Day 2: Mount Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite ( 3,600m) 3-4hrs, 700m ascent.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near the road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.
Day 3: Minto`s – Pt Lenana ( 4,985m) Liki North Camp (3,900m) 9-10 hrs, 785m ascent, 1,085 descent.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest.
The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge- they look as if they are praying. An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit the next day.
Day 4: Mintos camp – Point Lenana ( 4,985m)- Nairobi. 9- 10hrs, 785 ascent, 1,685 descent.
Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker’s summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton camp for breakfast. After breakfast, begin a 5-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Old Moses camp for lunch (3,300m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery. After lunch transfer back to Nairobi arriving late afternoon.
