NORMAL ROUTE (via Nelion south ridge, S.E. face and summit)

Important:
Best climbing time – Christmas to mid March.

Standard: IV inf. The route is rather complex, and much of the climbing is not above grade III. The Gate of Mists may be IV. An ice axe and crampons are recommended. Through out the climb care must be taken to avoid dislodging loose stones.

Time: Allow 6-7 hours for the ascent of Nelion and a further 3 hours for reaching Batian and returning to
Nelion. It is advisable to spend a night to the Howell Hut on the summit of Nelion.

From Austrian Hut, cross the Lewis Glacier and scramble up the scree, which has many precariously balanced boulders and can be dangerous in half-light. Starts climbing up a wide groove about 55 m. left of the obvious Brocherel Couliour. 18 m. of easy climbing brings one to a wide, boulder-strewn terrace, at the left of which of which is a gully (Donkey Walk) leading up to the left. Scramble up the gully for 25 m, then a mounting traverse back to the right up a series of easy ledges on the face. A move round a corner (III) leads to the foot of Mackinder’s Chimney. Instead of climbing the chimney, descend 2½m and traverse right 6 m to a platform below the Rabbit Hole, then climb a rib immediately right of the Rabbit Hole (III) and follow easy rocks to platform at the top of Mackinder’s Chimney. One O’clock Gully (quite easy, unless ice- filled) now leads up right for 40. Where it steepens, mount the left wall then traverse back, right to reach block steps leading up to the crest of the main ridge. When it appears obvious, make a long traverse right across slabs then up towards the base of Mackinder’s Gendarme. A tin shelter (Billie’s Bivi) is found just below the notch beneath Mackinder’s Gendarme on the main ridge. This is approximately halfway up Nelion. Turn the Gendarme on the left by first descending 7 to 10 m and the up a large gully. Most parties will follow the Graff’s Variation, which is the easiest and most direct rout (iv inf.). Avoid Shipton’s and Rickety Cracks by a traverse left for some 12 m out of a large gully, following the ascent of the square-cut groove for about 20 m, and then straightforward climbing to the ridge leading to the Amphitheatre.
Alternatively, instead of traversing 12 m out of the large gully, continue up the gully to two short chimneys known as Shipton’s Cracks (IV inf.), which leads to a small platform (Windy Gap), between the Gendarme and the main face. In recent years many parties have found the traverse of the Gendarme the easiest way of reaching Windy Gap. From Windy Gap climb 2 m over a bulge on the face to reach a ledge; follow this until it peters out on the main face. From here Rickety Crack (IV inf.) leads upwards for about 8 m to a platform. (A jammed nose of rock 2m above the bottom of the crack can be used for protection on the first awkward exposed moves on the crack) climb 30 m up a ridge to the right leading to appoint overlooking the Amphitheatre.
Belay at the edge of the Amphitheatre and climb down 8 m to the right (III). Work round the back wall of the Amphitheatre to cracks leading up left into the bee of the gully. Ascend the gully, much loose rock, for two pitches to a platform. A 5m wall is climbed by a shallow (III), followed by a scramble over loose rock to a col overlooking the Diamond Coulier. Turn sharp right and up easy rocks to the summit of Nelion.

The summit of Batian is only 140 m away in a horizontal distance, but a drop of as many meters is involved into the Gate of the Mists. The ridge may be followed from Nelion, traversing down on the north side, then turning towards the Gate. Keep under an over hanging cliff and then descend to a boss of rock just above the Gate. Climb down this (III or IV), possibly leaving a rope to facilitate the return, as there is usually ice in the cracks. Cross the snow in the Gates (which may be corniced); as the ice work is less than a rope’s length it is possible to belay from either side. Traverse below the base of the Tower, on it’s north side, up scree or snow, and over the ridge behind the Tower onto the South Face of Batian. Ledges lead left across the face into a gully. This is then followed to the summit, but if it is ice filled, take the wall to the right of the gully and chimney, taking care because of the loose rocks. On the descent from Nelion, there are many convenient places for roping down, as the number of abandoned slings indicates.
Abseils undoubtedly saves time, and parties generally descend De Graff’s Variation. The following description is probably the best way of descending from Nelion’s summit.
After having scrambled down the easy rocks from the col overlooking the Diamond Glacier, instead of descending the 5 m shallow chimney, move right (facing outwards) to a platform a few meters down slabs. A block on this platform supports slings for a short abseil down the face towards Pt. Lenana. Some 15 m down, a small ledge has slings round a point of rock. Use these to make another 15 m abseil in the direction of Pt. John. This leads to easy rocks above the slabs leading down to the top of De Graff’s Variation. One long abseil leads down this pitch to easy traversing over to Mackinder’s Gendarme. One abseil leads down Mackinder’s Chimney missing out the Rabbit Hole.

MAJOR VARIAIONS:
Two major variations have been done tom join the Normal Route at Mackinder’s Gendarme.

1 (a) EAST RIDGE: This ridge of Nelion which rises from Flake Col consists of very loose shattered rock. Start 50 m from the left of the col and ascend ramp to ridge. The first four pitches are on poor
rock and then fifth and sixth pitches are the most difficult. Climb the ridge then abseil into the top of Brocherel Coulier and traverse to Mackinder’s Gendarme.

1(b) BROCHEREL COULIER: This is prominent Coulier right of the Normal Route start.

2. THE NORTH FACE - STANDARD ROUTE.

Important: Best climbing season – July to October
Standard: IV sup.
Time: 10 hours.

This route is the least difficult on north side of the mountain. Start from Kami Hut, where a 40minute walk below the foot of the North Ridge is made to the start gully, which is marked a cross in a circle chipped. Climb straight up from the marker and move at 6 m into the gully (IV inf.) continue over easier rock until it’s possible to scramble for 90 m up the gully to a steep wall. An obvious crack brings one onto a large terrace beneath a third steep wall (III sup.). Climb 6m up an easy gully on the left, traverse back into the center, then straight up (III), and scramble into the Amphitheatre. Scramble about 120 m across this until it steepens, in the direction of Firmin’s Tower, which is at the top left-hand corner. Climb 25 m to a wide sloping ledge (III), then traverse right along the ledge for 20 m (III), until it is possible to gain the ridge on the let-hand skyline. A 9 m scramble brings one to the foot of Firmin’s Tower. Climb the crack for 20 m to where it breaks into two branches. Chimney up the right hand one for 15 m to the top of a massive loose block (overlooking the Amphitheatre). Move left into the original chimney and continue up for 9 m. scramble for about 18 m and up to the top of the Tower (IV sup.). Descend to the ridge and scramble along it until it steepens. Continue along the ridge for another 30 m (IV inf.). Move up to an obvious ledge then traverse right to a small amphitheatre (III). Further scrambling brings one to the junction of the West Ridge where there is a superb site for bivouac.

Whilst it is possible to climb along the ridge it is easier and safer to traverse horizontally from the bivouac site for about 120 m to Shipton’s Notch. The rock in this area should be treated with care. This rout is suitable for descent.

