, drinks at Elsa’s Kopje are included, except for exclusive alcoholic beverages)
  • Additional activities (bike riding/horseback riding at Lake Naivasha)
  • Tips / Gratitudes

Book now

Feel free to call us:
+49 30 774 90 34
Or send us an e-mail:
info@summitclimb.de

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