Walking in the Foothills of Mount Kenya
This wonderful low-cost 7 day safari is perfect for those wanting to experience the fantastic wildlife of Kenya within two varied locations – the lakeland region as well as the Masai Mara, renowned for stunning scenery and a profusion of animals. Travel is by private minibus (except airport transfers).
First spend two nights in Nairobi with time to visit the famous Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. Then travel to Lake Elementeita for 2 nights, see Lake Nakuru and continue to the Masai Mara for 2 nights. There is the option to add a beach extension on the Kenya Coast.
LENGTH
4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$2,486
Walking in the Foothills of Mount Kenya
This itinerary takes you strolling in the scenic eastern foothills of the mountain. There are some lovely trails through forested parkland to waterfalls and lakes and you can easily spend four days walking in this area enjoying the unique flora and fauna.
This is an ideal option if you want to experience some high altitude walking without the pressure of a summit trek. Several options on the route are available: you can base yourself at the Chogoria Bandas and walk every day, returning to your cottage each evening. You can spend the first night at the Bandas and then camp the next two at Lake Ellis. You can also have first night at the Bandas, second at Lake Ellis and the last at Bandas (this option is very suitable for clients who would like to catch the flight back to Nairobi from Nanyuki).
The best months for this trip are January to March, June, August and September avoiding the expected periods of heavy rain when access to the Chogoria Gate may not be possible.
LENGTH
4 NIGHT / 5 DAYS
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
ALL YEAR
FROM
US$2,486
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
Tour Experiences
Day 1
Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to Soames Hotel for 1 night including Lunch and Dinner. (Optional upgrade to Mount Kenya Safari Club).
Day 2
You are collected from Kongoni Camp, after an early breakfast, for the drive to Chogoria town (which takes about two and a half hours) where you rendezvous with your Landrover. It takes another two hours from Chogoria to reach the Park Gate (2,950 m), a slow, steep ascent up the mountain track through the forest of Meru oak, podo and ancient giant camphor.
Proceed to Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (Chogoria Bandas). On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own rooms with en suite bathrooms, and hot showers are available. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room.
Day 3
An early start, leaving at 7.30, to reach the spectacular Nithi Falls. This walk takes about two hours through forested glades to the moorland. After a welcome rest at the Falls, you walk across country for another two hours to reach Lake Ellis (3,405 m) in time for a late lunch. This will be your camp for the next two nights. After lunch, a relaxing afternoon spent by the lake. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 4
Now acclimatised, we’ll aim for the summit of flat topped Kiringo Hill with views of neighbouring Ithanguni and the main peaks in the distance. Today’s walk including a picnic lunch takes about six hours. There are more leisurely options such as strolling along the lakeside, or walking towards Mugi Hill to view the peri-glacial landforms. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 5
A very early start at 5.15 to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill. This is a gentle ascent taking about an hour with a welcome cup of tea at the top. As the sun rises, the dark silhouettes of Batian, Nelion and Lenana become warm terracotta coloured peaks dotted with snow and ice.
After breakfast, you walk back to the Gate and meet up with your Landrover and drive down the forest track to Chogoria town to meet your onward road transfer (approx 4 hours) to Nairobi.
Alternatively, transfer to Nanyuki area (approx 3 hours) and extend your trip with a few days on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before heading back to Nairobi.
Tour Experiences
Day 1
Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to Soames Hotel for 1 night including Lunch and Dinner. (Optional upgrade to Mount Kenya Safari Club).
Day 2
You are collected from Kongoni Camp, after an early breakfast, for the drive to Chogoria town (which takes about two and a half hours) where you rendezvous with your Landrover. It takes another two hours from Chogoria to reach the Park Gate (2,950 m), a slow, steep ascent up the mountain track through the forest of Meru oak, podo and ancient giant camphor.
Proceed to Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (Chogoria Bandas). On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own rooms with en suite bathrooms, and hot showers are available. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room.
Day 3
An early start, leaving at 7.30, to reach the spectacular Nithi Falls. This walk takes about two hours through forested glades to the moorland. After a welcome rest at the Falls, you walk across country for another two hours to reach Lake Ellis (3,405 m) in time for a late lunch. This will be your camp for the next two nights. After lunch, a relaxing afternoon spent by the lake. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 4
Now acclimatised, we’ll aim for the summit of flat topped Kiringo Hill with views of neighbouring Ithanguni and the main peaks in the distance. Today’s walk including a picnic lunch takes about six hours. There are more leisurely options such as strolling along the lakeside, or walking towards Mugi Hill to view the peri-glacial landforms. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Day 5
A very early start at 5.15 to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill. This is a gentle ascent taking about an hour with a welcome cup of tea at the top. As the sun rises, the dark silhouettes of Batian, Nelion and Lenana become warm terracotta coloured peaks dotted with snow and ice.
After breakfast, you walk back to the Gate and meet up with your Landrover and drive down the forest track to Chogoria town to meet your onward road transfer (approx 4 hours) to Nairobi.
Alternatively, transfer to Nanyuki area (approx 3 hours) and extend your trip with a few days on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before heading back to Nairobi.
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Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we'll make your African dreams a reality.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team. More about Rachel
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.com or call +1-250-588-9112
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let's embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Brad Wierman
Brad Wierman
Hello there, I'm Brad, and my safari odyssey began with my first expedition to Kenya in 1984. Since then, I've had the privilege of guiding and exploring various African destinations, from Tanzania to Ethiopia, Rwanda to Zambia, and beyond. Yet, after 34 years, East Africa still captivates me like no other. My most recent adventure here was in June 2018. As an Environmental Conservation major in college, I found my perfect match in Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts in Kenya are unparalleled. The moment you witness an elephant in the wild for the first time, you're irrevocably hooked, just as I was. Whether you're embarking on your inaugural safari or your tenth, I'm here to curate the ideal experience tailored to your expertise level, accommodation preferences, and budget.
I'm based in Bend, Oregon, and you can reach me at brad@gamewatchers.com or by calling +1 224-558-1887. Let's make your safari dreams come true!
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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.