VARIATIONS:

On the crux section of Firmin’s Tower it’s possible to move right from the loose block along an obvious ledge to the foot of a step crack which is climbed direct (Grade v sup.).
The Firmin’s Tower has been bypassed to the right with a difficult and exposed mixed pitch above the Northey Glacier (v), the main ridge being rejoined just above the Tower.
Ascent of the Kami Hut face of the North Ridge of Batian to join the North Face Standard Route just below the top of the gully before entering the Amphitheatre.
From the starting point of the North Face Standard Route, climb the grey rock area immediately left of the gully for 15 pitches to the base of Firmin’s Tower.

ITINERARY 1:
CHOGORIA / CHOGORIA 7 – DAY CAMPING HIKE
INTRODUCTION:
THIS IS A SPECIAL TREK, IN THAT IT GIVES OUR CLIENTS THE REAL FEEL OF THE WILDERNESS. IT’S VERY WELL SUITED FOR THE OLD AND THE YOUNG.

DAY.1

On this day, the group (guide/s, portes, cok/s, & clients) leave Chogoria villages at 9.00 am and dive up through the rain forest on the eastern side of the mountain, to bairunyi camp site alt. (2700), where they put up camp, eat lunch and a little rest then taken on a guided tour of the area, taught about plant and animal life and their co-existence.
Of great importance, is camping and hiking ethics.
The group then settles down for super, after which they exchange views and ideas of the general scope of camping and hiking, telling tell tales and retire to bed.

DAY 2:

The group leaves the camp site at 9.00 a.m. and starts the real trek on a fairly steep uphill at a slow steady pace, doing a 5km stretch of track that cuts through beautiful bamboo forest to come to a steep uphill (KINONDONI), which ends ½ Km below the park gate (Mt. Kenya National park). The moorland starts here and the group can view the mountain quite well on a clear sky.
The group puts up camp around the gate, eats lunch, and takes a little rest after which the clients are shown around the park gate precincts.
Walking to the Northern side of the area, one can look down on an awfully beautiful stretch of field with a watering pond, where game love to water. The group members get back to super and have a free time to talk together, share jokes and retire to bed.
DAY 3:

The group enters the park, goes down a hill, cutting through grassland (tussock grass) and turns left leaving the main path and takes a footpath that comes to a stream. A variety of game like gazelles, bushbucks, wild beasts, buffaloes, and leopard’s e.t.c can be seen around this area. The group moves through a small cider forest with Hagenia Absysinica trees growing sparsely, to come to a hut (URUMANDI) Alt. 3000 m. Urumandi is a kimeru name meaning a place where water passes a natural bridge. Here the group gets to explore the depths of the caves and experience the eerie feel of wilderness trekking. Caution when exploring the cave is taken an extremely high priority, such that no one gets hurt in the caves. After the adventure, the group takes a short rest and gets on to eat a light lunch.
The group then moves on a fairly steep terrain with giant heath featuring as the main vegetation, with parches of tussock grass here and there. It then crosses a small stream, goes up a hill and comes to the head of upper Nithi Falls. The group rests for a moment as the guide highlights on the safety precautions to be taken when going down to the foot of the falls. The crawl down and up the falls takes about 30 minutes. The clients take pictures, idle and take the cool breezes and water-splashes emanating from the falls. The group then scrambles up the falls, puts on their packs and either traverses to the Mau-Mau caves or goes uphill to the road-head (Alt. 330m)
The group takes super, rests and or talks for a while before getting to sleep.
DAY 4:

The group gets up at 5.30 A.M. before eating breakfast, the clients are taken to a vantage position, and facing eastwards, can watch sunrise. This is an occasion that we always emphasize on undertaking since watching sunrise is a memorable thing to do.
After this, the group eats breakfast, puts down camp and gets read to leave. Now that the real ascent starts here, (3300m) the guide gets to highlight on the dangers of high altitude hiking, how to recognize and prevent mountain sicknesses and general body ailments related to mountain hiking. The guide also points out on the mode of walking; a slow, steady pace is our way of hiking. We also insist that our client/s drink adequate amounts of water so as to maintain an appropriate body fluid balance.
On this day, the group sets out at a moderate pace, walking as a group. Occasional water breaks are taken every now and then after intervals of 30 to 45 min. the group walks along and over the northern side of the ridge overlooking the gorges valley.
A strenuous 3 hours trek gets the group to the view point (alt. 4000m). The group eats a light lunch, takes some pictures and takes in the breathtaking beauty of the main peaks, the gorges valley and Lake Ellis to the northeast. After a little rest, the group sets off to tackle a stony, winding and steep part, which leads to a flat terrain, to come to a cliff. The group now moves on a fairly flat ground with occasional up hills to come to Mintos hut (alt. 4300 m)
The group puts up camp changes into warm clothes and eats some biscuits and tea. The clients can than be taken on a guided tour of the Hall turns and a walk to the edge of the temple – a cliff that overlooks like Michaelson (300m below). Spectacular views are to be had of the gorges valley, the lake and the Hall’s fields to the west, not to mention the clearly visible peaks – Lenana, Batian & Nelion. The clients then get back to camp and have a free time to either talk together, play cards or share tales and jokes with the porters and guide/s. one can stray around the area, taking note not to wander far off for safety reasons. The group eats super at 6.00 p.m. and rests a while or goes to bed.
DAY5.

The group gets up at around 5.30 A.M. and eats breakfast. There are two option for this day,-

Up to Austrian & camp.
Up to Austian lenana & back.

Opt.1.
The group leaves Minto’s hut at 7.30, and ends towards the general direction of the main peaks. Scaling up the lateral moraine below Simba tam is quite tedious and we advise our clients to take it slowly and easily. The group is then guided to the northern ridge of pt. LENANA and scrambles to the summit. This trek takes 4to 5 hours.
Opt.2.
Alternatively, the group can head towards THE TOOTH via the Square tam, traverse below the southern side of point Lenana to come to Australia hut. The group rests a while then sets off towards the southwestern ridge of pt. Lenana, to come to it’s summit at around 1.00 pm.
NB: On day 5 walk to pt. Lenana back either via the tooth or simba Tarn.
Day 6 –walk to the Bandar
On a clear day, one can take in the tantalizing scenes below, with pts. Batian and Nelion staring at you to the west. Mt Kirimanjaro ‘s conical Kibo peak can be viewed towards the south on a clear sky. The group now walks down easily to the Minto’s hut where it takes lunch and rest to await dusk, eat super and a good sleep.
DAY6.

