Climb Mount Kenya & Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day Itinerary from Nairobi
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day
Highlights
- Enjoy a 14-day climbing trip to the top of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.
- Spend your nights in various camps on both peaks.
- Marvel at the amazing views from both peaks’ summits.
Description
When it comes to climbing Kilimanjaro (5,895m), the challenge isn’t technical, but physical. The challenge that comes with the iconic mountain in Tanzania, and highest peak in all of Africa, comes from having the endurance to make it to the top. And one of the biggest factors that comes with scaling the peak is proper acclimatization. That is why we are happy to offer this 13-day expedition that will not only take you to the summit of Kilimanjaro but will firstly take you to the summit of Mount Kenya (5,199m). And, as a result of that first climb, you will get all of the acclimatization you need for the second one.
While smaller and much less popular with climbers than Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is nonetheless a fantastic peak that is well worth climbing. The experience of the climb, along with the tremendous views of the surrounding landscape you’ll get to enjoy from the summit make the journey unforgettable. Furthermore, after you’ve climbed the peak, you’ll only get more excited about the climb of Kilimanjaro to come.
Climb Mount Kenya & Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day Itinerary from Nairobi
While neither of the two climbs on this trip are technically difficult, it is absolutely imperative that participants on this trip are in good physical condition.
If you would like to enjoy a nearly 2-week adventure that includes climbing Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, this is the trip for you. To join us on this expedition, please send a request. We look forward to guiding you.
Climb Mount Kenya & Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day Itinerary from Nairobi
14 DAYS: MT KENYA AND KILIMANJARO CLIMBING COMBINED SIRIMON/ CHOGORIA AND KILIMANJARO TREK MARANGU ROUTE
Mt. Kenya Climbing & Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
Embark on our 14 days Mount Kenya & Mt Kilimanjaro trekking expedition. This adventure combines Sirimon Route out Chogoria (5 Days/4 nights) and Marangu route. This Mount Kenya Trek combines the two most scenic routes of Mt Kenya. Ascent is on the dry side of the mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through the forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate and the bunkhouse facilities are the best on this side of the mountain.
8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb|Marangu Route
Marangu Route – Climb Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular routes. Marangu Route also known as coca cola Route. You will hike all the way to Uhuru Peak and will spend the nights in comfortable mountain huts.
The Marangu Route is often billed as one of the easier walking routes, however, the route has the lowest success rate (42%). This is because too many climbers try to do it in only 5 days and fail because of poor acclimatization. We have added an extra day’s acclimatization to enhance more chances of reaching the summit. Book our 8 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route trek guided with trained mountain trekking guides.
Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the Marangu route uses the same ascent and descent route. This means it is less scenic than the other routes. For climbers who do not wish to camp, then Marangu is the only route that offers dormitory style hut accommodation. The huts have a communal dining room, simple washrooms and toilets which lower down will be flushable. However, as you move higher up the mountain will be “long drop” toilets.
Mountaineering Safari Packages
Our 14 days Mount Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro trek gives you a unique opportunity to concur some of Africa’s ultimate peaks. Challenge Mount Kenya, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. You will experience picturesque views that rival those of anywhere across the globe.
All our mountaineering safaris are headed up by vastly experienced tour guides. This then means you are assured to experience shots of nature and wildlife that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Kindly bring along a sleeping bag for use while on the Mountain trek.
We will provide a mountain climbing professional guide, potters and cooks to make your meals while on trek.
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day
14 Days: Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro climbing combined Sirimon/ Chogoria and Kilimanjaro trek Marangu route
Day 1: Nairobi/Chogoria Town
Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel at 8am and drive north to Chogoria town (on the eastern side of the mountain) for lunch. Afternoon is spent on leisure walk in the town to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Town at Lizlo Hotel, 2000m, L,D.
Day 2: Chogoria/Mount Meru Bandas – 4hrs, 16km walk, 950m ascent
After breakfast, take a 4x4WD vehicle to the bamboo forest clearance, 16km from where the hiking starts on Chogoria route. You will walk for 16km through the forest along the dirt and sometimes very muddy road. The trekking / hiking lasts for 4hrs to reach Mount Meru Bandas at 2950m for lunch. Afternoon leisure walking around the camp to discover the nearby scenic areas. Dinner and overnight camping at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (Mt Kenya bandas), B,L,D.
Day 3: Mount Meru Bandas – Road Head Camp, 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascent
After breakfast, hiking follows the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Road Head Camp taking approximately 3-4hrs. Dinner and overnight camping at Road Head Camp at 3300m. It is also possible to go via Lake Ellis, B,L,D.
Day 4: Road Head/Mintos Hut – 4 hrs, 12km
After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Mintos Hut, 4200m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Camp, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mintos/Point Lenana (Pt. Lenana)/Met Station – 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent/1985m descent
Leave shortly after midnight at 2am towards the main peaks of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. Divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields. Arriving at Point Lenana (the only trekking peak) at 6:30am. After taking photographs and celebration at the summit, descend from the trekking peak via Naro Moru route. Alternatively, it is also possible to hike down via Sirimon Route and shipton’s camp – shipton camp 4200m to spend the night at Old Moses Camp). Hike down to Mackinders for breakfast. Continue with your trekking down to Camp at Met Station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest, B,L,D
Day 6: Met Station/Naro Moru Gate/Nairobi – 3hrs, 9km, 400m descent
After breakfast, descend by hiking for approximately 3hrs through the rainforest which is 9km to Naro Moru Gate at 2,600m. From the gate, you will connect with your transport to Naro Moru Town for lunch. Take an onward transfer back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3pm, dinner and overnight at a hotel .B,L.B
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day
Day 7 Nairobi – Arusha
In the morning 7:30 am, connect to a shuttle bus to Arusha. Transfer to a hotel for an overnight stay before embarking on the Kilimanjaro trek the following day.
Day 8: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m) Hiking time: 5 hours | Distance: About 12 km’s | Habitat: Montane Forest The drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either, after 1½ hours hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut, B,L,D.
Day 9: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Moorland from Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.
Day 10: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatization Day Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters and with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest, B,L,D.
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day
Day 11: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 15 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert. After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.
The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.
There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible, B,L,D.
Day 12: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m) Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit. You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day.
Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions, B,L,D.
Day 13: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km’sAfter breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at Keys Annex Hotel, B,L.
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule. End of services. B
Climb Mount Kenya Kilimanjaro in Africa, 14-day