Mount Kenya Sirimon Route
Mt Kenya National Park, opened in December 1949 is located about 175 kms from Nairobi city. It covering an extensive area of 715 sq kms at an altitude of between 11,000 and 17,058 ft. Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest most mountain, rises to 5199m. The 3200m mark upwards forms part of the national park. Surrounding the park is Mt Kenya National Reserve covering an area of approximately 2095 sq kms. This park is unique for its diverse habitats. The lower slopes of the mountain consist mainly of dry upland forest.
True montaine forest starts at 2000m with cedar and podo amongst the main tree species. At 2500m begins the dense belt of bamboo forest. This is the part with a variety of flora and fauna. High altitude heath covers the area between 3000m and 3500m. Above this is moorland, which supports little game save for high altitude zebra and eland. Generally, the mountain can be divided into three principle zones; the rocky peak area, which is basically an eroded volcanic plug with a layer of glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone, consisting giant vegetation and the lower slopes covered in mountain forest and finally, the bamboo jungle.
This magnificent park is an important watershed with the Tana River, Kenya's largest and longest river and a major source of electricity supply, originating from here. The lower slopes also have fertile soils, which support growth of the country's richest farmlands, and a unique variety of vegetation. The mountain forms a great part of the history of the Kikuyu, Kenya's largest language group. The Kikuyu believed that Mt Kenya was the home of Ngai, the Supreme Being and as such, built their homes facing its peaks. Within the park, there is only one lodge though there are also some climber huts and self-help bandas. Outside the park, there are three lodges and another self-help banda.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart from Nairobi at 09:00hrs and proceed towards the cool slopes of Mt. Kenya. Cross the Equator and arrive at your hotel in Nanyuki in time for Lunch. Relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery around.
DAY 2: Morning spent sorting and organising personal equipment for the mountain trek. After lunch we drive to the road head of the Naro Moru Track, to the Meteorological station. This is a very good day for acclimatization, for we will be sleeping at an altitude of 10,000 ft. A short hike will be taken in the afternoon to help acclimatization.
DAY 3: Hike up into the Teleki valley to Mackinders Camp where there is a spectacular view of the main peaks. Walking time approximately 4-6 hours. Overnight Teleki Valley,(14,000 ft.)
DAY 4: A pre- dawn start is made to ensure a successful summit bid and to try to reach the summit in time for a clear view of the majestic scenery. After climbing Point Lenana we return to our base camp and then proceed down the gate and onward to Nanyuki for overnight.
DAY 5: After breakfast you leisurely drive back to Nairobi, arriving at around mid-day.