The group wakes up at6.00 AM. and eat breakfast. It is then puts down camp and sets off. The walk down is quite easy through instance when one pulls a muscle are common.
On getting to the MT Kenya self-service lodge, the group puts up camp and rest before eating lunch. One is now free to move about or take drinks at the canteen, before eating super and going to sleep.
(2)
The group sets off at 8.00 AM. at a slow pace .walks northwards and later southwards to come to the square Tam. (taking occasional water breaks).
Further hiking brings the group to THE TOOTH where it rests. The traverse across the southern side of pt LENANA is moderate. The group gets to Australia hut, where it puts up camps and eat lunch. Strilling around the area is rather risky as one may fall injuriously, or sink into glaciers common here. Staying indoors here is advisable as temperatures can go down below zero.
The group then eats super and rest before retiring to bed.The groups, (clients, guide/s and a few porters depending on their physical fitness can either do the summit of PT. Lenana by night or day. By night, they wake up at 4.30 AM. Have some tea and leave for the summit. This trek may require somebody twisting when going over rocks. If timing is good, the group can get to the summit in the time to watch sunrise ,which again is a beauty to behold. By day , the group wakes up at 6.00 AM. And takes breakfast. It then leaves, heading for the summit of Pt. Lenana to get there after one hour.
The clients can then take pictures, look around and walk down to rejoin the rest of the group at Minto’s hut.
I t hen proceeds down to the MT Kenya lodge puts up camp, eats lunch and rests. One however free to have a few drinks at the canteen, till dusk and cook super. The group then retires to bed.
DAY 7

The group wakes at 7.00 a.m. and takes breakfast. The clients then pull down their tent/s and prepare to board the car/s down to Chogoria villages, getting there before 1.00 o’clock.
The group then bids each other goodbye, and the client/s leave for other destinations.
END

ITENERARY 2:
CHOGORIA / CHOGORIA 4-DAY TREK
DAY 1:
The client/s, guide/s and porters meet at Chogoria villages and make the necessary preparations for the trip. They then drive up to the Mt. Kenya Natonal Park’s gate, getting there at 2.00 p.m. here they unload their luggage and re-park them to suit the trek. The group then sets off for the Chogoria route road-head, a trek that takes about 2 ½ hours, getting there at 4.30 p.m. we remind our clients to carry enough water to last them the entire trek. On getting to the Road-head, the group puts up camp and rest for a while before preparing super. Alternatively, spending the night in the Mau-Mau caves provide natural shelter and warmth the caves provide. Water is easily got from a stream nearby. The group, after eating super goes to bed.

DAY 2.

The group wakes up at 6.00 a.m. and takes breakfast. Before leaving, the guide points out to the group the various precautions to be taken while on the trek.
These include:

Slow and steady way of walking
Stay hydrated, be warm and fed
Leave no trace
Minimum impact
Expedition behavior and leadership

The group then sets off at 8.00 a.m. slowly but steadily doing the uphill taking occasional water breaks as advised by the guide. The group hikes along and over the northern ridge overlooking the gorges valley. A two-hour trek brings the group to the viewpoint (alt. 4000m), where the members take a little rest, eat light lunch and take pictures. The group then sets off to tackle a rather steep, winding and rocky part that brings the group to flat stretch that ends at a cliff. Going over the cliff requires quite some muscles strength.
The group then does an easy flat stretch, with a couple of little hills to come to Minto’s hut (alt. 4300m)
Here the group puts up camp, changes into warm clothes and eats lunch.
If the weather allows, the clients can be taken on a guided tour of the area and to the temple, a vertical cliff that overlooks Lake Michaelson,300m below. Spectacular views of the gorges valley and then the main peaks are to be had from here. Getting back to camp, the group settles down to talk, play cards or tells tales, before preparing super and going to bed.

DAY 3.

The group wakes up at 6.00 AM, eats breakfast, brings down the camp. It then leaves at 8.00 am towards the direction of the main peaks ,i.e., heading Northwards and later Southwards after going half way up a steep hill ( Walking Northwards brings one at SIMBA TARN).The group will rest at flat spot , before heading to THE TOOTH COL. From here, one can look down at Gallery Tarn, The enchanted chain ,The Carr lake ,The two sisters seen clearly to the south west . Here the group takes arrest and some water before traversing the easy moraine that ends at Australian heart .On arrival, the group changes into warm clothes, eats lunch and rests.
The guide depending on the weather takes the clients on a guided tour of the area. The CURLING POND to the North of the hurt is quite a nice sport to go to . Going to the LEWIS CAVE WHICH HAS beautifully formed stalagmites and stalactites could also make the groups’ day. Walking over the range brings one at a vantage point where one an clearly see the main peaks.( BATIAN, NELION and pt. JOHN a little lower. The LEWIS GLACIER can be viewed vividly from here. Some clients get scared however by the sight of the graveyards strewn allover this area. The group then gets back to the hut as this place could get extremely cold. The members can then relax while plying cards, talking or tale – telling. Come dusk, the group eats super and it is bedtime. However one stay awake much longer.

DAY 4.
The group wakes up at 4.30 am. And takes breakfast. The guide, and may be one of the porters start off for the summit at around 5.00am.
This is a grueling trek as it is done by dark, and here one requires good eyesight and strong flashlight to penetrate the dark or may be mist, which is common at this hour. With good timing, tasking 45min. hike brings the party to the summit (4985), a few minutes before sunrise. Watching sunrise is an experience one can relieve in his/her mind for a lifetime.
If the climb is done by day, all rise at 6.30am, eat breakfast and set off for the summit, getting there after 50 minutes. The clients may take pictures, take in the beauty and start the walk downwards the north and later the east, walking cautiously to rejoin the rest of the group at Minto’s hut by 8.30am. The group can drink some more tea to get warmed up, and leave for Mt. Kenya self-service Lodge, getting there before 1.00pm. The group boards a car to Chogoria village and on getting there, bid one another goodbye and the clients get on with the rest of their plans.
NB. It’s not advisable to do this excursion, unless you are adequately acclimatized, you could develop high altitude related sicknesses in gaining height so rapidly.
END.

ITINERARY 3:
CHOGORIA /CHOGORIA 5-DAY TREK:
INTRODUCTION:
This is a similar trek to the Chogoria /Chogoria 4-day trek, the only difference being that the first day is spent at the park gate.
Day 1:

The client/s, guide /s and potters meet at Chogoria villages and make the necessary preparations for the trip. The group then leaves at 12.00 pm. For he Mt Kenya National Park gate (Alt. 2950m).
Driving through the rain forest and the bamboo forest posses natural beauties like wild game , indigenous tree, shrubs, wild flowers and birds. The group then gets to the park gate before 3.00 pm. And puts up camp. Parklands campsite by the gate is ideal. The members eat lunch and are taken on a guided tour of the park gates precincts, then get back to camp and relax to await dusk. Super is prepared, eaten and the clients can have a time on their own or with porters & guides to take or play cards, then go to bed.
DAY 2:

The group wakes up at 6.00 am ,eats breakfast and brings down camp. The porters, with the guide’s supervision pack the bags in the most appropriate way to suite the trek. Departure for the road-head is at 9.00am. The group then moves slowly and steadily to come to the end of the road(Alt. 3300m) before 12.00 noon. The group sets up camp, eats lunch and can walk down to the Upper Nithi Falls.
If the guide deems it necessary, he can take the clients to the Mau Mau caves( these were used as a hideout by the guys who fought for Kenya’s independence.)
A night can be spent at the caves however, as the are warm and have a natural protection against weather.
The group members get back to camp and on to prepare super. After this, every one goes to bed.
DAY 3:

The group wakes up and eats breakfast, brings down camp and are highlighted beforehand by the guide on what is to be on this day tense. The guide points out to the group the various precautions to be taken while on this trek. These include:

slow and steady way of walking
stay hydrated, be warm and fed
leave no trace
minimum impact
expedition behavior and leadership.

