Climbing Mount Kenya | and safari in Nairobi National Park and relaxing in the Watamu resort
Travel dates: June 27 – July 10, 2027
For today, May 13, 2026, 10 places from 10 are available on this tour.
"Don't go to Africa for a walk, children!" wrote a famous children's poet. But maybe it's worth a try? Not just go on a tour, admiring the landscapes from a car or fenced-in observation decks, but actually walk, experiencing all the grandeur and beauty of nature, spending the night in tents under the starry sky somewhere at the latitude of the equator, and finding yourself at one of the continent's highest points. We invite you to join us on a climb of Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest mountain after the famous Kilimanjaro and Kenya's highest mountain.
A real hike awaits us, complete with backpacks and a tent. Unlike Kilimanjaro, where you can't take a single step without the accompaniment of a huge team of cooks and porters, Kenya offers the opportunity to climb independently, without forced service, and, therefore, more affordably and athletically.
We will climb one of Mount Kenya's three peaks, Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters. The climb requires no mountaineering skills, essentially being a trek accessible to anyone in good physical condition. Beyond the joy of reaching the summit, we'll enjoy stunning views of the African landscape (during the climb, we'll see a variety of natural zones, from forests and savannas to rugged mountain peaks), explore Kenya's capital, Nairobi, cross the equator in Nanyuki, and explore Kenya's rich wildlife on a safari in Nairobi National Park. For those looking to extend their journey and further enrich their Kenyan experience, we invite you to head to the ocean resort of Watamu after the climb, where you can enjoy a beach holiday amidst the most picturesque natural surroundings and explore fascinating natural and historical sites.
Trip organizers:
VIKTORIA SHATALOVA
Professional traveler, organizer of original trips with 16 years of experience. She has visited 37 countries around the world and 82 regions of Russia. Organizer and participant of numerous hikes, rafting trips, car trips, and ascents, including Elbrus from the east, the highest and most dangerous volcano in Eurasia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4,850 m), and Africa's highest peak, Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Read more
EVGENY ANDROSOV
Professional traveler, climber, mountain guide, and tour instructor with 35 -years of experience. I've visited every continent, 82 countries of the world, and 72 regions of Russia. I've organized hundreds of original trips, expeditions, hikes, and climbs, and created many new, unique tourist routes... Read more
Itinerary day by day:
Nairobi
We arrive in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and check into a hotel. You can arrive at any time, but if you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you'll have time to explore the city center and see its main attractions, such as the Jamia Mosque, the Basilica of the Holy Family, the Uhuru Gardens, the Jomo Kenyatta Monument, and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. We'll spend the night at a hotel in Nairobi. If you wish and have time, you can visit the National Museum of Kenya or the Nairobi Snake Park, a unique zoo dedicated to the study, conservation, and display of the rich diversity of snakes, as well as other reptiles and amphibians found in Kenya and other parts of Africa.
Nairobi - Nanyuki
We'll head to Nanyuki, the closest town to the starting point of our mountain trek. The drive will take about four hours. Situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, the town is notable for its location almost on the equator, allowing travelers to experience both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. A sign near the entrance to the town indicates the crossing of the equator. In Nanyuki, we'll stay at a hotel or guesthouse to rest before the trek begins and pack our bags.
Nanyuki - Sirimon Gate - Old Moses Camp
After breakfast, we'll drive approximately 30 km to the Sirimon Gate of Mount Kenya National Park, located at an altitude of 2,600 m above sea level. From here, our hiking journey begins. Today, we'll follow a road, first through picturesque forest, then through bamboo thickets, before emerging into more open, bushy terrain. Here, you'll encounter zebras, antelope, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Soon, snow-capped mountain peaks will appear ahead. We'll spend the night at Old Moses Camp, at an altitude of 3,300 m. The hike will be approximately 9 km, with an elevation gain of 700 m.
Acclimatization Hike Around Old Moses Camp
Today we won't be packing up camp, but will instead be taking a light walk around the area to acclimatize.
Old Moses Camp – Shipton Camp
We pack our bags, leave Old Moses Camp, and continue our climb. Today we have a long trek to Shipton Camp, located at 4,200 meters above sea level. The route promises to be interesting and scenic. We'll cross a couple of rivers, walk along the edge of swamps, and then find ourselves among the fascinating landscapes of the Mackinder Valley. The valley boasts magnificent views of the peaks of Mount Kenya, as well as its amazing vegetation, including giant lobelias and senecias. Shipton Camp is located in a picturesque location among high peaks and glaciers. We'll walk about 14 km, gaining 900 meters in elevation.
