Day 1: Start of the Burguret Route to Giant Bamboo Camp
Depart Nairobi early this morning and journey approx. 4 hours to the trailhead at Gathiuru Forest Station. Here you’ll meet with your crew, have a short briefing, and then begin your climb!
Today’s walk offers an easy start to the trek, with a 10km (approx. 4 hour) trek through dense bamboo forest to Giant Bamboo Camp at 2,600m. Elephant and buffalo are common in this region of the forest, which sees few walkers, so stick close to your guide and follow their advice in the event that you do encounter a wild animal.
NB. Your itinerary begins and ends in Nairobi. Please note that accommodation in Nairobi before/after the climb is not included but can be arranged on request. Unless arriving very early into Nairobi, a hotel night is usually a necessity. Transfers from your Nairobi hotel/airport to the trailhead are included in our climb rates.
Day 2: To Highland Castle
The luxuriant bamboo yields to enormous conifer trees and pencil cedar forest as we ascend to the hagenia rosewood zone at the edge of the moorlands, where we stop for lunch.
After lunch, we continue up through the extraordinary giant lobelia and groundsel zones. We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the “Highland Castle” at 3,700m. Today’s hike will take approx. 5-6 hours with an ascent of 1,100m.
Day 3: To Shipton’s Camp
Expect spectacular views of the jagged volcanic peaks and shimmering glaciers that tower above us as we trek around the summit circuit.
Turquoise tarns nestle in the valleys, while eagles and buzzards soar overhead – it’s difficult to believe we’re on the equator!
We might meet other trekkers (most likely for the first time during the climb) as we approach Shipton’s Camp, where we rest at an altitude of 4,236m.
Overnight at Shipton’s Camp.
Day 4: Summit Climb (4985m) – Nithi Camp
After the wilderness experience comes the highlight of the Mount Kenya trek: the stiff but exhilarating scramble by starlight to Point Lenana, “the trekkers’ summit”. We set off from camp at 4am, while it is still dark: head torches and warm clothing are essential!
We aim to reach the summit shortly after dawn. With luck, we shall be rewarded with a clear morning sky and views of the distant plains below and, further in the distance, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro.
Descend for approx. 3 hours. into the spectacular Gorges Valley and on to Halls Tarns for a hearty breakfast and short rest. Then down a further 3 hours, passing deep ravines, waterfalls and into the giant heather zone and Nithi Camp, where we rest tonight.
Day 5: To the Chogoria Gate & Transfer Out
Descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rainforest to meet with our driver and vehicle for the return journey to Nairobi, usually arriving mid to late afternoon.
The tour ends in Nairobi. We can arrange your accommodation in Nairobi if your flight schedule requires it (at additional cost), or transfer you to the airport if flying out this afternoon/evening.
Mt Kenya Burguret Wilderness Route (5 days)
Escape the crowds on this remote and adventurous route to Point Lenana.
Mt Kenya Burguret Wilderness Route (5 days)
The Mt Kenya Burguret Wilderness Route route was pioneered during the colonial era and then abandoned for many years before being re-opened in the early 90s. Gane and Marshall are one of a small number of companies to offer this unique wilderness route.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Private climb rate based on two climbers in a shared tent. For groups, or for solo climb rates, please refer to rates chart.
Pricing
5 days from £1715pp
Undiscovered Cambodia
The visit to Cambodia went extremely smoothly. We had an excellent guide and brilliantly safe driver.