The group then sets off at 8.00 Am. Slowly but steadily doing the up hills, taking occasional water breaks as advised by the guide. The group hikes along and over the northern side of the ridge overlooking the gorges valley. A two- hour trek brings the group to the viewpoint (Alt.4000m), where the members take a littlest, eat a light lunch and take pictures. The group then sets off to tackle a rather steep, winding and rocky part that brings the group to flat stretch, with little up hills to come to Minto’s hut (4300m). here the group puts up camp, changes into warm clothes
and eat lunch. If the weather allows, the clients can take on a guided tour of the area and to the temple, a vertical cliff that overlooks Lake Michaelson some 300m below. Spectacular views of the gorges’ valley and the main peaks are to be had from here. Getting back to camp, the group settles down to talk, play cards or tell tales, before preparing super and going to bed.
DAY 3:

The group wakes up at 6.00 am, takes breakfast and brings down camp. It the n leaves at 8.00 AM. Towards the direction of the main peaks, i.e. heading westwards after going up a steep hill to come to a flat spot(walking farther northwards brings one to SIMBA TARN- alt 4650m).
The group will rest here, then later take the path to their left walking up[ a steep scree-hill to come to another flat spot, a few meters from the square Tarn. The group rests here, while looking down onto The Hall’s Fields, the
Temple Macmillan peaks. Hallies (Alt. 4720m). From here, one can look down to Gallery Tarn, The Enchanted Lakes, The Carr lakes and The Two sisters peaks can be seen clearly to the southwest. Here the group takes a rest and some water before traversing the easy scree at the head of Hobley Valley, to come to AUSTRIAN HUT(4790M).
On arrival, the group changes into warm clothes, eats lunch and rest. The guide ca n, depending on the weather takes the clients on a guided tour of the area.
The CURLING POND to the north of the hut is quite a nice spot to go to. Going to the LEWIS CAVE which has beautifully formed stalagmites and stalactites could also make the group’s day.
Walking over the ridges brings one to a vantage point where one can clearly see the main peaks (BATIAN,
NELION) AND PT. JOHN a little lower. The LEWIS GLACIER can be viewed vividly from here. Some clients get scared however by the sight of graveyards strewn all over this area. The group then gets back to the camp as this place could get extremely cold. The members can then relax while playing cards, talking, talking or telling tales. However one can stay awake much longer
DAY 4:

The group wakes u p at 4.30 AM. And takes breakfast. The guide and may be one of the porters start off for the summit at around 5.00 am. This is a grueling trek as it is done by dark, and here one requires good eyesight and a strong flashlight to penetrate the dark or may be mist, which is common at this hour. With good timing, a tasking 45- min. hike brings the party to the summit of Pt. LENANA (Alt.4985m) ,a few minutes before sunrise. Watching sunrise is an experience one can relieve in his/her mind for lifetime.
If the climb i8s done by day, all rise at 6.30 am, eat breakfast and set off for the summit, getting there after 50 minutes. The clients may take pictures, take in the beauty and start the walk down, towards the north and later the east, walking cautiously, as this undertaking can be risky if the track is covered with snow, to rejoin the rest of the group at Minto’s hut by 8.30 am. The group can drink some more tea to get warmed up, and leave for Mt Kenya Self Service Lodge, getting there before 1.00 pm. The group boards a pre-arranged car to Chogoria villages and on getting there bid one another goodbye and the clients get on with the rest of their plans.
END.

ITINERARY 4
CHOGORIA-CHOGORIA 7-DAY SUMMIT CIRCUIT HIKE.

Day 1.

The client/s the guide/s cook/s and porters meet at Chogoria villages and make necessary preparations for the trip. The group then boards the car/s and proceeds to the Mt. Kenya National Park’s gate (Alt. 2950m.) The drive through the rain and the Bamboo forest is a beauty to behold, with a variety wild game like Buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, monkeys cats and birds. Beautiful tree varieties and wild flowers are also to be seen on this ride. On getting to the park gate, the group rests for a while, before putting up camp and eating lunch.
The guide may then take them on a guided tour of the precincts. A walk to the Northern part of the area brings one to a vantage point overlooking a pond where game like to water and may be in luck to see a variety of a game. Getting back to, the group relaxes a while before preparing super and retiring to bed.
DAY 2.
The group wakes up at 6.30 am and takes breakfast. It then brings down camp, and gets ready to leave for Chogoria Rout Road Head (3,300m). Before leaving the guide highlights to the group on various hiking ethics.

Slow and steady way of hiking
Stay hydrated, warm and well fed
Minimum impact mode of cooking
Expedition behavior and leadership

