LYG12N: Climbing Mount Kenya: Sirimon Route + Mombasa

Day 1

You will be met at Nairobi Airport and transferred to your hotel in this bustling city.  Check in and relax in your warm and friendly East African surroundings.

Day 2

Today transfer 4-hours overland from Nairobi to your base camp at Naromoru - the gateway to Mount Kenya.

Situated on the equator, Mount Kenya is the second largest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro and offers climbers spectacular scenery, with views of both the Kenyan coast and Kilimanjaro. Magnificent cliffs and glaciers protect the highest peaks of Nelion (5,188 m) and Batian (5,199 m), but the third highest glacial summit - Point Lenana (4,985m) - is accessible to walkers. Tarns and alpine meadows, equatorial vegetation, sunbirds and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks quite spectacular.

Check into your hotel and meet your mountain guide, who will brief you as you begin acclimatising for your ascent, which will involve walking on average 5 to 6 hours each day.

PREPARATION: Climbing to the summit of Mount Kenya is demanding and should only be undertaken by climbers who are suitably fit and well prepared. Temperatures on the mountain fall to below -15 degrees centigrade overnight, so many layers of warm clothing are essential. You also need to bring your own sleeping bag, walking boots, rucksack, rain jacket, head lamp/flashlight, gloves, balaclava, sun glasses and scarf. Be aware that altitude sickness is the biggest issue facing climbers and undertaking the climb is at your own risk.

Day 3

This morning is spent preparing for your ascent along the Sirimon Track, which offers wonderful views of the main peaks and a more gradual climb.

In the afternoon you will be driven 1.5-hours to the Sirimon Park Gate and to the roadhead, followed by an easy trek to help you acclimatise. Overnight in a 2-man high altitude tent at Judmaier Camp (3,300m).

Day 4

Today we ascend along the Sirimon Track to Likii North Valley Camp.
We camp overnight in this beautiful little valley, situataed below the subsidiary peaks of
Teleki and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks (3,990m).

Day 5

This morning we climb out of the Likii North Valley and into the Mackinders Valley, one of the broadest valleys on the mountain with many giant groundsels.

We camp at the head of the Mackinder's Valley, just below the main peaks of Nelion and Batian (4,300m).

Day 6

Today our alpine ascent continues to Point Lenana (4,985m) - the highest accessible peak of Mount Kenya.

We climb up the north face little used by tourists and have 4-hours of stiff walking to the summit. We then descend to Teleki Valley, on the opposite side of the main peaks, and continue to Mackinder’s Camp for a good night's rest (4,150m).

Day 7

This morning we complete our descent to the road head (Met Station), where we will be met and transferred back to Naromoru.

Check into your hotel and relax after your great trekking achievement!

Day 8

Today you will be transferred 4-hours to Nairobi Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Mombasa Airport and transferred along the coast to your beach resort.

Check into your hotel situated on the shores of the sparkling Indian Ocean and relax in your warm beach surroundings.

Days 9 - 12

At leisure to relax and soak up the sun on the splendid beaches of the warm Mombasa coast.

Enjoy the lush tropical gardens of coconut trees, fan-shaped travellers palms and the vibrant blooms of hibiscus, bougainvilleas and frangipani - as well the splendid coastline.

Activities available vary by resort but include water sport, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Day tours include a Mombasa Tour, including Fort Jesus, Hindu Temples and the Old Town and a visit to a Crocodile Farm.

Day 13

Transfer to Mombasa Airport for your flight home.