Mt Kenya with Hell's Gate NP & Mt Longonot

Journey through the Great Rift Valley and to Hell’s Gate National Park, where we set up camp on top of a cliff with a wonderful view of the valley below. This afternoon, embark on a game walk in the gorges, where you can hope to see zebra, giraffe, and a spectrum of other animals and birds. The walk is also an opportunity to explore the fascinating volcanic formations, geysers and hot springs that define this region, and give the park its name.

Return to camp in time for an early supper. The camp we set up will be a simple light mobile camp using mountain-style tents.

NB. Your itinerary begins and ends in Nairobi. Please note that accommodation in Nairobi before/after the climb is not included but can be arranged on request. Unless arriving very early into Nairobi, a hotel night is usually a necessity. Transfers from your Nairobi hotel/airport to the trailhead are included in our climb rates.

The hike to the crater rim on Mt Longonot’s summit will take around 4 hours (up and down), and serves a great taster for the bigger challenge to come – Mt Kenya! You’ll be accompanied by a park ranger and an experienced walking guide.

After a picnic lunch, drive on to Mountain Rock Lodge, in the foothills of Mt Kenya. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

From the park gate, hike for 3 hours through the forested foothills of Mt Kenya and into the alpine heath to reach Old Moses Camp (3,300m), where we pitch camp for the night. During this initial trek through Mt Kenya’s forested lowlands you can hope to see a mix of wildlife, such as forest elephant and zebra.

Arrive at Shipton's Camp (4,200m) after a 7-8 hour hike and a gradual ascent of 900m. Shipton’s enjoys a wonderfully scenic setting below the towering peaks and glaciers of Mt Kenya.

Today’s trek will see us ascend to Hausberg col (4700m), then descend steeply to Hausberg Valley and Oblong tarns before returning to Shipton’s in time for lunch.

Hiking high and returning to sleep low offers a good boost to acclimatisation.

At 4,985m, Lenana is the third highest of Mt. Kenya's summits, and the only one accessible to trekkers without mountaineering skills.

We should reach Lenana in time for sunrise, when the views are wonderful, with Kilimanjaro often visible 340km to the south. We then descend 2-3 hours to Hall Tarns/Mintos (4,300m) for a plentiful breakfast.

After breakfast, it’s a gentle hike down a broad ridge, enjoying magnificent views back up the valley to the snowy peaks.

A long, tough day is rewarded with a good night’s rest in the Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas.

The tour ends in Nairobi. We can arrange your accommodation in Nairobi if your flight schedule requires it (at additional cost), or transfer you to the airport if flying out this afternoon/evening.