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Walking in the Foothills of Mount Kenya

This relaxed itinerary invites you to explore the scenic eastern slopes of Mount Kenya on foot. Meander along forested trails through peaceful parkland, discovering alpine lakes, waterfalls, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. With no summit pressure, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy high-altitude walking in a more leisurely and immersive way.

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.

  • Nature’s Majesty: Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Mount Kenya’s eastern foothills, surrounded by ancient forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

  • Chasing Waterfalls: Discover the hidden wonder of Nithi Falls, tucked within forested glades—perfect for a refreshing break on your scenic hike.

  • Lakeside Escape: Camp beside the tranquil shores of Lake Ellis, a stunning alpine lake where you can unwind, explore, and enjoy starry night skies in true wilderness.

  • Sunrise Summits: Greet the dawn atop Mugi Hill, savoring panoramic views of Mount Kenya’s towering Batian, Nelion, and Lenana peaks bathed in golden morning light.

  • A Memorable Finale: Bid farewell to the mountain with a peaceful descent through forests and parklands—then continue your Kenyan adventure with an optional safari at Porini Rhino Camp.

Rates Inclusive of:

  • Accommodation on the mountain, camping in two-man tents, overnight(s) at the Chogoria Bandas near the Chogoria Gate and pre- and/or post-trip overnights at local hotel in Nanyuki (Soames Hotel, subject to availability).

  • All meals and drinks on the mountain (except beer and sodas which can be bought at lower altitude camps).

  • Services of Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, Server and Porters (incl. porters’ tips).

  • Transfers from Nanyuki Airstrip to local hotel, local hotel to Sirimon or Chogoria park gates and Sirimon, Chogoria or Naro Moru Park gates back to Chogoria town or Nanyuki.

Rates Exclusive of:

  • Comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for trekking at 3,000 metres and above.

  • AMREF membership.

  • Return transfers: Nairobi-Nanyuki Airstrip.

  • Personal equipment hire (e.g. sleeping bag, waterproof clothing).

  • Tips for Head Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook and Server.

NOTE: Mount Kenya Park and Camping fees not included as these can be paid for direct online.

For more information download the Safari Pricing Guide (PDF) – A detailed breakdown of the safari rates, inclusions, and key details. 

LENGTH

4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

JAN-MAR / JUN/ AUG-SEP

FROM

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.

  • Nature’s Majesty: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Mount Kenya region, surrounded by ancient forests and pristine landscapes.
  • Chasing Waterfalls: Embark on a memorable journey to the stunning Nithi Falls, a hidden gem nestled within the forested glades, offering a refreshing oasis.
  • Lakeside Retreat: Experience tranquility by the picturesque Lake Ellis, your campsite for two nights, where you can unwind, explore, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
  • Summit Serenity: Conquer Kiringo Hill and Mugi Hill, enjoying panoramic views of the magnificent peaks of Batian, Nelion, and Lenana, all bathed in the soft hues of dawn.
  • A Memorable Finale: Witness the sun’s first light touch the iconic Mount Kenya before bidding farewell to this extraordinary adventure, with the option to extend your journey on safari at Porini Rhino Camp.
  • Flight from Nairobi Wilson airport to Nanyuki and transfers to camps/lodges. 
  • Kongoni Camp for 1 night (Full Board, excludes drinks)
  • 3 nights at the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (Chogoria Bandas), all meals and drinks (except beer and sodas payable at camp)
  • Last day transfer from park gate to Chogoria town (change vehicle) and transfer to Nairobi in Minibus vehicle.
  • Mount Kenya Park fees, services of a guide, assistant guide, cook and porters (incl porters’ tips), all government accommodation taxes and AMREF flying doctors cover.

Quoted on a trip-by-trip basis as each trip can have slightly differing requirements, please contact us for more information on this tour.

LENGTH

4 NIGHT / 5 DAYS

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT

JAN-MAR, JUN, AUG-SEP

FROM

Itinerary in Detail

DAY BY DAY

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Tour Experiences

Day 1

Our Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on B&B rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.

Day 2

Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wifi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.

Day 3

After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you fly camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.

Day 4

An early start at 5.30 a.m. to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill (3,480 m). 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 transform into warm terracotta-coloured peaks. You return to camp for breakfast and then walk back to the Bandas via the Nithi Falls if you didn’t visit them on the previous day. You stay overnight at the Chogoria Bandas.

Day 5

After an early breakfast, you drive to Chogoria town and then continue on to Nairobi via Embu. This vehicle transfer takes about 5 hours.

Alternatively, transfer to Nanyuki area and extend your trip with a few days on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before heading back to Nairobi.

Tour Experiences

Day 1

Our Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel.  You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on B&B rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.

Day 2

Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wifi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.

Day 3

After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you fly camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.

Day 4

An early start at 5.30 a.m. to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill (3,480 m). 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 transform into warm terracotta-coloured peaks. You return to camp for breakfast and then walk back to the Bandas via the Nithi Falls if you didn’t visit them on the previous day. You stay overnight at the Chogoria Bandas.

Day 5

After an early breakfast, you drive to Chogoria town and then continue on to Nairobi via Embu. This vehicle transfer takes about 5 hours.

Alternatively, transfer to Nanyuki area and extend your trip with a few days on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before heading back to Nairobi.

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