Mountains of East Africa
Second possibly only to its unique and abundant wildlife, East Africas mountains offer mystical trekking opportunities to any adventurer up for a more physical challenge. Unique rift valley and volcanic geology combined with high altitude and equatorial location make for climbs like no where else in the world.
We arrange all-inclusive treks. Bring yourself and the gear that you own. We'll provide the rest. You will have a guide, a cook and porters to carry as much of your equipment as you want. We organize year round trips on any route. Although it may be worth avoiding the two rainy seasons (late march to mid-June and October to the beginning of December) when the routes becomes slippery. Probably the best time to visit is January to February and September to October when the weather is nice and the people are few.
Mt. Kenya
Mt. Kenya is the hightest mountain in Kenya, and the second-highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m - 17,058 ft), Nelion (5,188 m - 17,022 ft) and Lenana (4,985 m - 16,355 ft). Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150 km (95 miles) north-northeast of Nairobi. The area around the mountain is protected in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
Mt Kenya towers over the Northeastern side of the Great Rift Valley. We are especially passionate about Mt. Kenya as it is our home. Many of our guides grew up in the shadow of this mountain and have spent many days on its slopes. Rainforest, bamboo, tarns, alpine meadows, exotic high-altitude vegetation, sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles make a trek on this volcano one of the most unique mountaineering experiences in the world. Expert guides lead your group up less traveled routes, allowing adequate time for acclimatizing and simply taking in the view.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro (19340’) (5895) lies just 3 degrees south of equator and is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. It rises some (1500’) (4572m) above the surrounding plains and savannahs. The Kilimanjaro National Park covers some 1864 sq. km (720 sq. miles) The base of this immense mountain has diameter of 80 km (48 miles) and the outstanding features are its three major volcanic centers: Shira (416m) in the west. Mawenzi (5280m) to the east and the permanently snow-capped Kibo in the middle.
The Machame Route combines the beautiful and varied scenery with plenty of opportunities to acclimatize. Often called “Whiskey Route” this is a scenically beautiful trail, longer and much gentler than Umbwe or Marangu (the “coca cola Route”). Our itinerary provides valuable acclimatization by having extra, but shorter walking days during the trek.
This popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira needles. Strong groups could omit campaign at Karanga River. The Mweka Route is issued for the descent. Accommodation on the mountainous the tents that the porters will pitch for you. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is steep, tough trek within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
In climbing, the terrain passes from tropical to an artic clime in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying shambas and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lies the Alpine Meadow, beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as giant Lobelia and the folk-like Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50-70 years. Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and eventually the “snows of Kilimanjaro”.