Mount Kenya Challenge

After breakfast, you will have a 4-hour transfer to Mountain Rock Lodge, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, your guides will take you on an acclimatisation walk to the Mau Mau caves in Mount Kenya Forest Reserve. These caves used to be the hideout by local freedom fighters that fought for independence in the colonial period. You will get your first feel of the abundance of birdlife, game and plants, with at least 11 unique species on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. You may see Colobus monkeys up in the trees and elephants and buffalo through the clearings. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Trek up the spectacular Mackinder Valley past strange giant groundsel and lobelia plants, to emerge onto what looks like a set from Star Trek - Shipton’s Campsite at 4,236m. This surreal setting sits below towering peaks and glaciers, with resident populations of bizarre rock hyrax and beautiful sunbirds. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

You will have an early start to reach Point Lenana at 4,895m for sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good moon, you’ll barely need a torch. Without a moon, the pollution-free sky, bang on the equator, gives you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth. The climb takes between 3 and 5 hours, and to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is usually visible on the horizon. A further 3 hours down to a late breakfast by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley. Then on to Michaelson - 4,000m to relax your tired legs. You are rewarded with a memorable stay at this site, with it’s dreamlike setting below the sheer 300m cliff of the Gorges Valley and fascinating views of the towering peaks and glaciers. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: Camping

Have a lie in and a relaxed breakfast before driving (approx. 4 hours) back to Nairobi. The transfer will do one drop off at Eka Hotel (for those extending their stay in Kenya, please note any hotel bookings for tonight have to be made by you) before dropping others off at the airport for the late evening flight back to London. Please note lunch and dinner are at your own expense today. (B)