Mt. Kenya Trekking
9 days—Mount Kenya / Samburu Safari
$2663-4520 USD
pp
Safari summary
The mountain portion of your Mount Kenya-Samburu Safari culminates with the conquest of Point Lenana at 16,355 feet. This achievement, accessible to anyone with good physical fitness, offers a sense of triumph that few other African adventures can match. Standing at the peak, you'll gain a new perspective on life as you gaze across the vast Kenyan landscapes stretching endlessly below.
But your journey doesn't end there. After descending from the mountain's ethereal heights, transition to the sun-baked wilderness of Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Here, the Ewaso Nyiro River cuts through semi-arid landscapes, creating an oasis that attracts some of Africa's most unique and endangered species. Witness the elegant Gerenuk standing on its hind legs to browse, marvel at the distinctive patterns of the reticulated giraffe, and watch as Grevy's zebras gather at riverside pools.
The reserves offer an extraordinary safari experience that sets them apart from Kenya's more frequently visited parks. Picture yourself watching a leopard draped languidly across an acacia branch, or observing a cheetah teaching its cubs to hunt. With over 450 bird species calling these reserves home, each moment brings new discoveries – from the majestic Martial Eagle soaring overhead to the vibrant Golden-breasted Starling catching the last rays of sunset.
This carefully crafted Mount Kenya-Samburu Safari delivers more than just a combination of destinations; it offers a journey through Kenya's diverse ecosystems, each with its own character, challenges, and rewards. From the crisp mountain air at dawn to the warm evening breezes of Samburu, every moment adds another layer to your African story.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Nairobi: The city in the sun
You will be picked up from the airport by our company representative and driven to your hotel. If you arrive on an early flight, we'll get you lunch and do some site seeing in in the "city under the sun" (Nairobi) which is nestled at 1795m. You may visit the Nairobi National Museum which will give you a good introduction to Kenya. Later, you'll have dinner in one of Nairobi's restaurants.
The Heron Portico
Batians View, Naro Moru
You will check out after breakfast and depart heading north towards Mt. Kenya and the small town of Naromoru right at the western edge of the mountain. Our destination is Batians View Experiential Education Center and campsite which will be your base for climbing the mountain. All our climbs of Mount Kenya originate here. Here, you will meet your guide and porters and your gear will be checked to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable while on the mountain.
Batians View Camp
Naro Moru gate and Met station
Mount Kenya
From Batians View, it is a short drive to the Naromoru gate which is the beginning of the Naromoru trail. This is the trail that will take you to the peaks. After processing your park entry, you will set off for the first campsite at Met station. It is located in a small clearing in the bamboo forest at an altitude of 10,000ft. Accommodation is in mountain huts.
Met Station Bandas
Met station to Mackinders camp
Mount Kenya
Your hike will begin in the bamboo and Hagenia forest, ascending through areas of giant heath onto the alpine zone popularly known as the moorland. Here, you will encounter tussock grass, giant groundsels, and lobelia plants which are adapted to this unique environment. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Mackinders Camp is located at the upper edge of this zone. Accommodation is in mountain huts. You will attempt to summit Point Lenana from here.
Teleki lodge
Summit Lenana
Mount Kenya
Point Lenana, at an altitude of 16,355 feet, is the destination of most visitors to the mountain. It is the third highest peak and can be done by anyone in good physical condition without any technical training or equipment. You can choose to do a dawn ascent in which case you leave very early to try and catch the sunrise at the summit or do a day summit. After the summit, you will hike back down to the Mackinders and spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful sights.
Teleki Lodge
Descend to Met station
Mount Kenya
You will leave early after breakfast for the descent back to Met station where you will be picked up and driven to Batians View. After hot showers and a meal, you will be briefed on Samburu National Reserve, which is where you will be heading the following day.
Batians View camp
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu
You will depart after breakfast heading north through the towns of Nanyuki and Isiolo to Archer's post on the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river. Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves have an arid to semi-arid climate. Several large dry-country mammal species common to Kenya’s northern plains can be found here. These include gerenuks, Grevy’s zebras, oryx, and reticulated giraffes. Birdlife is abundant here with over 450 species having been identified.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu
The practice is to go on early morning and late afternoon game drives to catch the animals when they are at their most active. Several large dry-country mammal species common to Kenya’s northern plains can be found here. These include Gerenuk, Grevy’s zebras, Oryx, and reticulated giraffes. Bird life is abundant here with over 450 species having been identified. The reserve is also home to elephants, buffalos, and all three of Africa’s large cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Drop-off at JKIA
You will depart after breakfast for Nairobi with a lunch stop in Nanyuki town. You'll be dropped off at JKIA.
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