The group the sets off following the track down to a stream and later up a winding track to get to the R/head before 12.00 noon. The members may then take a rest before putting up a camp. The adventure – seeking group may walk down to some beautiful caves only 20 minutes walk from the road head, and spend the night there. After eating lunch, the clients can walk down the NITHI FALLS, which slopes down vertically, depicting quite a beautiful scene and volcanic rock formations. The breeze emanating from the falls is quite soothing. The clients may take pictures and take in the captivating beauty of the site before going back to camp. One is now free to do their own things, while waiting dusk, cook super and go to bed.
DAY 3
The group members wake up at 5.10 a.m. and with the guide’s instructions, walk to a point well placed to watch sunrise. The members then eat breakfast, and bring down camp. Preparations to leave the campsite are done swiftly, such that the group is ready to leave by 8.00 am. Due to the fact that there is no water between here and Minto’s hut, clients are advised to carry with them enough water to last them up to the hut. Purifying water before drinking is a precaution to be taken by all clients, to prevent bacterial infections. The group then sets off at a slow steady pace, as pointed out by the guide. Water breaks are taken out occasionally, after 30-45 mins. Intervals, to maintain an appropriate body fluid balance. A two-hour hike brings the group to a point called V-point (Alt 4000m). From here, one can see clearly the main peaks, the gorges valley and lake Michaels/son, not mentioning the tops of Mugi Hill and The Giants’ Billiards Table, and the Lake Ellis to the northeast.
Here, the group eats a light lunch, and rests a while. One is advised to wear windcheaters from this point on, as winds blow hard, and could make one quite uncomfortable. The climb from this point is rather tasking and could require some excellent body fitness. The path winds up beautiful landscapes and moorland and large boulders, to open onto halls fields. The group gets to Mintos’ hut (Alt.4300), which is superbly situated at these fields by
2.30 pm. Water is easily got from the surrounding hall’s tarns. The group then puts up camp, eats lunch and the client can be taken to a rock over hang (THE TEMPLE), which overlooks Lake Michaelson, some sheer 300m below. Stroll with the guide over the halls field s is also an exciting experience. Getting back to camp, the group members can relax, doing their own things, till dusk, and then prepare super and rest for a while or go to bed.
DAY 4.
Every one wakes up at 6.00 am and eats breakfast. Pulling down the tents should not take more than 30 minutes. The members then pack their bags and depart following the clearly visible track that winds up the mountainside, facing general direction of the main peaks. A scramble up a rather steep hill (30 minutes) opens to SIMBA TARN. (Alt 4560m.) The group rests here and can have a light lunch. Pillar & the hut peaks, as well as the hall’s field and the temple can be viewed well from this point. The group then sets, off going over the hill and comes to scree that slopes down to KHAMI HUT (Alt.4439m) with the fabulous beauty of MACKINDER’S valley lying below. On arrival at the hut, the group members the group members set up camp and eats lunch. They then, can take a rest, move about and later and later eat super and go to bed.
DAY 5
The group wakes up at 6.00 am, eats breakfast and brings down camp. This is quite a spectacular trek in its own way as one is exposed to the real beauty of the western side of the mountain – the peaks depict scenery that is so breath taking that one could spend a whole day just staring at the peaks. The North Face is also a beauty on clear morning with peaks SENDEYO and TERERI visible to the east. The guide will then highlight the group on how to go about this trek.
The group will set off at 8.30 am. And take a path towards the west, dong yellow scree slope to come to a ridge, and move over a col HOUSBERG col- (alt 4591m) the group can have a water break, and rest while from here, one can see CEASER and JOSEF glaciers, the HOUSBERG VALLEY and the UTHURS’ SEAT to the south East – wow! What a beauty? Ardor over a scree brings one to OBLONG and HOUSEBERG TARNS where the groups rests, and takes in the beauty of the western face of the mountain. The group can have a water break, and see off again, avoiding the path to the left. - It could be shorter but goes up serious scree. Instead, take the right one, and walk between the two tarns and climb up scree to come to a col between the highest point of ARTHUR’S SEAT AND THE WESTERN TERMINAL (Athurs’ seat is ridge extending westwards from the main peaks, and ending abruptly at a cliff-the western terminal.) The EMERALD TARN can be seen from the col. the group drops over the other side and of the col, crossing large boulders, to come to NANYUKI TARN. Keeping to the right, the going up rocky terraces, the party teaches HURT TURN (alt. 4490m). Pt. PIGGOT, MIDGETPEAK and Pt. JOHN can be seen from here, with the TYNDALL and DARWIN glaciers hanging beautifully on the high peaks. DIAMOND COULIER and GLACIER also can be seen. The group now rests, viewing the scenery. Drop over rather steep scree brings the party to the AMERICAN CAMP and a further walk towards the southwest drops to RANGERS POST (alt.4250m), where group will camp for the night. Water is available from a stream flowing from TEREKI TARN. Alternatively, the clients can spend the night as MACKINEDER’S CAMP at a fee.
DAY 6.
The group wakes up at 6.00 am. Eats breakfast and brings down camp. Everyone gets ready for the trek, packing and all that. Departure is at 8.30 am. A walk along the valley side towards the East brings the group to a stream. After crossing the stream, the group now hits the head of the TEREKI VALLEY, and starts up rather steep scree slope, that winds up the hill to come to AUSTRIAN HUT ( alt 4790m). On arrival the group will put up the tents, and eat lunch. After a rest the guide may take the clients to the CURLING POND and LEWIS CAVE, two beautiful features to the north of the hut. The southern faces of the Nelion and Batian can see clearly from this point. Walking on the top of a ridge near the curling pond, one can view tantalizing beauty of LEWIS GLACIER and TEREKI VALLEY spreading out to the southwest HOBLY VALLEY, THE EVERGREEN BANKS OF Nyamindi and Nithi rivers can be seen also from this area. The group members may then get back to camp, as temperatures here can go below zero degrees centigrade. One is now free to do his or her own things till dusk whence super is eaten and its bedtime.
DAY 7
All rise at at 4.30am as summiting is to be done before daybreak. The guide with the help of one or two porters leave for the summit at around 5.00 am .If timing is good, a tasking climb of about 50 min.brings the group on the top of the third highest peak on the mountain a few minutes before sunrise. When doing the summit by day the group leaves camp at around 8.00 am and follows the south western ridge of Pt. Lenana, to come to its summit after 50minutes.One can, on a clear day see the vast expanse of Mt. Kenya Forest, the bamboo belt and rice paddles of Mwea to the southwest. One cannot miss to see the beautiful peaks, Mackinder’s valley and Timau villages to the north. From the top the group may take the same way back or scrambles down the northern side of the peak. This can be tricky if walking on snow. The clients rejoin the porters just below samba tarn where they all rest .The walk down to the park gate will not be as tasking as the walk up. So given a moderate mode of trekking gets to there by 2.00 pm. Preparations are made to board the cars down to Chogoria villages, where the groups after bidding each other bye, the clients get on with their other plans.

ITENERARY:5
CHOGORIA SIRIMON 7- DAY SUMMIT CIRCUIT HIKE.

DAY1

.The clients and the guides, cooks and porters meet at Chogoria villages, and make the necessary preparations for the trip.
The group then boards the car /s ,and proceed to the Mt Kenya National Parks gate (Alt. 32950m)
The driver thought the rain and the bamboo forest is a beauty to behold with a variety wild game like buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, monkey, cats and birds. Beautiful tree varieties and wild flowers are also to be seen on this ride.
On getting to the park gate, the group rests for a while, before putting up camp and eating lunch.
The guide may then take on a guided tour of the precincts. A walk to the northern part of the area brings one to a vantage point overlooking a pond where game like to water, and may be in luck to see a variety of a game. Getting back to camp, the group relaxes a while before preparing super, and resting to bed
DAY 2:

The group wakes up at 6.30 am. And takes breakfast. It then brings down the camp, and gets ready to leave for Chogoria Route Road Head(3300m)
Before leaving the guides highlights to the group on various hiking ethics:

slow and steady way of hiking
stay hydrated, warm and well fed
minimum impact mode of cooking
expedition behavior and leadership

The group then sets off following the track down to a stream, and later up a winding track to get to the road- head
Before 12.00 noon. The members may then take a rest before putting up camp. An adventure- seeking group may walk down the NITHI FALLS, which slopes down vertically, depicting quite a beautiful scene and volcanic rock formations. The breeze emanating from the falls is quite soothing. The clients may take pictures and take in the captivating beauty of the site be fore going back to camp. One is now free to do their own things awaiting dusk, cook super and go to bed.
DAY 3:

