TRANSVERSE "A True Contrast"
- Climbing Attempt Through Chogoria Out Sirimon Route
- (Itinerary adjustable to 4, 6, or 7 days)
quite a challenge. the ascend to the base of the high peaks is steady and longer hence a real test on individual fitness. descent through sirimon is more or less gradual and at a comfortable pace. this itinerary includes mandatory camping at mintos on day 2 but unless preffered the rest of the nights can be in the lodges available along the routes. Traversing groundsels up the steep Chogoria route
Day 1:
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to chogoria. leave the tarmac and attempt the drive on the dirt road through chogoria forest up to the chogoria park gate. the whole journey takes 5-10 hours depending on the prevailing weather conditions at chogoria. when wet the chogoria road is rendered impassable.
Dinner and overnight @ Park gate campsite or Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (3000m)
Day 2:
Today you commence early for a long trek on a wide track through the forest, with occasional sightings of elephant, bushbuck, buffalo and impala. Emerging from the forest, you walk through heather before crossing the Nithi River to reach the moorlands from where you can enjoy good views of the picturesque Gorges Valley, the Temple, lakes, mushroom rocks, billiards table and the high peaks. total walking time approx. 8 hours, picnic lunch en route.
Dinner/overnight @ Mintos camp (4300m)
Day 3:
Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hikers' summit, arriving therein time to watch the african sunrise. Descend to Shipton’s camp for breakfast and a whole day's rest.
Dinner and overnight @ Shipton’s camp (4200m)
Day 4:
After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to Sirimon Park gate (2600m). the descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands and forests before reaching our base hotel where a comfortable room and hot shower awaits you.Those wishing to return to Nairobi today leave after lunch, arriving there by 1700hrs).
Dinner and overnight @ Mountain Rock Lodge (1950m)
Day 5:
have breakfast then return to nairobi.
Tip: Day 2's hike is a long one involving a steady climb up to mintos. Hikers who are not limited by time can take an overnight stopover at the Nithi Camp (3300m) mid-way to mintos. From here they can explore the nearby Nithi Falls or climb Mugi hill (3500m) for better acclimatization. Alternatively you can hike directly toMintos/halltarn and spend an extra day here instead to recuperate and explore the gorges valley which also accords you a better acclimatization due to the higher altitude.