Mount Kenya - Sirimon - Chogoria Route
Animals found within the park include leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white colobusmonkey (this monkey is afraid of movements including the movement of it's own tail) and, sykes monkeys, rock hyrax, giant forest hog, waterbuck, bushbuck, giant forest hog, black rhino, genet cat, bush pig, hyena, bongo, a rare forest antelope. Other rare species that can be spotted include, Mt Kenya mole rat, suni antelope, skinks (lizards), albino zebra and a several species of owls. Bird life is not prolific within the park, however one is likely to spot the Jackson's francolin, the crowned hawk eagle and a rare sighting of the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Within the lodge, a larger variety including Mackinder's eagle owl, African black duck, green ibis, redheaded parrot, silver-cheeked hornbill amongst others can be seen.
A famous activity is climbing the mountain itself. The mountain has three peaks; Point Lenana, (4985m) which can be reached by any reasonably fit person, Nelion (6189m) and Batian (5199m) peaks, which require skilled mountaineers to reach. There are four routes of ascent; the Burguret trail, Sirimon trail, Chogoria and Naro Moru trails, with Chogoria trail being the most scenic of the other trails. A minimum of 5 days is recommended for the climb, 3 days for the ascent and 2 for the descent. This activity is a memorable one and thus a must-do for the adventure seeker.
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.
Mount Kenya NorthDAY 2: After breakfast vehicle transfer to Sirimon route and hike to Old Moses camp for overnight (3300m), (6 to 8 hrs hike) where you pass through a tropical rain forest and bamboo forest. All meals and overnight at the campsite.
DAY 3:Hike to Shiptons camp (4200m) for overnight (5 to 7 hrs hike) The walk takes you near to the summit. Shipton's camp has also an excellent setting with the north faces of Nelion peak and Batian peak facing it which provides a very beautiful scenery.
DAY 4: Attempt on Point Lenana (4985m) A pre-dawn attempt on point Lenana gives you enough time to reach the summit when the sun is rising and in clear weather which gives you a clear scenery. Afterwards descend to Mintos hut for overnight.
DAY 5: Descend leisurely to Chogoria park gate (3020m) for overnight. This area has spectacular views down into the Gorges valley with Lake Michaelson and Vivienne falls, and across on the other side you can see Ithanguni peak, Rotundu peaks and the Giant Flat -- top Kilingo hill table.
DAY 6: Descend leisurely to Chogoria town for transfer back to Nairobi. Chogoria gate to Chogoria town is about 6 - 8 hours, on dirt roads through a thick bamboo forest and tropical forest. The forest is really beautiful with chances of seeing wildlife such as, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhino, Columbus monkeys, Suni, duiker. Drive back to Nairobi to arrive late afternoon.
