Detailed Itinerary

The safari adventure begins with a 1-hour 10-minute private flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Tumaren Airstrip, offering stunning views over conservation land. Upon arrival, Ella and Jack will greet the group before a short drive to Karisia’s main camp for lunch and introductions.

The retreat kicks off with a 4-day walking safari through the conservancy, starting at the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River, known for its rich wildlife. At the first camp, guests will meet the local team—cooks, camel handlers, and guides.

After settling into tents, guests will take a short walk to enjoy sunset drinks by the river, followed by a campfire-cooked dinner under the stars.

The day begins with an early morning walk along the river, watching birds and wildlife wake with the rising sun. After a healthy breakfast, the group continues on foot toward the next stop—Paul’s Camp.

The walk crosses open plains and bushland, where wildlife sightings may include zebras, oryx, gazelles, and possibly dik-diks, gerenuk, impalas, or lesser kudu.

By the time the group arrives at Paul’s Camp for lunch, the pack camels will have already set up most of the camp. After a relaxing break, the day ends with an optional climbing session on the area's stunning granite rocks.

Following another refreshing morning, the group sets off for the third camp near Nyasura, a striking rocky outcrop visible from miles away. This ancient, sacred site has been used for centuries as shelter, and evidence of early human activity—such as graves, flints, and stone tools—can still be found.

After lunch at camp, the afternoon is spent exploring Nyasura’s slopes, with opportunities for both adventure abseiling and more technical rock climbing, building on the skills learned at Paul’s Rock.

The day ends with a sunset gathering on top of Nyasura, offering spectacular views and a peaceful moment to reflect—while baboons wait below for their turn to sleep on the sacred rock.

On the final full day of the trip, the group will hike to their last campsite at Hassan Rock, a scenic spot offering a variety of 25-meter climbing routes suitable for both sport and top-rope climbing. After two days of practice, this day promises to be the most enjoyable, combining fun climbs with a chance to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. The journey to Mt. Kenya begins early the next morning.

Nanyuki to Chogoria Special Camp (2,530 m)

• Morning

  • Early breakfast at camp

  • Farewell to the Karisia Team

  • Begin 6-hour drive to Chogoria Gate

• Afternoon

  • Arrive at Chogoria Gate (start of Mt. Kenya trek)

  • Trek for approximately 2 hours through forested terrain

  • Reach Chogoria Banda’s / Special Camp (2,530 m)

  • Set up camp

• Late Afternoon

  • Optional acclimatization walk around the area

  • Take in views of the transition between Afro-alpine forest and moorland (weather permitting)

• Evening

  • Dinner at camp

  • Rest and prepare for the next day’s trek

Day Itinerary: Chogoria Special Camp → Lake Ellis (3,460 m)

Trekking time: ~4 hours
Altitude gain: ~930 meters

Morning

• Breakfast at Chogoria Special Camp

• Begin trek toward Lake Ellis

• Enjoy spectacular views of rolling hills and, weather permitting, snow-capped peaks of Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m)

Midday

• Arrive at Lake Ellis Camp earlier than previous day

• Lunch at camp

• Free time to relax and enjoy the scenic lakeside views

Afternoon / Evening

• Optional acclimatization hike up to Mugi Hill

  • Follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle

  • Aids with acclimatization for upcoming higher altitudes

• Return to camp for dinner and rest

Day Itinerary: Lake Ellis → Lake Michaelson (4,100 m)

Trekking time: ~5 hours
Altitude gain: ~640 meters

Morning

• Breakfast at Lake Ellis

• Begin scenic trek along a ridge overlooking the Gorges Valley

• Enjoy expansive views and changing landscapes as elevation increases

Midday

• Lunch break with a panoramic view overlooking Lake Michaelson

• Great opportunity for photos and rest

Afternoon

• Resume hike with a gentle traverse, followed by a descent to Lake Michaelson campsite

• Set up camp near the lake

Evening

• Optional: Explore the lakeside area or take time to rest and recover

• Dinner at camp and overnight at Lake Michaelson (4,100 m)

Day Itinerary: Lake Michaelson → Simba Col (4,550 m)

Trekking time: ~4 hours
Altitude gain: ~450 meters

Morning

• Breakfast at Lake Michaelson

• Depart around 9:00 AM for the trek to Simba Col

• Ascend steadily with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks

• Pass through rugged alpine terrain as you gain elevation

Midday / Early Afternoon

• Arrive at Simba Tarn Campsite (Simba Col)

• Camp will be pre-set, and lunch will be served upon arrival

• Rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit push the following day

Afternoon / Evening

• Relax and enjoy the views from high camp

• Early dinner and rest for an early summit start next morning

Day Itinerary: Simba Col → Point Lenana (4,985 m) → Austrian Hut (4790m)

Trekking time: ~7 hours
Altitude gain (to summit): +435 m
Descent: -195 m

Early Morning

• Start at 5:30 AM for a sunrise summit of Point Lenana (4,985 m)

• Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and—on clear days—even Mount Kilimanjaro

• Warm drink and photo opportunity at the summit

Morning / Midday

• Begin a short descent of 1hr to Austrian hut from the summit, where breakfast will be waiting.

• Arrive at camp and settle in, Rest, refuel, and prepare for the upcoming technical climb of Nelion and Batian via the South East Ridge.

Evening

• Gear check and briefing with your climbing team

Technical Climb Overview: The South East Ridge of Nelion to Batian – Mount Kenya

Nelion Route Overview (Southern Side via Austrian Hut)

• Access: Start from Austrian Hut

• Start Time: Very early, often before dawn with head torches

• Approach: Cross the boulder field at the Lewis Glacier’s foot, then scramble up scree to the climb base

Climbing Experience:

• The first pitches are physically demanding due to cold temperatures and the long day ahead

• Usually complete the first two pitches before first light

• After sunrise, climbing becomes more enjoyable as muscles warm up

• Key features along the route include:

  • One O’clock Gully

  • The Amphitheatre

  • De Graaf’s Variation (offers a mix of easy and challenging sections)

• Baillie’s Bivvy, a disused hut, marks the halfway point on this scenic route

Nelion to Batian Crossing & Howell Hut

• Howell Hut at Nelion’s summit can serve as an overnight bivvy, especially for climbers interested in crossing to Batian.

• The crossing via the “Gate of the Mists” involves:

  • A 35m descent off Nelion

  • Followed by a 70m climb to Batian’s summit

• Estimated time for crossing and return: 3–4 hours, highly dependent on ice conditions in the Gate of the Mists

Historical Significance

• The route was pioneered in 1929 by Eric Shipton and Percy Wyn-Harris

• This marked the first ascent of Nelion

• Eric Shipton, a coffee farmer in Kenya at the time, went on to lead many notable Himalayan expeditions, including reconnaissance trips on Mount Everest

• The route has since gained a rich climbing history

Timing:

• The ascent to Nelion’s summit typically takes 6–8 hours

Final Day Itinerary: Descent & Celebration

• Morning

  • Begin a slow descent down the Naro Moru route

  • Enjoy the final scenic trek and reflect on the journey

• Afternoon

  • Arrive at the trailhead

  • Transfer by vehicle to Soames Hotel

• Evening

  • Final celebratory dinner at Soames Hotel

  • Share memories and celebrate an amazing 10-day adventure together

Trip Conclusion & Departure

• After an incredible 10-day adventure, the group will be transported from Soames Hotel back to Nairobi.

• Overnight stay at Ol Sereni Hotel for one last evening of rest and reflection.

• On the 25th October, vehicles will pick up guests from Ol Sereni Hotel and transfer them to the airport according to individual flight schedules.