Nairobi to Old Moses Camp (3,300m) our Mount Kenya trek begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Nairobi to
3-4 hours Nairobi to Mount Kenya gates
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi, driving northeast through the fertile highlands of Nyeri and Meru counties. Mount Kenya's jagged twin peaks, Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), emerge above the cloud layer as you approach, their glaciers gleaming in the morning sun. Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest peak and the continent's most technically challenging major mountain. Arrive at the Sirimon Gate or Naro Moru Gate and begin the trail through the upper forest zone, dense with bamboo and Hagenia trees.
Continue the ascent through montane forest into the open moorland zone where giant lobelias and groundsels create one of the most surreal botanical landscapes on earth. These prehistoric-looking plants, found only on the high African volcanoes, can grow to six metres tall with spikes of flowers emerging from rosettes of giant leaves. Arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) or similar moorland camp and set up for the night.
The moorland at 3,300m is cold and often misty at night. Drink at least 3 litres of water to aid acclimatisation and eat a full dinner from your cook team. The night sky on clear evenings reveals the Southern Cross directly overhead. Tomorrow you climb toward the high-altitude zone and the technical approaches to the summit.
