Trip Overview

Nairobi • Timau • Mount Kenya • Chogoria

Nairobi
Your journey begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and a hub of culture, modern life, and adventure. Here, you will meet your mountain crew, complete a full gear check, and prepare for a unique traverse across Mount Kenya. Nairobi’s energy sets the tone as you transition from the city to the remote northern plains and high alpine wilderness.

Timau Route
The Timau Route approaches Mount Kenya from the northern side, offering one of the least-traveled, most pristine, and visually expansive paths on the mountain. This side of Mount Kenya lies in a rain shadow, making it among the driest and most reliable for trekking.

The ascent through Timau features sweeping savannah plains, open moorlands, vast heather fields, dramatic rock outcrops, and high-altitude plateaus. The scenery is wide and panoramic, with unobstructed views of the main peaks Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana long before you reach the high alpine zone.

Because this route avoids dense forest and bamboo zones, wildlife sightings are common. You may see zebra, eland, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. Fewer hikers use Timau, making it ideal for those seeking solitude, raw landscapes, and a peaceful acclimatization experience.

Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters, is East Africa’s iconic stratovolcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for rugged peaks, deep glacial valleys, and alpine ecosystems found nowhere else in the world. Trekking across its northern slopes and descending through the dramatic eastern side provides full immersion into the mountain’s geological, ecological, and cultural diversity.

Your six-day traverse offers excellent acclimatization, a rare wilderness experience, and unforgettable views of the mountain’s major features, including high tarns, lava towers, ice-carved cliffs, and sweeping moorland vistas.

Chogoria Route
The Chogoria descent is one of Mount Kenya’s most scenic and dramatic sides. After summiting Point Lenana, you will descend through cliffs, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and the Gorges Valley, one of the mountain’s most striking landscapes. Along the way, you will pass Mintos Tarn, the Temple viewpoint, the Giant’s Billiards Table, Nithi and Vivienne Falls, and serene camps surrounded by wilderness. Together with the open northern plains of Timau, this traverse offers a visually stunning and diverse experience.

Point Lenana
Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters, is the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya. Starting before dawn, the summit push rewards trekkers with a spectacular sunrise over valleys, glaciers, and plains. The summit is accessible for fit hikers and does not require technical climbing.

What to Expect
The Timau–Chogoria Traverse is non-technical but moderately demanding, with long days at high altitude and varied terrain. You will experience expansive wilderness with few other trekkers, remote high-altitude camps, open moorlands, rocky ridges, and dramatic cliffs. Early starts are common for acclimatization and summit attempts. Throughout the trek, professional guides and porters manage safety, pacing, and support, ensuring a full north-to-east cross-mountain experience.

Preparing for Your Trek
This trek requires good fitness, mental readiness, and proper cold-weather gear. Essential items include layered clothing such as thermals, fleece, and waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, a warm hat, gloves, and a down jacket. Sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking poles, hydration systems, and a headlamp are also important. Altitude affects everyone differently, and weather can change quickly above 4,000 meters. With proper preparation, acclimatization, and teamwork, this traverse offers one of Mount Kenya’s most rewarding and immersive trekking experiences.

Itinerary

Who Should Go

The Timau–Chogoria Traverse (6 Days) is perfect for travelers seeking a remote, scenic, and less-crowded cross-mountain adventure on Mount Kenya. This trek suits:

• Fit and Active Adventurers
Ideal for those who enjoy long days of hiking and high-altitude trekking without the need for technical climbing.

• First-Time High-Altitude Climbers
The gradual ascent via Timau provides excellent acclimatization, making it achievable for beginners aiming for a near-5,000-meter summit.

• Wilderness Lovers
Experience wide-open, untouched landscapes with very few fellow hikers, immersing yourself in raw mountain beauty.

• Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
Capture dramatic cliffs, expansive moorlands, stunning sunrise views, and iconic landmarks such as the Gorges Valley and Mintos Tarn.

• Solo Travelers, Couples, and Small Groups
This trek is safe, fully guided, and well-supported, offering a peaceful and rewarding experience for all types of travelers.

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