Shipton Camp - Point Lenana Peak - Old Moses Camp
We have an early start today, leaving camp around 3:30 AM to reach Point Lenana Peak, located at 4,985 m, by sunrise. An early start is necessary because the weather is usually clearer in the morning, increasing the chances of seeing panoramic views of the surrounding area from the summit, as well as admiring the stunning sunrise. We'll be climbing light, leaving our gear at Shipton Camp. The climb isn't technically challenging, only the relatively high altitude makes it difficult. Upon returning from the summit, we'll stop at Shipton Camp, grab a bite to eat, pack up, and then descend to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 m. We'll walk 4.5 km light and 14 km with backpacks. The climb is 700 m, and the descent is 1,600 m.
Old Moses Camp - Nairobi
We still have 9 km to go down to the Siramone Gate, from where a car will take us to Nairobi.
Overnight at a hotel in Nairobi. 700 m elevation loss.
Spare Day (Nairobi National Park Safari)
Spare Day. Mountain trekking always requires flexible planning; a spare day is provided in case of bad weather or a route change due to the participants' health. If a spare day is not needed, we will go on a safari in Nairobi National Park. Nairobi National Park is Kenya's first national park, located just 7 km from the capital.
The park covers an impressive area of approximately 117 square kilometers, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes: from open grasslands and acacia thickets to highland forests and river valleys along which the Mbagathi River flows. This diverse ecosystem is home to a rich variety of fauna. Around 80 mammal species live here, including lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species.
In addition to the safari, we will visit the Giraffe Centre, created to support the population of the endangered giraffe, the Rothschild's giraffe. Here you can observe giraffes up close and even hand-feed them.
Also of interest is the Nairobi National Park's elephant orphanage, where you can watch elephants being fed.
Overnight at a hotel in Nairobi.
Flight home or to Malindi
We'll head to the airport, where you can fly home or continue your Kenyan journey to the Indian Ocean coast. If you decide to continue your journey, we'll fly to Malindi Airport, from where we'll head to the village of Watamu (25 km from Malindi Airport), famous for its tropical white sand beaches, and check into a hotel on the beach.
Vacation in Watamu
The Watamu resort is primarily interesting because it is located not only in a beautiful location, but also within the Watamu Marine National Park. It is an ideal vacation spot for those who want to enjoy the peace and beauty of the ocean. It offers everything for relaxation, walks, and contemplation of nature. Mangrove forests, home to dozens of animal and bird species, stretch along the very edge of the beaches, while the coastal waters boast a stunning kingdom of coral reefs. For lovers of the underwater world, glass-bottom boat trips and dive safaris are organized here.
There are also interesting places for lovers of historical sites, such as the Ruins of Gede, an ancient city with a well-thought-out layout and even a plumbing system, believed to have been built in the late 13th century by the Swahili people but later abandoned.
In the neighboring town of Malindi, 25 km from Watamu, you can see the oldest Portuguese monument in Africa—a cross erected on the Vasco da Gama coast in 1498—and a Portuguese chapel. You can also visit a museum displaying unique collections of traditional musical instruments, household items, and rare goods once transported by sea.
In short, everyone can find something to enjoy here, and we are ready to help organize excursions.
Home
We're heading to the airport and flying home.
Organizational fee:
€
2390
€
2890 (with a rest at the sea)
The registration fee includes:
- Transfer from/to Nairobi Airport;
- Transport from Nairobi to Nanyuki and then to the starting point of the trek and back;
- Mount Kenya National Park permit;
- meals during the walking portion of the trip (hot breakfast and dinner, snack at lunch);
- accommodation in hotels or guesthouses during the stay in Nairobi and Nanyuki (4 nights), accommodation in tents during the walking portion of the trip;
- common camping equipment: tents, kitchen equipment, Gas;
- Electronic Travel Authorization (equivalent to a visa);
- Safari in Nairobi National Park, visit to the Giraffe Center and Elephant Orphanage.
- 24/7 guide/instructor service,
If you choose the Watamu vacation option, the price also includes:
- transfer to/from Malindi Airport;
- Accommodation in a hotel or guest house in Watamu (5 nights).
