Mt Kenya Lakes and Tarns Expedition
Mt Kenya's flora and fauna is second to none. The beautiful Tarns and lakes are a sight to behold.
Mountain climbing in Kenya or anywhere for that matter is no mean feat. It requires your will, zeal, courage, wit and did we say it is not a cheap affair? It is quite a personal challenge as much as it is an investment both monetary and valuable time. It is equally rewarding and humbling in equal measure.
Let us talk about the less-hiked Rutundu Route: This is a scenic route and is most commonly used by seasoned mountain climbing trekkers. It is an uphill task literally as the ascent is gradual and your inner resolve is put on trial. At this point your potential to deal with personal issues, unlocking your innate person is what you are leveled up to. Not to worry as we have a trained team of guides and porters who will offer you the support you need to achieve a 100% success. But your attitude towards life through the lenses of the mountain will be a determinant of how well you ascend and descent
Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Lake Rutundu - Lake Alice (alt.2600m)
Habitat: Montane forest, moorland | Hiking time: 3-4 hrs | Hiking Distance: Approximately 5kms | Habitat: steep ascent on semi-forested area
We will have an early start with a pre-dawn departure from Nairobi to Rutundu Camp. After enjoying our picnic lunch, we begin an acclimatization hike in the tropical and moorland region of Mt. Kenya arriving at Lake Alice camp (alt.2600m) in the late afternoon. Sightings include the expanse of Rutundu plains, Lake Rutundu, and Rutundu Cabins (where the Prince William of Wales proposed to his wife the Princess of Wales Catherine Middleton)
Day 2: Lake Alice (alt.2600m) – Lake Ellis (alt.3300m)
Hiking time: 9 - 10 hrs | Distance: Approximately 18kms | Habitat: Moorland, riverine
After breakfast, start the hike up the moorland vegetation, enjoying the amazing scenery of the valleys. Picnic lunches will be served on the way arriving at Lake Ellis camp (alt.3300m) in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the camp
Day 3: Lake Ellis (alt.3300m) – Lake Michaelson (3850m asl)
Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs | Distance: Approximately 12km | Habitat: Giant heather and lobelia |
After breakfast, start the hike up navigating along deep chasm of the Gorges and Valley enjoy the stunning superb geological features of Lake Michaelson (3850m above sea level). Picnic lunch en route, dinner, and overnight at the camp set up by our support team.
Day 4: Lake Michaelson (3850m asl) – Mintos Camp (4200m asl)
Mintos Camp is situated above Lake Michaelson and should take us a steep ascent of approximately 2 hrs and very ideal for acclimatizing before we summit to Lenana Peak. We arrive early enough to allow us time to rest/try catching a siesta. All meals including lunch, 4 O'clock snack and dinner at the camp
Day 5: Mintos Camp (4200m asl) – Point Lenana Summit – 4985m asl – Mackinders Camp (4000m asl)
Pre-dawn start from 0200hrs to summit point Lenana Alt 4985m for sunrise and thereafter descend to Austrian hut for full breakfast before descending further to Mackinder's camp where we rest off for the night. Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at Mackinders or what is now known as Teleki Bandas.
Day 6: Mackinder's Camp (4000m asl) - Met Station (3040m asl) – Nairobi
After breakfast, feeling like achievers and we surely are, it is easy going down and enjoying the cool mountain weather. Occasionally meandering and navigating through boggy paths, capturing a couple of giant lobelias, mushy moorland, and eventually into the Hargania forest before sighting the final met station base camp.
This is our final descent point where our vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer us back to Nairobi arriving by 1900hrs.
