The Burguret Route is a wilderness path that is little used. Mountain Rock is proudly recognized as the company which revived treks on this route. We go upto Point Lenana, the hikers summit, via this nature trail then descend on the gradual Sirimon Route. Accommodation on the trek is camping throughout, in roomy mountain tents shared by two people. When camping on our trips you will not have to participate in camp chores.
See Detailed Day by Day Itinerary below
Day 1: MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE – 1950m
- Transfer to Mountain Rock lodge (200kms /3.5hrs). PM. Acclimatisation nature hike. (2kms /3hrs).
D1 details: Drive from Nairobi northwards past farmlands to the base of Mount Kenya arriving at our lodge – Mountain Rock Lodge in time for lunch. Mountain Rock Lodge is an old country hotel tucked away in the forest on the western slopes of Mt Kenya, where your acclimatisation begins in earnest. To acclimatise to the terrain and altitude we have a forest walk to the Mau Mau caves. Our naturalist guide will reveal the forest food recipes, herbal medicines and survival techniques of the Mau Mau freedom fighters. Alternatively you can choose other activity at the Lodge – horse riding, trout fishing, mountain biking and bird watching. After lunch, a culturally oriented walk through the local Kikuyu villages and farms.
Day 2: GIANT BAMBOO CAMP – 2,600m.
- Transfer to Gathiuru Forest approx. 15kms / 1hr.
P.M Trek to Giant Bamboo camp 10kms / 4h). Ascent: +740m.
D2 Details: Early breakfast, then briefing and equipment check drive to Gathiuru Forest Station (2000m). From here it is a long but thrilling walk through dense forest and towering bamboo to our own Giant Bamboo camp. In the forest there are many species of brightly coloured birds such as the scarlet winged turacos and different species of monkeys. Elephant and buffalo are also common sightings.
Day 3: HIGHLAND CASTLE – 3,700mTrek to Highland Castle,
approx.10kms / 5-6h. Ascent: +1,100m.
D3 Details: The bamboo give way to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest and as we climb higher we pass through the Hygenia or Hypercium zone also know as the rosewood zone (generally found at 2850-3000m). We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the “Highland Castle”.
Day 4: SHIPTON’S CAMP – 4,236m Trek to via Hausberg col (4,600m) to Shipton’s Camp (approx. 10kms / 5-6h). Ascent: +900m.
D4 Details: Trek to the base of the high peaks then take summit circuit trail in the clockwise direction, with amazing views of the jagged volcanic peaks and glaciers. Our target is to get to Shipton’s Mountain Hut/Camp located in the Mackinder’s valley. From the camp we have a panoramic view of all the main peaks including Terere and Sendeyo two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. Climbing high (Hausberg Col) and sleeping low (Shipton’s) is excellent for acclimatisation.
Day 5: SUMMIT – 4,985m / OLDMOSES CAMP – 3,340m
Trek via Pt. Lenana to Oldmoses Camp. Approx. 20Kms/9hrs. Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: -1645m to Oldmoses Camp.
D5 Details: Just before dawn we are woken by our guides and hot tea is served before we begin the last leg of our trek to the summit. The trek begins beneath the stars as we zigzag our way up a large scree slope guided only by torch light to reach Pt. Lenana. It’s an exhilarating 3 hours from here to reach the hiker’s summit, Pt Lenana (4985m) in time for the sunrise!. A further 2 hours down to Shipton’s camp (4200m) for a hefty breakfast. Then down to OldMoses Camp 3340m. for overnight.
Day 6: MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE / NAIROBI.
Hike to Sirimon gate (2,600m).approx 10kms / 2h. Descent : -740m Transfer to Nairobi via Mountain Rock lodge. (Span, 230kms / 4-5h).
D6 Details: A short morning trek to Sirimon park gate (2600m) and connect with the vehicle for transfer back to Mountain Rock Lodge for a hot shower and lunch before the journey back to Nairobi.