Mount Kenya climbing combined with Samburu safari

Mount Kenya Climbing Sirimon Route

Day 1: Nairobi
Morning transfer from Nairobi, arriving at Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon is a nature walk (3-4 hours) through the forest to the MauMau caves, the former hideouts for Kenya's pre-independence guerrilla fighters who fought against the British colonial masters. The escort naturalist guide for the trek talks about their history and the flora and fauna of the forest. Dinner and overnight at Lodge.

Day 2: Sirimon
Depart at 1000hrs to be transferred to Sirimon Park gate. From here, hike through montane forest, bamboo and rosewood up to the OldMoses Hut, gaining an elevation range of 700m in 3-4 hours. Dinner and Overnight at OldMoses Hut (3300m)

Day 3: Shipton
Leaving early, we traverse the expansive moorlands carpeted with tussock grasses and dotted with the unique Giant lobelia and Senecio plants, crossing streams and valleys. Today' trek is largely through the Mackinder Valley, with good views of the main peaks and a brief stopover for picnic lunch. Total walking time is approx. 7 hours gaining 900m in altitude.
Dinner and Overnight at Shipton's Hut (4200m)

Day 4: Sirimon
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs, taking 3-4 hours to reach Pt. Lenana 4985m (the hikers summit) in time to watch the sunrise. On a clear day you can see the snow capped summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro miles away to the south. Descend back to Shipton's camp for breakfast. The a further descent to Sirimon Park gate, pick up and transfer back to Mountain Rock Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5
Morning at leisure. Chance for horse riding, nature walks, sport fishing, boating etc. Lunch then proceed to Samburu arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Full Day at Samburu
Full day spent in Samburu with early morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu Game Reserve, which covers 40 square miles (104 square kilometers). Ololokwe Table Mountain forms a dramatic backdrop to our game viewing. Samburu is also home to the third of Kenya's giraffe species - the rare Reticulated Giraffe (only found in the Northern parks). This is also where you see the blue-legged Somali Ostrich, the long-necked Gerenuk gazelle and the straight-horned Beisa Oryx antelope. Dinner and overnight at the Samburu lodge {B, L, D}

Day 7: Samburu - Aberdares
After breakfast, depart for Nyeri to arrive in time for lunch at the Outspan Hotel. At 14:00 transfer to the Treetops Hotel in the heart of Aberdares Forest National Park where you get to watch the animals at the Salt Lick from the comfort of your room window or hotel lobby. Dinner and overnight at the Treetops Tree Hotel. Meal plan: {B, L, D}

Aberdares National Park has a diverse topography that includes icy rivers, spectacular waterfalls and rain forests. The flora and fauna is quite unique and is not found elsewhere in the country, expect on Mount Kenya. Leopard, elephant, serval, waterbuck, reedbuck, dikdik, rhino and the rare bongo can all be found here. You are sure to see elephants, buffalos and some other animals at the floodlit waterholes of The Ark. Birdlife is also plentiful, including the monkey eating crowned eagle. Dinner and overnight at The Ark

Day 8: Aberdares - Lake Nakuru
After breakfast depart for Lake Nakuru National Park home to greater and lesser Flamingos. Lunch at the park with an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge. Meal plan: {B, L, D}

Lake Nakuru's claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo's and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 9: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
After early breakfast, depart for Masai Mara arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, afternoon game drive exploring the plains and rolling hills for a chance to spot black-manned lion, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, and leopard with varied species of hoofed animals. Dinner and overnight at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge. Meal plan: {B, L, D}

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sarova Camp or Masai Mara Sopa Lodge

Day 10: Maasai Mara - Nairobi
Another early morning game drive in Mara, then depart after breakfast and drive back to Nairobi arriving approx. 13:00hrs. Drop at your hotel or transfer to the airport for onward flight home.
Approx transit time: 5½ hrs
Meal plan: {B}