The adventure
10 Days Mount Kenya trekking combined with Safari
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Nairobi - Chogoria - Meru Bandas (2,900m)
Pick up from your Nairobi hotel at 0800hrs and drive through agricultural country to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest and trek through dense bamboo forest for about 10km to the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas (2,900m).
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Day 2
Meru Bandas - Chogoria Gate - Lake Ellis Camp (3,450m)
After breakfast, sort porter loads and set off up the mountain. Trek via Lake Ellis with scenic views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then continue to Lake Ellis Camp at 3,450m. 4hrs, 9km.
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Day 3
Lake Ellis - Mintos Camp (4,200m)
Follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to join the tourist track at about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley. Lunch at a stream crossing, then continue to Mintos Camp at 4,200m. Afternoon acclimatization walk to the Temple. 5-6hrs, 12km.
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Day 4
Summit Day: Point Lenana (4,985m) - Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Pre-dawn summit attempt at 0300hrs, hiking for about 3 hours up to Point Lenana (4,985m) to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast, then continue down via Mackinder's Valley to Old Moses Camp (3,300m). Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp. 8-9hrs.
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Day 5
Old Moses Camp - Sirimon Gate - Nairobi
After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Sirimon Gate. Transfer back to Nairobi for an overnight stay before the safari leg of the trip. 3hrs walk.
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Day 6
Nairobi - Hells Gate National Park
Depart Nairobi after breakfast and drive to Hells Gate National Park, known for its dramatic scenery, towering cliffs, and geothermal activity. Enjoy a walking safari or cycling through the gorge. Dinner and overnight at a lodge near Lake Naivasha.
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Day 7
Hells Gate - Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive. The Mara is famous for the Great Migration, big cats, and vast plains. Dinner and overnight at a camp or lodge in the Mara.
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Day 8
Full Day in Maasai Mara
Full day of game viewing in the Maasai Mara. Search for the Big 5 - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Witness the Great Migration (July-October). Picnic lunch in the park. Optional Maasai village visit in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.
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Day 9
Full Day in Maasai Mara
Another full day of game drives in the Maasai Mara. Explore different areas of the reserve, including the Mara River where wildebeest and zebras cross during the migration. Enjoy a bush breakfast or sunset game drive. Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.
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Day 10
Maasai Mara - Nairobi
Early morning game drive, then depart the Maasai Mara for the drive back to Nairobi. Stop for lunch en route. Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon for drop off at your hotel or the airport.
What's included & excluded
Included
- Professional Mount Kenya guides
- Porters and cook
- Park entry fees for Mount Kenya National Park and Samburu game reserve
- Meals during the trek and on safari
- Private ground transfer from Nairobi to destination and return
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal gear
- Visas
Difficulty & fitness level
Moderate
A solid trekking fitness base is needed. Aim for regular walks or cardio 4–6 weeks before departure. No technical skills required.
Best season
January–March & July–October
