Combine a Mount Kenya trekking expedition with a wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve.
Duration:
8 Days / 7 Nights Route:
Mount Kenya — Samburu National Reserve Difficulty:
Challenging
The Experience
Overview
Experience two contrasting sides of Kenya on one journey. Trek through the landscapes of Mount Kenya before continuing to northern Kenya for a wildlife safari in Samburu National Reserve.
The Journey
Trek Gallery
Mt Kenya GoMt Kenya Expedition (8)
Why This Expedition
Tour Highlights
Combine a guided Mount Kenya trekking expedition with a Samburu National Reserve safari.
Experience changing Mount Kenya landscapes from forest and moorland to high-altitude alpine terrain.
Allow dedicated time for acclimatization before the summit attempt.
Make a planned summit attempt on Point Lenana at approximately 4,985 metres.
Travel from the high mountain environment into the distinctive dry-country landscapes of northern Kenya.
Enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities within Samburu National Reserve.
Experience mountain adventure and northern Kenya wildlife in one extended eight-day journey.
Depart Nairobi and travel toward the Mount Kenya trekking area. After registration and a pre-trek briefing, begin the mountain approach through the lower forest zone. The day provides a gradual introduction to the mountain environment and prepares the group for the higher sections of the trek. Overnight at the designated mountain camp.
Day
2
Mountain Camp to Higher Moorland Camp
Continue climbing through the changing vegetation zones of Mount Kenya. The trail progresses from forest into open moorland, with increasingly expansive views across the mountain landscape. Maintain a controlled pace and allow the body time to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Day
3
Moorland Camp to High-Altitude Camp
Continue toward the upper mountain through increasingly rugged alpine terrain. The landscape becomes more open and dramatic as the route approaches the high-altitude camps. Rest and hydration remain important as preparation continues for the summit section.
Day
4
High-Altitude Acclimatization Day
Spend additional time at altitude to support acclimatization before the summit attempt. The day includes controlled walking and exploration around the high mountain environment. The walking plan can be adjusted according to weather, trail conditions and the condition of the trekking group.
Day
5
Summit Attempt on Point Lenana and Descent
Begin the summit attempt in the early hours with the objective of reaching Point Lenana, the trekking summit of Mount Kenya, around sunrise. After the summit experience, descend toward the lower mountain camps. This is a demanding day combining an early summit attempt with substantial descent, and all activities remain subject to weather and mountain conditions.
Day
6
Mount Kenya Descent and Transfer Toward Samburu
Complete the remaining mountain descent and meet the transfer vehicle for the journey toward northern Kenya. The landscape changes considerably as the expedition moves away from the mountain environment toward the drier northern region. Overnight according to the final Samburu safari itinerary.
Day
7
Samburu National Reserve Wildlife Experience
Spend the day exploring Samburu National Reserve on scheduled wildlife drives. The reserve offers a contrasting environment to Mount Kenya, with dry-country landscapes and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife. The exact timing of game drives depends on the final safari schedule and prevailing conditions.
Day
8
Samburu to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning wildlife experience or game drive before beginning the return journey to Nairobi. The expedition concludes after combining a Mount Kenya trekking experience with a northern Kenya safari adventure.
Included
What's Included
Mount Kenya park and applicable conservation fees
Professional Mount Kenya trekking guide
Accommodation or camping arrangements as specified in the final itinerary
Meals during the mountain trek as specified in the final itinerary
Trekking support and route coordination
Nairobi transfers to and from the Mount Kenya trekking route
Summit attempt to Point Lenana, subject to weather and mountain conditions
Samburu National Reserve entry and applicable conservation fees
Scheduled wildlife viewing activities in Samburu National Reserve
Transport between Mount Kenya, Samburu and Nairobi as specified in the final itinerary
Pre-trek and safari briefing and route guidance
Not Included
What's Not Included
International flights and travel to and from Kenya
Kenya entry visa and related immigration requirements
Personal travel insurance
Personal trekking clothing and equipment
Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic and other personal beverages
Additional accommodation or meals outside the agreed itinerary
Additional wildlife activities or services not specifically listed in the itinerary
Any services or activities not specifically listed under inclusions
When To Go
Best Time to Trek
This combined mountain and safari experience can be planned throughout much of the year. The generally drier periods of January to March and June to October are commonly favourable for Mount Kenya trekking, while Samburu National Reserve can be visited throughout the year. Because the itinerary combines high-altitude trekking with a northern Kenya safari, final travel planning should consider conditions for both parts of the journey.
Prepare For The Mountain
What to Pack
For the Mount Kenya section, pack sturdy trekking boots, comfortable trekking clothing, warm layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry a daypack, reusable water bottle or hydration system, headlamp or torch with spare batteries, personal medication, basic toiletries and a small first-aid kit. A suitable warm sleeping system is recommended where camping or mountain accommodation requires it. For Samburu, include lightweight comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and suitable footwear. Binoculars and a camera can also be useful for wildlife viewing. Pack light while ensuring adequate protection for both cold mountain conditions and warmer safari environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How difficult is the Mount Kenya trekking section?
The Mount Kenya section is a demanding high-altitude trek requiring good physical preparation. It includes sustained climbing, changing terrain, an acclimatization period and a planned summit attempt. Participants should be prepared for challenging mountain conditions.
What is the highest point reached on the trek?
The summit objective is Point Lenana at approximately 4,985 metres above sea level. The summit attempt is subject to weather, trail conditions, altitude-related factors and the condition of the trekking group.
Why is an acclimatization day included?
The acclimatization day provides additional time at altitude before the summit attempt. It allows the trekking team to adjust the pace and walking plan according to conditions while giving participants more time to adapt to the mountain environment.
Do I need previous mountain-climbing experience?
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not essential. Good physical preparation, suitable equipment, sensible pacing and following the guidance of the trekking team are important for the mountain section.
When is the best time for this trek and safari?
The generally drier periods of January to March and June to October are commonly favourable for Mount Kenya trekking, while Samburu can be visited throughout the year. Because the trip combines mountain and safari activities, final planning should consider conditions for both environments.
Will we reach Point Lenana?
The itinerary includes a planned summit attempt on Point Lenana. Reaching the summit depends on weather, trail conditions, altitude-related factors and the individual condition of each trekker.
What happens if weather affects the summit attempt?
Safety takes priority over reaching the summit. If weather or mountain conditions make the summit attempt unsafe, the trekking team may modify the plan or turn back. The final decision is based on the conditions experienced on the mountain.
What can I expect during the Samburu safari?
The Samburu section provides an opportunity to experience northern Kenya’s distinctive dry-country landscape and wildlife. Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed because animals move freely within their natural environment and sightings depend on prevailing conditions.
Can I enquire about this trip before deciding to travel?
Yes. You can send an enquiry with your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and any questions about the Mount Kenya or Samburu sections. The Go Mount Kenya Expedition team can then discuss the experience with you and provide the information needed to plan your trip.
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