Mount Kenya South/East Face Route | Mount Kenya via Chogoria approach

August-December: South-East Face Route. Technical Climbing on Mt. Kenya via the Chogoria approach

Day 01: Pick up from your hotel at about 08:00am and drive to Chogoria, about 4 hrs from Nairobi where we collect the porters and guides (as required). Proceed Into the Mount Kenya forest for the 22 km drive to the park gate altitude of 2,850m. Dependent on road conditions, these 22 km have been known to take all afternoon to do and in really wet conditions it is possible that the top four or five km may be impassable!. Night, dependent on clients wishes, at the Meru Mt. Kenya Banda's or at road head, a further 7 km from the park gate.

Day 02: After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithunguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near roadhead, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch by the stream banks then it's time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.

Day 03: From our campsite, we continue to move up through the moorland zone. As this area of the mountain is still off the beaten track, there are no paths to follow, and on each trip we vary the area we walk across. After about an hour, traverse left and join a ridge (slight path to follow) and join the normal Chogoria route to Minto's Hut after about 4 hour walking. Lunch at a small stream crossing then 45 min on to a camp near Minto's Hut and next to one of the tarns. Very short afternoon walk over to superb views across to "The Temple" and down to Lake Michaelson.

Day 04: An early morning departure for the 2½ hour walk to Austrian Hut. Starts gently up the valley for about 2 km. It's then hard left and steeple up for about 45 min (on scree slopes) to Upper Simba Tarn. Another short scree slope leads to the to ridge, right of "The Tooth" before dropping down the other side for about 50m and then contouring across to the Austrian Hut. Leave the hut before noon and cross the Lewis Glacier to the large boulder and scree slope leading to the start of the climb. Arrive Howell Hut on the summit of Nelion before 17:00pm.

Day 05: Up early again, then (weather permitting), across Batian and back to Nelion before heading off down the climb to arrive at Austrian Hut by 13:00pm, Minto's by 15:00pm, and road head before 18:00pm. Night at roadhead or Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas.

Day 06: After breakfast return to Nairobi and be dropped at your hotel within the city.

INCLUSIVES:

Transport from Nairobi, to as high as possible on the mountain and return to Nairobi.

• Quality fresh food but with some prepared (client to advise any particular likes / dislikes or dietary considerations).

• Porters for all food and tentage, plus up to 15 kgs. of the clients personal equipment.

• All tents, sleeping mats, eating and cooking utensils etc.

• Services of the Technical guide

• Park entrance and camping fees.

EXCLUSIVES:  All gear and equipment; i.e. Helmet and harness, 2 x 9mm ropes, we use double rope system, Slings, karabinas and other protection devices.  First and last night accommodation in Nairobi,  Tips to porters and guide,  Foot wear and sleeping bag.