5 Days Mara & Lake Country Horizons Safari
Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport · Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Lake Nakuru National Park · Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
A Scenic Mount Kenya Traverse to Point Lenana Summit
Trek Mount Kenya via the Chogoria–Sirimon Route
Spot possible wildlife and distinctive mountain birdlife
Summit Point Lenana at 4,985 metres at sunrise
Experience Lake Ellis, alpine valleys and dramatic peaks
Trek with expert guides, porters and dedicated support
Enjoy a professionally planned private Mount Kenya adventure
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), you will be warmly welcomed by your Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Nairobi. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your upcoming Mount Kenya trekking adventure. Your mountain guide can meet you for a detailed trek briefing, equipment check and final preparations, including an overview of the Chogoria–Sirimon Route, altitude considerations and what to expect during the mountain journey.
Elevation: Approx. 1,795 m / 5,889 ft
Distance: Airport transfer only
Hiking Time: None
Habitat: Nairobi highland environment
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel towards Chogoria, the starting point for the scenic eastern approach to Mount Kenya. After completing the necessary park arrangements, continue towards the mountain trailhead and begin your trek through lush montane forest and bamboo zones.
The trail gradually gains elevation as you move deeper into the Mount Kenya ecosystem, with opportunities to observe forest birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Continue towards Meru Mount Kenya Bandas, where you will settle into your mountain accommodation and enjoy dinner in the peaceful forest environment.
Start Elevation: Approx. 1,795 m / 5,889 ft
Trek Start Elevation: Approx. 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
End Elevation: Approx. 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km / 6–7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest and bamboo forest
Accommodation: Meru Mount Kenya Bandas
After breakfast, continue your Mount Kenya Chogoria Route trek through increasingly open mountain landscapes. The trail leads towards Lake Ellis Camp, passing through highland forest, moorland and scenic valleys with impressive views of Mount Kenya's rugged terrain.
As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more open and distinctive, with giant groundsels, lobelias and other characteristic high-altitude flora appearing along the trail. Continue towards the shores of Lake Ellis, where you will establish camp and enjoy the spectacular mountain surroundings.
The peaceful alpine setting provides an excellent opportunity to relax, photograph the landscape and prepare for the higher-altitude trekking ahead.
Start Elevation: Approx. 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
End Elevation: Approx. 3,460 m / 11,352 ft
Distance: Approx. 9–10 km / 5.5–6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland and Afro-alpine environment
Accommodation: Lake Ellis Camp
After breakfast, leave Lake Ellis Camp and continue towards the higher mountain zones. The trail becomes more rugged as you ascend through alpine terrain, with dramatic cliffs, valleys and expansive views across the surrounding landscape.
Continue towards Mintos Camp, one of the high-altitude camps used on the Chogoria approach. The area offers spectacular views of Mount Kenya's main peaks and surrounding valleys and provides a memorable wilderness setting before the summit attempt.
Your mountain guide will maintain a steady pace and monitor your wellbeing as the altitude increases. Once at camp, enjoy a warm meal, rest and prepare for the early-morning ascent to Point Lenana.
Start Elevation: Approx. 3,460 m / 11,352 ft
End Elevation: Approx. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Distance: Approx. 10–12 km / 6–7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Afro-alpine zone and high-altitude moorland
Accommodation: Mintos Camp
Wake before dawn for the most challenging and rewarding stage of your Mount Kenya trek. Begin the ascent from Mintos Camp in the early morning darkness, heading towards Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya.
With favourable weather and conditions, aim to reach Point Lenana around sunrise. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views across Mount Kenya's dramatic peaks, valleys and surrounding landscapes before beginning the descent.
After the summit experience, cross towards the Sirimon Route and descend through the high-altitude moorland. Continue towards Old Moses Camp, where you will settle in for a well-earned rest after your summit day.
Start Elevation: Approx. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Summit Elevation: 4,985 m / 16,355 ft
End Elevation: Approx. 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
Distance: Approx. 14–18 km / 8.7–11.2 miles
Hiking Time: Approx. 9–12 hours
Habitat: Afro-alpine zone, moorland and upper mountain slopes
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the changing landscapes of the Sirimon Route. The trail gradually moves from open moorland towards bamboo and forest zones as you lose altitude.
Continue towards Sirimon Gate, where you will complete the necessary park exit arrangements and say farewell to your mountain guide, porters and support crew.
Your private driver will then meet you for the journey back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a comfortable evening recovering after your Mount Kenya summit adventure.
Start Elevation: Approx. 3,300 m / 10,827 ft
End Elevation: Approx. 1,795 m / 5,889 ft
Distance: Approx. 9 km / 5.6 miles trekking
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland, bamboo and montane forest
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Nairobi before your scheduled private transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your flight home or onward journey.
Depending on your travel plans, you may continue your East African adventure with a wildlife safari, cultural experience or relaxing beach holiday.
For travellers combining mountain trekking with wildlife, Pita Safaris can also arrange a personalised East African safari extension following your Mount Kenya adventure.
Departure: Nairobi
Destination: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or onward destination
Transfer: Private road transfer
Accommodation: Optional Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Key reserves, habitats, and wildlife encounters on this safari route
The ideal months for wildlife viewing and safari experiences in East Africa
Comfortable Nairobi hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Breakfast and dinner at the Nairobi hotel as indicated in the itinerary
Full-board meals during the mountain trek
Private Nairobi airport and scheduled hotel transfers
Professional English-speaking Mount Kenya mountain guide
Experienced mountain porters, trekking cook and support crew
Chogoria–Sirimon Route trekking and applicable Mount Kenya park fees
Mountain accommodation at Mount Kenya Bandas, Lake Ellis, Mintos Camp and Old Moses Camp
Guided Point Lenana summit attempt at 4,985 metres
Drinking water during the mountain trek
Pre-trek briefing and equipment check
Mountain rescue and emergency support arrangements as applicable
Government taxes and statutory levies
International and domestic flights unless specified
Kenya visa and travel documentation
Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
Personal trekking and mountain equipment
Sleeping bag rental if required
Alcoholic and other personal beverages
Laundry, telephone charges and other personal expenses
Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, cooks and support crew
Optional Nairobi activities and excursions
Additional accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary
Personal emergency evacuation costs not covered by applicable arrangements
Other services, activities or expenses not specifically listed as included
Common questions about this safari itinerary and travelling with Pita Safaris
Explore the beauty of our safari destinations through our photo gallery
Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport · Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Lake Nakuru National Park · Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport · Arusha · Rongai Gate · Simba Camp · Kikelewa Camp · Mawenzi Tarn Camp · Kibo Camp · Uhuru Peak · Horombo Camp · Marangu Gate · Arusha · Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kenya
Nairobi · Masai Mara National Reserve · Lake Nakuru National Park · Nairobi