The group members wake up at 5.10 am. And with the guide’s instructions, walk to a point well placed to watch sunrise. The members then eat breakfast ,and bring down camp. Preparations to leave the campsite are done swiftly, such that the group is ready to leave by 8.00 am. Due to the fact that there is no water between here and Minto’s hut. Purifying water before drinking is a precaution to be taken by all clients, to prevent bacteria infections.
The group then sets off at a slow pace, as pointed out by the guides. Water breaks are taken occasionally, after 30-45 min. intervals to maintain an appropriate body- fluid balance. A two hike bring the group to a point called view point (Alt.4000m). From here , one can see clearly the main peak the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson, not mentioning the tops of mugi Hill and the Giants’ Billiards, and Lake Ellis to the northeast. Here
From here one can see clearly the main peaks, the gorges valley and lake Michaelson, not mentioning the tops of Mugi Hill and The Giant Billiards Table, and lake Ellis to the northeast. Here, the group eats a light lunch, and rest a while.
One is advised to wear windbreakers from this point on, as winds blow hard, and could make one quite uncomfortable. The climb from this point is rather tasking, and could require some excellent body fitness. The path winds up beautiful landscape and moorland and large boulders, to open onto Hall’s fields.
The group gets to Minto’s hut (alt 4300m) which is superbly situated at these fields by 2.30 pm. Water is easily got from the surrounding Hall’s Tarns. The group then puts up camp, eats lunch and the clients can be taken to a rock over hang(THE TEMPLE) ,which overlooks Lake Michaelson some sheer 300m below
A stroll with the guide over The Hall’s Fields is also an exciting experience .Getting back to camp, the group members c an rest a while or go to bed.
DAY 4

: All rise at 6.00 am ,eat breakfast and bring down camp. The guide may then highlight to the group on how this day’s trek is to be done . Departure is at 8.00 am, following the clear path that crosses the HALL’S FIELDS to come to some rock boulders. The group takes a water break and can rest little before going on with the trek. After doing a stretch, the group comes to the start of scree-slope ,which leads up westerly/come to turning to the left. Awater break is to be taken here. There is a steep climb done from here, and this had better be taken cautiously.
Walking up the slope could take about 50 minutes, after which the group comes to flat spot just by THE SQUARE TARN( alt. 465m) .The group can take a rest here, while viewing the beauty of the HALL’S FIELDS, THE HANGING TARN, MACKMILAN PEAKS and the eastern slopes of pt. LENANA.
A farther 40 minutes walk brings the party to THE TOOTH COL (alt. 4720m). Again the group rest here. HOBLEY VALLEY, THE TWO SISTERS(peaks) ,THE CARR LAKE and TILMAN PEAK can be seen clearly from here. Traversing across the head of The Hobley valley “this can be tricky in misty weather” the group comes to AUSTRIAN HUT(ALT.4790M).The party puts up camp, changes into warm dry –clothes , eats lunch and rest. The guide will then take the clients around the area, going to the scenic LEWIS CAVE and GLACIER pts. .NELION and BATIAN can be seen well from here. LEWIS GLACIER spreads out beautifully to the north. Getting back to camp, the members can relax ,doing their own things till super time. One may get to bed after eating super.
DAY 5:

The group members wake up at 4.30 am. If they are to do the summit before dawn. The clients, the guide and one of the porters leave for pt. LENANA, along the southwest ridge. This is a grueling trek that requires good body physique , the end of which opens to the summit of the third highest peak on the mountain pt. Lenana (alt. 4985m) If doing the summit by day, everyone wakes up at 6.00 am, and eats breakfast. The guide will lead the clients to the summit , to get there after about 50 minutes .The clients may view the lower landscape, take pictures and walk down to meet the others (at Austrian Hut) . The group members may take some more tea to warm up, and then brings down camp. They then will follow the hardily visible track over a rocky stretch to come to a scree slope . This goes down all the way to the head of TELEKI VALLEY. One can however easily pull a muscle walking down this slope, so a slow steady pace is highly recommended.
The party now crosses a stream, and does the easy walk to the Rangers Post (alt. 4250m). Here the group settles for the night ,after putting up camp and may be walking the grounds around here.
DAY 6:

All rise at 6.30 am. And takes breakfast. They then proceed to pull down the tents, packing the bags and setting off at around 8.00 am. The group takes he path back to a point below AMERICAN CAMP, where they will turn to come to steep scree- slope, just below THE HUT TARN. Doing the slope will open to a flat plateau, and the group may rest by the hut Tarn (alt. 4490m) .One can clearly see the MIDGET PEAK and pts. JOHN and PIGGOT, not to mention the DIAMOND COULIER and TYNDAL GLACIER that beckon to one on the highs.
The group takes a northerly direction, going over boulders bypassing NANYUKI TARN, to the left and going past the EASTERN TERMINAL to the right, and up a slope, to come to a col between ARTHUR’S SEAT and THE WESTERN TERMINAL. Looking down the way they came the party can see the EMERALD TARN quite well. A rest is taken here, after which the group sets off going the scree slope ,to come to HAUSBERG and OBLONG tams. Another water break is to be taken here.
The group does another scree slope that brings one to the HAUSBERG COL (alt 4591m). A rest is to be taken here, while viewing the beautiful Hausberg Valley and the western slope to get to Kami Hut ( alt. 4439 m),where they take a rest. One can see Pts. SENDEYO and TERERI to the east and GREGORY GLACIER to the south. The group drops down a faint path to SHIPTON’S CAMP (alt. 4632m). After a rest, the group follows Mackinder’s valley , keeping the main liki stream to the left, bypassing SHIPTON’S CAVES ( good for bivouac),and down to a point where another branches to the right . Avoiding this path ( which is longer , the more scenic), and walking further the down group, now climbs a ridge, on top of which, the party crosses liki North stream.The group rests here, and later on walks down the ridge, and contours down through Moorland , to cross Ontulli stream and walk farther on to join the path from Liki North Hut, where, it rests. The group now walks down easily pats three forks, keeping to the left of each, to come to junction that leads to Old Moses Camp bunkhouses. A ten minute walk gets the group to JUDMIER CAMP(alt 3340m), where they will rest, put up camp and eat lunch. Ever one rests till dusk and eats super then goes to bed.

DAY 7:

All wake up at 6.30 am, eat breakfast and pull down the tents. Departure for the Sirimon gate is at 8.00 am. a walk past heath land and later through a forest (2 hours), brings the party to the gate, where the group will board a pre-arranged car, to Nanyuki town. The group members bid each other bye and clients may go on with their other plans.