The registration fee is NOT included:
- Air tickets, including domestic flights;
- Meals in cafes and restaurants;
- Visit to the National Museum and Snake Park in Nairobi;
- medical insurance,
- tips for local guides, drivers, and other service personnel;
- Excursion program during your stay in Watamu;
- Clothing and personal equipment of participants;
- Visit to museums and attractions not listed in the program;
- other expenses not listed in the "included in the price" section
The ascent is not technically challenging and does not require any special mountaineering skills. However, reaching an altitude of almost 5,000 meters above sea level requires endurance and good physical fitness. Up to 4,200 meters, we will travel with a backpack (porters are not provided on this trek!), which also requires participants to have experience of independent mountain treks and be in adequate physical condition. Experience with climbing or trekking at altitudes above 3,500 meters is desirable. Accommodation along the route will be in tents. Meals: hot breakfast and dinner are prepared on stoves, and snacks (packed rations and tea) are provided for lunch.
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Even though Kenya is located at the equator, we're planning a mountain trek at an altitude of almost 5,000 meters above sea level, so it's important to carefully select your gear.
Temperatures during the trek can vary: at the foot of the mountain, it can be over 20 degrees Celsius, while at the summit, it'll be below freezing, and it can also drop below freezing at night.
Be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag (comfortable at -10 degrees Celsius and below), a warm down jacket, thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, thick windproof walking pants, and a jacket. Don't forget protection from rain and sun. You'll need comfortable, waterproof, and sufficiently warm trekking boots.
If you plan to head to the sea after the trek, don't forget several sets of summer clothes and swimwear. The coastline enjoys warm and even hot weather year-round, and the water temperature never drops below 20 degrees.
Equipment List:
- backpack (80-100 l) with rain cover;
- assault backpack 25-30 l;
- sleeping bag (comfort temperature -10 °C or lower);
- mat (foam or inflatable);
- seat pad;
- headlamp and spare batteries;
- thermos (1 l);
- water flag (at least 1 l);
- personal utensils (mug, spoon, bowl, knife);
- hat;
- lightweight headgear (cap/bandana);
- personal hygiene products, personal First aid kit;
- Repellent;
- Raincoat;
- Trekking poles;
- Worn-in mountain trekking boots with good tread, waterproof;
- Trekking shoes for the first days of the ascent (lighter boots or sneakers);
- Crocs or other similar rubber slippers;
- Warm down jacket (for -15°C or colder);
- Gloves;
- Thermal underwear;
- Several pairs of synthetic trekking socks;
- Wool socks;
- storm jacket with membrane - for protection from rain and wind;
- storm pants with membrane - for protection from rain and wind;
- fleece jacket;
- warm, windproof mittens, rated to -15°C;
- gaiters for protection from dust and snow;
- balaclava;
- T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt (2 pcs);
- mountaineering sunglasses (protection category 3-4);
- sunscreen (50+);
- lip balm;
- swimsuit/swimming trunks (if planning a trip to the sea).
Citizens of many countries do not require a visa to travel to Kenya. Instead, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on the official Kenyan government website. This must be done at least one week in advance. Please research entry into Kenya and, if required, obtain a visa or eTA.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Kenya.
All air tickets are purchased by participants themselves! This is now possible again – purchase tickets through aggregators in rubles using Russian bank cards. The trip organizer will provide detailed advice to each participant about the options for purchasing tickets, but participants are responsible for purchasing them.
It is best to bring cash in US dollars (issued no later than 2013); these can be exchanged for local currency on arrival. Foreign bank cards are accepted in shops, museums, and national parks. Payment via the M-Pesa mobile app is common, but a local SIM card is required. Cash can be useful for payments at small shops and markets, for tipping staff, and for paying for private tours or hotel services in Watamu. It's best to have small bills, as taxi drivers often don't have change.
Tipping is not obligatory in Kenya, but is considered a polite gesture of gratitude for excellent service. It's especially appreciated in safari and hotel settings.
1. If you are interested in this tour, leave a request through the registration form on this page or write to us at WhatsApp, Telegram or by email, we will contact you and answer all your questions.
2. To reserve a place, you must make an advance payment of 30% of the tour cost. The advance payment is made through the website (section Payment) and is refundable 45 days or more before the start of the tour and non-refundable, unfortunately, less than 45 days before the start, if the refund is related to your refusal to participate (for any reason). If the tour does not take place due to our fault, due to the group not being formed, or due to force majeure, the advance payment will be guaranteed to be returned to you in any case.
3. The final payment is made on the first day of the tour. You can pay using the QR code that the tour organizer will provide you, in cash, or through the website.
© The program description uses licensed stock photos from Shutterstock.