12-Day Kenya Safari & Mount Kenya Hiking Expedition: Big Five, Maasai Mara, and Summit Adventure

12 DAYS HIKING MOUNT KENYA

12 DAY SAFARI

This safari takes you through Central, Southwestern, Southern, and Rift Valley Kenya. You’ll have a chance to visit Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain offers stunning views and a variety of landscapes. You’ll also have a chance to see the Big Five as you embark on a safari to Maasai Mara.

DAY 01: NAIROBI – MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Depart Nairobi for Maasai Mara National Reserve and drive for about 4 to 5 hours. You’ll have a short stop over at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint before proceeding to Mara via Narok town. Arrive at Maasai Mara and check into your accommodation. Maasai Mara is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Embark on your first game drive looking out for the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. You’ll also see giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Dinner and overnight at Orngatuny Mara Camp.

DAY 02-04: MAASAI MARA

Start with a sunrise game drive. Early hours are prime for spotting predators like lions and leopards. Enjoy breathtaking sunrise over Mara plains. Visit a traditional Maasai village in the afternoon to learn about their customs and participate in activities like beadwork and traditional dances. Head out for another game drive focusing on different areas of the reserve. Enjoy a sundowner, a refreshing drink served in the bush while taking in the stunning views. You can also have an optional hot air balloon safari, which offers a unique perspective of the Mara and its wildlife. You will spend the next days exploring Maasai Mara Reserve.

DAY 05: MAASAI MARA – NAIVASHA

Drive to Lake Naivasha and check into your lodge. Lake Naivasha is home to a variety of wildlife including hippos, zebras, giraffes, and numerous bird species. Enjoy an afternoon guided boat ride on the lake looking out for hippos and a variety of bird species. This is a great way to experience the lake’s wildlife and scenic beauty. Explore Crescent Island on foot, a rare chance to walk alongside wildlife in a safe environment. You can also visit Hell’s Gate National Park if you have time. The Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including steep cliffs and deep gorges, the park also offers rock climbing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Dinner and overnight at Elmer Resort.

DAY 06: NAIVASHA – AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Drive from Naivasha to Amboseli National Park for about 4-5 hours. Arrive and check into your resort. Enjoy an afternoon game drive at the park. Amboseli National Park is renowned for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its diverse wildlife which includes large herds of elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The park has recorded over 400 bird species including kingfishers, pelicans, and the endangered Malagasy Pond Heron. Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Penety Resort.

DAY 07: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Spend a full day in Amboseli National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Visit Observation Hill [Normatior], a pyramid-shaped hill which provides panoramic views of the park, including swamps and herds of elephants. The hill is ideal for photography and birdwatching. Proceed to Sinet Delta, located near Observation Hill, this area is excellent for birdwatching and nature walks due to its thicker vegetation. You can also visit the Elephant Research Camp which provides insights into elephant behavior and conservation efforts. Dinner and overnight at your resort.

DAY 08: AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK – ABERDARE

Depart Amboseli and drive to Aberdare National Park for approximately 5-6 hours. Arrive at Aberdare and check into your lodge, which offer unique wildlife viewing experiences. Go on a game drive to spot elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Explore the park’s scenic landscapes, including waterfalls and dense forests. Dinner and overnight at the Tree Tops Lodge.

DAY 09: ABERDARE – MOUNT KENYA

Depart from Aberdare to Nanyuki for about 2 to 3 hours. Arrive at Mount Kenya, check in, and have lunch. Proceed for a guided horseback ride through the lush forests and scenic trails around the club. You might spot various animals such as zebras, antelopes, and even elephants. Horseback riding at the lodge is a memorable experience that combines adventure, nature, and relaxation. You can choose between one, two, or three-hour rides, carrying with you a picnic box. Head to Naromoru River Lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10-11: NGARE FOREST & LOLDAIGA HILLS

After an early breakfast, embark on a hiking activity on Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route. This is one of the most popular routes for hiking Mount Kenya. It offers stunning views and a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows. The trail is about 31.7 miles [51km] long and is known for its challenging but rewarding trek. Proceed to Loldaiga Hills for hiking. These hills offer a variety of trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The area is less crowded, providing a more serene hiking experience. You will also visit the Ngare Ndare Forest, this 450-meter-long canopy walk offers a unique perspective of the forest and its wildlife. The forest is also home to waterfalls and natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip. The forest also has several trails that take you through lush vegetation and offer opportunities to see elephants, gazelles, and various bird species. Dinner and overnight at Naromoru River Lodge.

DAY 12: MOUNT KENYA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, you’ll head back to Nairobi where our driver guide will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.

INCLUSIVE: Accommodation, Full Board Meals, Return Transport, Professional Tour Guide, Drinking Water

EXCLUSIVE: International Flights, Park Entry Fees, Tips, Personal Items, Self-Sponsored Activities

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE HIKE:

Mount Kenya, an extinct volcano and Africa’s second-highest peak, presents a formidable challenge and an exhilarating adventure for hikers around the world. With its majestic summit reaching 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), it beckons adventurers to explore its rugged landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

For those looking to embark on this journey, preparation is key. The trek involves navigating forest trails, alpine zones, and the three main summits – Lenana, Nelion, or Batian. The routes vary in difficulty, with Sirimon to Sirimon being the easiest and Chogoria to Sirimon presenting a more challenging path.

The mountain’s equatorial location subjects it to two distinct dry seasons, which are considered the optimal times for hiking. These periods, from July to August and November to February, provide the most favorable conditions for trekkers.

Conversely, the rainy seasons, which typically run from March to June and then again from September to October, are less ideal for hiking. The trails can become muddy and slippery, making the ascent more challenging and potentially hazardous. Additionally, the cloud cover is more likely to obscure the breathtaking views that make Mount Kenya a hiker’s paradise.

It’s also important to consider the temperature when planning a hike. As you ascend, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. The final campsites before the summit are known for their cold conditions, with temperatures potentially reaching as low as -15 to -20 degrees Celsius before sunrise.

Embarking on a hike up Mount Kenya is an adventure that requires not only physical and mental preparation but also the right gear. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, here is a comprehensive list of essential items you should consider packing: Hiking Boots, Layered Clothing, Sleeping Pad, Headlamp, Sunglasses and Sunscreen, Trekking Poles, Water Bottles or Hydration System, First Aid Kit, Snacks, Map and Compass/GPS, Hat and Gloves, Camera.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and your specific needs may vary depending on the route and season. Always consult with your tour operator or guide for personalized advice. Preparing the right gear is the first step towards a successful and memorable ascent of Mount Kenya. Happy hiking!