11 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Adventure & Maasai Mara Wildlife Safari

## Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Welcome to Kenya. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation after your journey. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, explore the city at your leisure, or make final preparations for the adventure ahead. With Mount Kenya awaiting, this evening is the perfect opportunity to organize your climbing gear and enjoy a comfortable night's rest before the expedition begins.

## Day 2: Nairobi to Sirimon Gate and Trek to Judmier Camp

After breakfast, depart Nairobi and travel north through Kenya's fertile central highlands to Nanyuki, the gateway town to Mount Kenya. Following lunch, continue to Sirimon Gate where your mountain adventure officially begins. The trail ascends gradually through dense montane forest alive with birdsong and wildlife before emerging into open heathland dotted with giant heathers and lobelias. As the air becomes cooler and the views more expansive, arrive at Judmier Camp, also known as Old Moses Camp, where you'll spend your first night on the mountain beneath the stars.

## Day 3: Judmier Camp to Shipton Camp

Today's trek takes you deeper into Mount Kenya's dramatic alpine wilderness. Crossing the Ontulili River, the trail winds through vast moorlands filled with giant groundsels and towering lobelias that create an almost prehistoric landscape. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular, with Mackinder's Valley opening up before you and offering stunning views of Mount Kenya's twin peaks, Batian and Nelion. Arriving at Shipton Camp, nestled beneath towering cliffs and glaciers, you'll have time to relax and absorb the beauty of the mountain environment.

## Day 4: Acclimatisation Day at Shipton Camp

To maximize your chances of a successful summit, today is dedicated to acclimatisation. Accompanied by your guide, you'll take a scenic hike to Kami Hut and the beautiful Hauseberg Lakes, gaining and losing altitude to help your body adapt to the thinner air. Surrounded by rugged mountain scenery and crystal-clear tarns, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Mount Kenya's unique ecosystem. The afternoon is reserved for rest and preparation as anticipation builds for the summit attempt scheduled before dawn.

## Day 5: Summit Point Lenana and Descend via Chogoria Route

The highlight of the mountain expedition begins in the early hours of the morning as you leave camp under a blanket of stars and climb steadily toward Point Lenana, the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking views stretching across the Kenyan highlands and, on clear days, as far as Mount Kilimanjaro. After celebrating your achievement, descend for breakfast before continuing along the spectacular Chogoria Route, widely regarded as the mountain's most scenic trail. Passing dramatic valleys, waterfalls, and the stunning Lake Michaelson, the day concludes at Mount Meru Bandas after a rewarding and memorable trek.

## Day 6: Chogoria to Samburu National Reserve

After completing the mountain trek, descend through lush indigenous forest before transferring to Chogoria Village and continuing north to Samburu National Reserve. The landscape changes dramatically from cool mountain forests to the semi-arid wilderness of Kenya's northern frontier. Arriving in Samburu, you'll embark on an afternoon game drive in search of the region's unique wildlife, including the famous Samburu Special Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. As the sun sets over the rugged landscape, settle into your lodge for the evening.

## Day 7: Full Day Exploring Samburu National Reserve

Spend a full day discovering the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives provide excellent opportunities to spot elephants gathering along the Ewaso Nyiro River, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos. The reserve's unique ecosystem supports species rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, making every game drive an exciting experience. Between activities, relax at the lodge and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness.

## Day 8: Samburu to Lake Nakuru National Park

Depart Samburu and journey south through Kenya's scenic highlands, stopping at the impressive Nyahururu Falls, where the Ewaso Narok River plunges dramatically into a forested gorge. Continue to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations and a renowned sanctuary for both black and white rhinos. The alkaline lake attracts large numbers of waterbirds, including flamingos that often create a striking pink fringe along the shoreline. An afternoon game drive introduces you to the park's rich wildlife before settling into your lodge overlooking the lake.

## Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Maasai Mara via Maasai Village

After breakfast, travel through the breathtaking Great Rift Valley toward the world-famous Maasai Mara. Along the way, enjoy views of Mount Longonot and the sweeping plains of southern Kenya. Before entering the reserve, visit a traditional Maasai village where you'll gain insight into the customs, traditions, and daily life of one of Africa's most iconic cultures. Witness traditional dances, explore authentic homesteads, and interact with community members before continuing into the Maasai Mara and checking into your lodge.

## Day 10: Full Day Safari in the Maasai Mara

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the legendary Maasai Mara, one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide the best opportunities to encounter the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and countless other species. The vast open plains support one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent, creating unforgettable safari moments at every turn. During the migration season, millions of wildebeest and zebra move across the ecosystem, creating one of the world's most spectacular natural events. An optional hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective over the endless savanna.

## Day 11: Maasai Mara to Nairobi and Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Maasai Mara and begin the journey back to Nairobi. Enjoy your final views of Kenya's countryside as you travel through the Great Rift Valley before arriving in the capital in the afternoon. Depending on your departure schedule, you may choose to enjoy an optional lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant before transferring to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your remarkable Mount Kenya and safari adventure to a close.