ITINERARY 6:
SIRIMON – CHOGORIA 6-DAY SUMMIT CIRCUIT HIKE

DAY 1:

The client/s and the guide meet at Nanyuki town, and prepare to leave for the sirimon gate. The drive from sirimon junction (along Timau road) to Sirimon gate is a nine kilometers drive through a dirt road. The clients meet the porters at the gate area, and prepare for the night. The guide may however walk the clients around the area.
DAY 2:
The group wake up at 6.00 am, eat breakfast, bring down camp and get ready to leave. Note that this route offers the easiest and fastest access to the northern sides of the central peaks. The group follow the park track through the rain forest, that opens to heath land after a three hours walk. Another 1 hour walk brings the group close to a stream, by some concrete blocks and an old barrier. On the left is JUDMIER CAMP (alt. 3340m)
The camp is set at a flat area, between large clamps of heather. The group members can opt to go farther on to old Moses bank houses, and spend the night there. On getting to camp, the members settle down, eat lunch and can walk the grounds with guides. The evening is spent idly, until super time when all will retire to bed.
The summits of Batian and Nelion can be seen from here, to the right of two other peaks (Sendeyo & Tereri) that can be mistaken for the former, when obscured by clouds.
DAY 3:
The group wakes up at 6.00 am, eats breakfast and brings down camp. The guide highlights to the group of the days undertakings before setting off.
The group sets off following the track and forks left at a junction, 0 minutes after. The path to the right goes to Old Moses Camp. Avoiding this path the group keeps on and passes three forks keeping to their right.
After one hour, the group gets to a stream, crosses it and takes a water break. It now moves on to reach a fork, straight on leads to Liki North hut. Instead the group takes the right and contours through moorland, on a disused track for an hour, the group gets to a stream, crosses it and takes a water break. It now moves on to reach a fork, straight on leads to Liki North Hut. Instead, the group takes the right and contours moorland, on a disused track for an hour, and forks, straight on leads to liki north Hut. Instead, the group takes the right and contours through moorland, on a disused truck track for an hour, and forks left aiming uphill towards a ridge. This should not take the group more than 2 ½ hours from Judmier Camp.
The group may rest here, while viewing the scenery.
The group now drops to cross Liki North River and goes up another ridge aiming at a cairned platform on the ridge(4180), Overlooking Mackinder’s valley. (another one hour) .The group rests here , and later on drops into the valley, and walks to its left, gaining height gradually and closer to the Liki River which is to the right.
After a rest, the group moves to join the Liki North hut path, continuing on for another hour to the river, and come to a flat grassy area, below small cliff overhangs called SHIPTON’S CAVE. The group rest here and takes in the beauty of the area. The group continues steeply up the valley side, keeping to the right of the caves, to come to easier ground, where SHIPTON’S CAMP is (alt. 4230m)
The group rests, puts up camp and may eat lunch . Water is got from a steam nearby. There is also a pit toilet here. Five minutes up the path is the SHIPTON’S CAMP BANK HOUSES.
The party may walk the grounds with the guide, and get back to camp, to await dusk, eat super and retire to bed.
DAY 4:

The group members wake up at 6.00 am. And eat breakfast. The then pull down their tents, and get ready to leave. Departure is at 7.30 am, since this is going to be a long trek. The clients are again reminded to carry enough water to last them to the end of this day’s trek. This could take more than 7 hours .
The group sets off following the faint path leading steeply up the valley side, to the southwest, aiming for a ridge- crest to the right(north) of the main peaks. The group takes a rest after getting to KAMI HUT (alt. 4439). Afterwards, the party continues up yellow scree to get to HAUSBERG VALLEY and the ARTHURS SEAT to the southeast –“ WOW! What a beauty”
A drop over a scree brings the party to OBLONG and HAUSBERG TARNS where the group rests, and takes in the beauty of the western face of the mountain. The group can have a water break, and set off again, avoiding the path to the left –it could be shorter but goes steeply up serious scree. Instead, take the right one, and walk between the two tarns and climb up a scree to come to a col between the highest point of ARTHUR’S SEAT and THE WESTERN TERMINAL (Arthur’s seat is a ridge extending Westwards from the main peaks, and ending abruptly at a cliff – the western Terminal)
The EMERALD TARN can be seen from the col, crossing large boulders to come to Nanyuki TARN. Keeping to the right, and going up rocky terraces, the party reaches HUT TARN (alt.4490m) Pt. PIGGOT . MIDGET PEAK and Pt. JOHN can be seen from here. with the TYNDALL and DARWIN glaciers hanging beautifully on the high peaks. DIAMOND COULIER and Glacier also can be seen .The group now rests while reviewing the scenery. drop over rather steep scree brings the party to the AMERICAN CAMP and a further walk towards the southwest drop to RANGER’S POST ( alt.4250m) , where the group will camp for the night.
Water is available from a steam flowing from TREK tarn. alternatively ,the clients can spend the night at MACKINDER’S CAMP at a fee.

DAY 5
The group wakes up at 6.00 am eats break fast and brings down camp. Everyone gets ready for the trek, packing and all that. Departure is at 8.30 am A walk along the valley side and towards the east brings the group to a stream.
After crossing the stream, the group now hits the head of TEREKI VALLEY, and starts up rather steep scree slope, that’s winds up the hill to come to AUSTRALIAN HUT (alt.4790m) On arrival, the group will put up the tents , and eat lunch, after a rest, the guide may take the clients to the CURLING POND and LEWIS CAVE, two beautiful features to the north of the hut . The southern faces of Nelion and Batian can seen be clearly from this point .Walking on the top of a ridge near the curling pond, one can view the tantalizing beauty of LEWIS GLACIER and TEREKI VALLEY spreading to the south west. HOBLEY VALLEY, the evergreen banks of Nyamindi and Nithi rivers can be seen also from this area. The group members may then get back to camp, as temperatures here can go low below zero degrees centigrade. One is now free to do his or her own things, till dusk whence super is eaten and its bedtime.

DAY 6:

All rise at 4.30 am. If summating is to be done before daybreak. The guide, with the help of one or two porters leave for the summit at around 5.00 am. I f timing is good, a tasking climb of about 50 min. brings the group on top of the third highest peak on he mountain, a few minutes before sunrise. When doing the summit by day, the group leaves camp at around 8.00 am. And follows the southwestern ridge of Pt. Lenana, to come to its summit after 50 minutes.
One can, on a clear day see the vast expanses of Mt. Kenya Forest, THE BAMBOO BELT AND RICE PADDLES OF Mwea to the southwest. One cannot miss to see the beautiful peaks Mackinders’s valley and Timau villages to the north. From the top, the group may take the same way back, or scrambles down the northern side of the peak, this can be tricky if walking on snow. The clients rejoin the porters just below Simba Tarn, where they all rest. The walk down to the park gate will not be as tasking as the walk up, so given a moderate mode of trekking, the gets to there by 2.00 pm.
Preparations are made to board the car/s down to Chogoria village, where the groups after bidding each other bye, the clients get on with their other plans.
Note: The hike from JUDMIER CAMP to SHIPTON’S CAMP can be done over a two day trek, by taking the path to LIKI NORTH HUT. This is more scenic, with features like the BURROW to see. This however makes it 7-day hike with the extra night being spent at the Liki North Hut (alt.3993m)
END.

