Burguret - Chogoria Traverse

Duration: 6 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

> The real challenge
> This trek is most used by elephants
> For the real wilderness lovers

Going up this route is a challenge: rough underfoot, an overgrown track more used by elephants than humans, muddy when wet, no huts and with dense stands of giant bamboo and montane forest -why would you want to take it? Well it’s for real wilderness aficionados. The route was pioneered during colonial days and then abandoned for many years until it was re-opened in the early 90’s. It provides a unique and completely natural mountain trekking experience. Up to point lenana then descend on the chogoria route provides the most spectacular views and completes a traverse of Mount Kenya.

Gentle hike down a broad ridge enjoying magnificent views back up the valley to the Mt Kenya snowy peaks, and down to waterfalls, tarns and lava flows in the Gorges Valley itself. Overnight in the Meru Mt. Kenya cabins – log fires, hot showers, beds – and if the supply vehicles have made it up through the forest, Tusker beers! Wildlife viewing possible in evening with elephant and buffalo often grazing outside our cabins and a large numbers of forest and moorland birds.

Itinerary

Day
1

Nairobi – Giant Bamboo camp

Duration: 04:00 h
Transfer from Nairobi to Nanyuki for lunch. After lunch drive to Gathiuru forest station and a 4 hour ascent through dense stands of towering bamboo to a Giant Bamboo Camp at 2600m. Elephant and buffalo are common here.

Giant Bamboo Camp

Info
Giant Bamboo Camp
Day
2

Giant Bamboo – Highlands Castle

Duration: 06:00 h
The luxuriant bamboo yields to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest before we climb to the hagenia rosewood zone at the edge of the moorlands. This marks our lunch spot before heading up through the extraordinary giant lobelia and groundsels. We spend the night close to the sheer lava cliffs of the “Highland Castle” at 3700m. Today’s hike takes 5-6 hrs with an ascent of 1100m.

Highlands Castle

Info
Highlands Castle
Day
3

Highlands Castle – Shipton Camp

Duration: 06:00 h
Spectacular scenery as the jagged volcanic peaks and shimmering glaciers tower above our trek around the summit circuit. Turquoise tarns nestle in the valleys, eagles and buzzards soar overhead – it’s difficult to believe we’re on the equator! We might, for the first time, meet other trekkers here as we hike for 5-6 hours to overnight at Shipton Camp at 4200m.

Shipton Camp

Info
Shipton Camp
See entire itinerary

Included

  • Transfers

    All necessary transfers (bus, taxi, private transport, etc.) as described in the itinerary are included.

  • Accommodation in tents

    During your trek, you will stay in tents. The crew will take care of setting up all camping equipment.

  • Meals

    This trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Permits

    The cost of permits to enter the national park during your trek is included in the price.

  • Porters

    Porters will be there to assist with carrying all camping and other necessary equipment during your trek.

  • Water

    Enough drinking water will be provided during the trip.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Sleeping bag

    You must bring your own sleeping bag with you. You can rent a sleeping bag from your trekking company.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

FAQ

  • Mount Kenya Facts

  • What is the Best Season for a Mount Kenya Trek?

How to Book

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Sierd van der Bij
Sierd van der Bij
This trek is operated by
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