5-Day The Grand Traverse, Mt Kenya via the Gorges Valley

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Nairobi to Mount Kenya – Chogoria Gate & Meru Bandas

Morning: Depart Nairobi early in your private Adventurego 4x4 safari vehicle. Drive east through rural farmlands and thorny woodlands toward the rugged eastern flank of Mount Kenya. Arrive at Chogoria Gate (2,850 m) by mid-morning.

Late Morning: Complete park registration with your mountain guides and porters. Begin trekking along a vehicle track through dense montane forest, following the dramatic edge of the Nithi River gorge. Spot colobus monkeys in the canopy above.

Afternoon: The trail emerges onto open moorland with views of deep canyons and waterfalls. Arrive at Meru Bandas (3,000 m) in the early afternoon. Take a short acclimatization walk to a viewpoint overlooking the thundering Vivienne Falls plunging into the gorge below.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Meru Bandas, Mount Kenya (Night 1 of 4).

Main Destination:

Mount Kenya

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Meru Bandas to Mintos Camp – The Temple & Upper Moorland

Morning: Depart Meru Bandas (3,000 m) after breakfast. The trail climbs steeply toward the head of the Nithi Gorge along a narrow path known as "The Temple." Vertical rock walls rise on both sides as waterfalls cascade across the trail.

Late Morning: Continue ascending through dramatic cliffside terrain with constant views of the gorge far below. Giant lobelias and groundsels begin appearing among the tussock grass as you enter the alpine zone.

Afternoon: The trail levels into open upper moorland. The main peaks—Batian, Nelion, and Lenana—become fully visible to the northwest. Arrive at Mintos Camp (4,200 m) in the mid-afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and watch sunset paint the peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mintos Camp, Mount Kenya (Night 2 of 4).

Main Destination:

Mount Kenya

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mintos Camp – Point Lenana Summit – Shipton Camp – Old Moses

Early Morning: Wake at 2:30 am for tea and a light snack. Depart Mintos Camp (4,200 m) by 3:00 am with headlamps lighting the rocky trail. Climb steep scree and boulder fields toward the summit. Reach Point Lenana (4,985 m) around 6:00 am for sunrise over Mount Kenya.

Late Morning: Descend via the Sirimon side, traversing the high-altitude Gorges Valley—a lunar landscape of ancient moraines. Arrive at Shipton Camp (4,200 m) for a hot brunch. Continue descending through moorland past giant senecios and the Liki North River.

Afternoon: Arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) in the late afternoon. Settle into your mountain hut or tented accommodation. Your guide debriefs the final day's trek while you enjoy a well-earned dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp, Mount Kenya (Night 3 of 4).

Main Destination:

Mount Kenya

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Old Moses Camp – Acclimatization & Rest at Old Moses

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Old Moses Camp (3,300 m). This built-in acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to altitude before the final descent. Your guide leads a gentle morning walk to a nearby ridge for panoramic views of the Mackinder Valley and the peaks above.

Afternoon: Return to camp for a hot lunch. Rest, read, or simply soak in the mountain atmosphere. Your porters and guides use this day to prepare for tomorrow's descent. Take another short walk in the afternoon to a cascading stream or giant heather grove.

Evening: Gather for a hearty dinner and a final evening of stories around the dining table. The stars above Mount Kenya put on a spectacular show before you retire for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp, Mount Kenya (Night 4 of 4).

Main Destination:

Mount Kenya

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate – Forest Descent & Nairobi Return

Morning: Depart Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) after an early breakfast. Descend gently through the heathland zone with giant heathers, then into the montane forest. Listen for silvery-cheeked hornbills and watch for colobus monkeys moving through the ancient juniper canopy.

Late Morning: Reach Sirimon Gate (2,650 m) by mid-morning. Complete park checkout with your mountain crew while enjoying a final cup of hot chai. Meet your waiting Adventurego 4x4 safari vehicle.

Afternoon Drive: Begin the scenic drive back to Nairobi, passing through the lush farmlands of Nyeri and Kiambu. The towering peaks of Mount Kenya slowly recede behind you. Arrive by late afternoon for transfer to your hotel, the airport, or onward connection.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Not included (Nairobi accommodation available upon request).

Main Destination:

Mount Kenya

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.