ITINERARY 7
CHOGORIA-NAROMORU 6-DAY TREK.
DAY1

The client/s guide and porters meet at Chogoria villages and get ready to leave for the park gate. Preparation here includes shopping (buying all the supplies that the group will require for the trek) and may be getting acquitted to each other. The party then boards a car (4- wheel drive) and departs for the park gate. This drive up beautiful rain forest
And later bamboo belt is quite enjoyable a variety of game like elephants, buffaloes, dears, monkeys, leopards and birds are to be seen. The rain forest has a great number of flowers and an assortment of tree types that would appeal to the party. The drive up to the gate takes about 2 ½ to 3 hours depending on the weather. On getting to the gate, the party will rest a little and eat lunch, and then set up their tent/s.after lunch, the guide will take the clients for a walk around the precincts. A walk that is worth taking since there is a lot to be seen around here. Walk to northern side of Mt. Kenya, lodge brings one to a point where one can look down to a watering pond that is a favorite to a variety of game. The Parklands area is also beauty, and appeals to most clients. The party on getting back, to the camp can relax while doing their own things till super time and later go to bed.
DAY 2
The group rise at 6.00 am and eat breakfast. The members then bring down the camp and set off for Chogoria route road head. First walking northwards to come to a trail that veers off the main track to the left. The group will take this and sneak their way through high tussock grass to come to a stream-KANITHI. On crossing it, the party will take water break, while viewing the landscape there is a lot to see here and the party may be in luck to see antelopes, buffaloes, bushbucks, leopards, reedbucks or even elephants. The party set off again facing the direction of the main peaks, and through the faint trails to come to a cider forest. A water break is to be taken here in a natural cool shade that would be good feeling to the clients. The party sets again and a 20 minutes trek brings them to a URMANDI HUT (alt.3000m.) The group takes water break here. In good weather the guides may take the clients down to the cave an experience that could be quite pleasing. Urumandi is a kimeru name, for a point where water flows below a natural bridge. After the adventure, the group sets off again, doing several small up hills and coming to a waterfall –upper nithi Falls. The guide will take the party down a steep gully to the base of the waterfall. The clients may take pictures and view the beauty. Before getting backup. A rest is taken while the guide decides whether to take party to the road or to the Mau Mau caves. The later would be more appealing as the caves are natural, warm and shielded from winds. Water is easily got from the stream. The group rests while setting up camp and later eats lunch.
Afterwards one may walk around the area taking care not to stray far off. Most of the group members prefer to pray cards to while away till dusk eat super and retire to bed.

DAY 3
All rises at 6.00 am and eat breakfast. Those interested in watching sunrise, need however to rise earlier say at around 5.30 am .The group members then bring down the tents and get ready to set off. Departure of which is at 7.30 am the party will take the path that it used the previous day. And branch off to take a steep gradient to the left. Leaving the trail to the road head. It will walk to the top of the hill, and walk to the top of the hill and walk on an easy flat stretch to meet the main trail to minto’s hut.
A water break is taken here, while the clients take in the beauty of the place. The sharp pointed Mugi Hill, the flat topped Giants’ Billiards Table and Ithangune hills can be seen clearly from this point.
After a rest the party sets off following the clearly visible track, adapting a slow steady pace, taking frequent water breaks to get to the view pint by 12.00 pm here the group members will take a lunch break, take a few pictures and drink in the beauty of the place. Lake Ellis can be seen clearly to the northeast. The main peaks are also visible on a clear sky, with lake Mchaelson at the bottom of The Gorges Valley and The Temple hanging above it.
The group now sets off facing the general direction of the main peaks first doing a gently slope, and later a long steep climb winding through boulders. This up hill ends abruptly at a flat stretch. One can look down onto lake Michaelson below. And the Mackimilan peaks to the southwest. After a water break, the group follows the now clearer trail. Over a flat stretch. And later down to a stream and cliff. After going over this cliff, the walk is now easier. Doing small up hills to come Minto’s hut (alt. 4297m). The party takes a rest, eats lunch, and sets up camp.
Depending on the weather, the guide may take the clients on a guided walk of the area going to The Temple and The Halls Fields, and The Hall’s hut Tarns. The groups members may rest doing their own things till dusk, eat super and go to bed.
DAY 4:

All rise at 6.30 am. And eat breakfast.
The group members then bring down the camp and get ready to leave for Austrian Hut. This day’s trek will be shorter than the previous day in that there is a gradual gain in altitude in a short distance about 4 hours trek. The clients are hereby advised to take the climb at a low steady pace, as rushing may cause one to develop high altitude sicknesses.
The group starts off following the clearly visible track, cutting through The Hall’s Fields, and crossing some streams to come to section with boulders. The group rests here, while drinking water. The Temple and The Gorges Valley can be seen clearly from here.
Spectacular features on the lower eastern parts of the mountain can also be seen. The party moves on facing the main peaks and gets to junction where they take the trail to the left. A water break is to be taken here.
This part is harder and practically cuts steeply up the hill. A tasking climb brings the group to flat spot, where the members take a water break. The Tooth can be seen to southwest. After the break, the party now cuts along fairly steep stretch bypassing The Square Tarn on the right and climb over The Tooth Col) alt. 4720m).
After a short break on the col, the party descend bit, and traverses to Austrian Hut following the poles positioned along the track. One can get lost here easily on a cloudy weather.
The party on getting to Austrian Hut (alt.4790m) sets up camp and eats lunch. After a rest, the guide may take the clients to pt. Lenana (alt.4985m) if weather is good.
On getting back to camp, the group members may relax doing their own things till dusk.
DAY 5:

The group wakes up at 6.00 am. and eats breakfast. However those interested in watching sunrise will have to wake up earlier in order to get a top pt. Lenana (alt.4985m) before the sun comes up. The guide will do the timing such that the group is at the summit in good time to watch sunrise. The climb has to be done cautiously taking care not to slip. Many have lost their lives while trying this peak.
The walk down can be tricky altogether and needs to be handled with much greater care. On reaching camp, the party may drink some tea to warm up bring down the tent/s. after this the party backpacks and sets off walking over a rocky flat area and comes to the head of the hill overlooking Tereki Valley. The walk down is tricky as one may slip easily on the scree that is ever present here.
The party after going down the slope now passes by The Ranger’s Post to the left and later Mackinder’s Camp alt. 4250m) The party walks on down the fairly steep v alley keeping by the river to cross it later and walk along the right side of the valley.
A further walk brings the party to lunch point, marked by a large rock. Here the group takes a water break and may eat lunch before setting off. The walk further on gets steeper and boggy. The Vertical Bog begins here, and could prove a bit difficult. The group walks further down and through shrubbery to get to the Police Signal Station (alt. 3150m) bypass it on the right and walk on taking regular water breaks to get to Metrological station (alt. 3050m) by 3.00 pm.
After a rest, the party sets up camp and eats lunch. One may relax doing his own things till dusk. When super is eaten and retire to bed or hang on as one can.
DAY 6:

The group wakes up at 6.30 am. eats breakfast and brings down camp. Back packing should not take more than 30 minutes. The group sets off before 8.00 am. Walking through the ram forest, with pat chess of bamboo to be seen here and there. One may be lucky to see the ever –present Sykes monkeys, antelopes, elephants and even leopards.
A slow steady mode of walking will get the party at the Naro Moru park gate before 12.00 noon. Here the party rests. One may take a shower in he bathrooms here. Soft drinks are also offered.
The group later transfers to a car/s and drive through the villages to get to NaruMoru town. Upon getting here, the party bids each other good-bye. Exchange pleasantries and the clients move on with their other plans. The guide and porter/s board a matatu back to Chogoria.
END.