In July/August 2015, working as an Expedition Leader for World Challenge Expeditions, I lead an expedition to Kenya and the summit of Mt Kenya 

For photographs of this expedition see Kenya

This expedition is arranged by World Challenge

We arrive in Nairobi, and transfer by bus to our campsite near Nakuru and settle in. The next day we meet a local mpishi (Kenyan Chef) and go to local market to buy food supplies then back to camp for cooking lessons!

Mount Longonot Trek. Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano which was created during the massive eruptions which formed the Great Rift Valley. Climb to the crater rim at 2,776m and walk the full 2km rim circuit then head to camping spot on the shores of Lake Naivasha.

Hell’s Gate Trek. Head to Hell’s Gate National Park. The scenery here is dramatic with 52 square km of ochre soils, leleswa woodland and savannah grasses to explore. Hike through the Njorwa Gorge amongst local wildlife of zebras and giraffes.

Return to camp at Lake Nakuru for some R&R and safari. Lake Nakuru is famous for its large population of pink flamingos and is also home to hippos, giraffes, impala, zebra, rhinos, lions, leopards, baboons, pythons and waterbuck.

Spend time in a local community on project.

Stock up on supplies in Nakuru then travel to Chogoria to begin the trek up Mount Kenya.

Mount Kenya (4,985m) is Africa’s second highest mountain. It combines high altitudes with extremes of temperature! We ascend via the Chogoria route starting with an 8km hike from the forest gate through the Mount Kenya Forest to a prominent clearing where we camp for the night. The next day we hike a further 7km to Lake Ellis where we camp for a second night. On the third day we hike to the southern side of the lake over a ridge line and descend into the Hinde Valley. Day 4 and we climb out of the valley towards the main Chogoria and camp at the Mintos Hut. Up early for summit day 5 and climb to Point Lenana in time for sunrise then back down to Shipman\’s camp for breakfast before continuing down the Sirimon route to the park gate and thence onto Nanyuki.

Travel to Sagana for some R&R and next day white-water rafting on the Tana River then a barbeque dinner to finish the day. 

Finally return to Nairobi for the journey home.


Steve

Steve holds the prestigious International Mountain Leader Award and also the Summer and Winter Mountain Leader Awards. He is a full member of BAIML and an adviser to Mountain Training UK&I. Steve has travelled extensively on six continents and has a wide experience, gained over more than thirty five years, of explorations and leading expeditions in remote environments on land – trekking in mountains, jungles, deserts and safaris and on water – rafting and canoeing. He works with his own clients and travel companies and takes adults and children on amazing adventures around the world. He has trained at and been assessed by Britain’s National Mountain Centres who are world class in the instruction and coaching of outdoor professionals. Steve is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Accredited Expedition Assessor. He trains, supervises and assesses candidates on Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Expeditions. He is a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, has an enhanced DBS disclosure and his own public liability insurance.