A Brand New You Awaits At The End Of The Beginner To Mt Kenya Training Program
Everyone deserves a chance to push themselves beyond their normal limits. As part of our #Resolutions2024 campaign, we invite you to take up the challenge in our Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days program. Nudge your adventure bug to bite and see yourself walk to Point Lenana at the end of the Mount Kenya training program.
In the program, we make the trek step by step towards your goals as we challenge ourselves to set new personal milestones and encourage you to do the same. The Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days program is a 13-week, 7-event outdoor fitness course, specially designed to meet the needs of a beginner, and get them to Mt Kenya Point Lenana in 90 days. The Mt Kenya training course features six prep hikes with increasing difficulty, targeted toward building resilience.
Beginner to Mt Kenya in 90 Days Core Features
6 Preparatory Hikes
One every two weeks, thoughtfully selected with increasing difficulty and intensity to prepare you for the arduous climb.
4 Days Mt. Kenya Chogoria Route
Allows for gradual altitude acclimatization while delivering breathtaking views on the most scenic route.
Dedicated Progressive Training
In-person off the trails, in a dedicated WhatsApp group, and in periodic virtual group discussions.
Other Features of the Beginner to Mt Kenya Program
Flexible Payment Plan
In four installments, so you can test the waters comfortably--although we know you will sail through to the end.
Vibrant Community
And a chance to form lifelong friendships and networks as you journey together in the outdoors for 3 months.
A Journey Back to You
It's really a journey to rediscover who you were before you forgot who you were. And that's the essence of our tagline "Unlock Your Mountain."
Right from the start, we will show you how to walk outdoors, and everything that is required for your survival and safety–from keeping yourself safe on the trails to selecting proper gear. We’ll be there with you every step of the way. This ensures that you take consistent steps towards harnessing the power of walking outside for your fitness goals, and on the 90th day, you’ll stand on top of Mt. Kenya itself!
Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days Program Schedule
Introduction to Hiking
3 Hikes:
- Kilimambogo
- Ngong Hills
- Mount Longonot
High Altitude Hiking
2 Hikes:
- Elephant Hill
- Mackinders Quest
Altitude Acclimatization
1 hike:
- Mt. Satima Dragon's Teeth
Reach Your Goal
Attempt the climb to Mount Kenya Point Lenana via the most scenic of Mount Kenya routes.
We kick off the program with a one-hour virtual session four days before the first event. The session’s goal is to get acquainted with the team and get a run-through of the program and what to expect. This will include Q&A.
2024 Dates: Sep 24
Our maiden hike to Kilimambogo is a moderate 12km hiking experience meant to spark your interest in outdoor fitness life. The hill is located along the Thika-Garissa highway, within the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
2024 Dates: Sep 28
We proceed to a two-hour orientation session at The Nairobi Arboretum, where you get to be introduced to the hiking gear you will need along the way. You shall also be taken through the dos and don'ts of hiking--rules and guidelines to keep you safe, alive, and well on the trails.
2024 Dates: Sep 29
On our second hike, we set out to discover the magic of the Ngong Hills. Our hike up starts at the northern foot of the hills at the Ngong Gate, covering 6km to the top of the highest hill. With a gradual incline up and down the undulating landscape, the Ngong Hills hike treats you to panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges, all while allowing you to settle into the hiking life.
2024 Dates: Oct 12
Our third hike takes us to our first mountain, Mount Longonot. The trail starts at the mountain's base, rising steeply on a 3.1km stretch to the crater rim, then covering 7.2km around the crater. Our hike ends back at the gate, covering 13.5km in total.
2024 Dates: Oct 26
Beginner to Mt. Kenya Phase 2: High-Altitude Hiking
Having understood what hiking entrails, gear and layering in the the first phase of the Beginner to Mt Kenya training program, we venture into the high-altitude trails, where we learn how our bodies adapt to changes in elevation, understand altitude sickness, and get to understand layering at a deeper scope when exposed to harsh mountain weather.
As we graduate to the high-altitude trails, our first expedition takes us to the notorious Elephant Hill in Southern Nyandarua. This strenuous hike will introduce you to the unpredictable, harsh weather conditions at higher altitudes and deliver a new experience hiking through the various montane vegetation zones, in preparation for the Mt. Kenya climb.
2024 Dates: Nov 9
Slightly under a month to achieving our end goal in the Beginner to Mt Kenya training program, we will go on a unique mission to set our eyes on the prize.
Our 20km Mackinders hike starts at Met Camp on Mount Kenya Naromoru route, aiming to get to Mackinders Camp.
This is a crucial event in the Mount Kenya training program. Here, we get to experience altitude sickness symptoms to enable us to identify and report the symptoms long before they become severe at the Main Mount Kenya climb.
2024 Dates: Nov 23
Having acquired some hiking experience over the last two months, we shall now begin preparing for the Mount Kenya climb awaiting at the end of the month. In the two-hour session at The Nairobi Arboretum, we will dive in-depth into the mountaineering gear features and usage so you are better informed as you plan for shopping. We will also get a briefing on safety and emergency preparedness and engage in a Q&A session.
2024 Dates: Nov 24
Rising to an altitude of 4,001m above sea level, Ol Donyo Lesatima is the highest of the Aberdares peaks and the third-highest mountain peak in Kenya. On our final preparatory hike, we will set out on the reasonably gentle, magnificent Dragon's Teeth trail, hoping to conquer ourselves on Satima Peak. We save the best for last--and the relative ease ensures we are all adequately acclimatized before the Mt Kenya expedition four days later.
2024 Dates: Dec 7
Having put in the work, the D-Day is now with us! We have achieved hiking mastery, we understand how our bodies adapt to changes in elevation, we have an immense understanding of gear and layering to keep us protected from the elements; it is now time to undertake the pilgrimage to the highest point reachable on foot in Kenya!
Our route of choice is the magical Chogoria Route, which allows for the best altitude acclimatization while delivering breathtaking views throughout the climb. We hope to come out of the mountain with our hearts fuller and our souls richer, having completed the Beginner to Mt Kenya program.
2024 Dates: Dec 12-15
Compare with our other programs
Rookie to Advanced Hiker in 12 Weeks
Learn to Hike
- 6 thoughtfully chosen hikes
- 2 Virtual learning sessions + 1 physical learning session
- Dedicated WhatsApp group
- 1:1 Matching with a personal coach
Beginner to Mt. Kenya in 90 Days
Learn to hike + Climb Mt. Kenya
- 6 thoughtfully chosen hikes + 4 Days Mt. Kenya Chogoria Route
- 3 Virtual learning sessions + 2 Physical learning sessions
- Dedicated WhatsApp group
- 1:1 Matching with a personal coach
Mount Kenya Crash Program
30 Days to Pt. Lenana
- 2 high-altitude prep hikes
- 4 Days Mt. Kenya Sirimon Route
- Personalized guidance on gear
- Dedicated WhatsApp Group
Some Thoughts From Our Community
Charges, Package & Cancellation Policy
Beginner to Mount Kenya Charges
- Kenyan Citizens & East Africans: Ksh 61,500/=
Due to a pending court determination on the proposed increase in 2024 KWS conservation fees, we presently do not have a subscription package for foreign residents.
At this time, foreign residents who wish to participate in the program shall get a customized plan billed per event.
Payment Plan
- Pay Ksh 9,500 non-refundable booking deposit.
- 2nd Installment: Ksh 18,000 by the end of the first month.
- 3rd Installment: Ksh 17,000 by the end of the second month.
- 4th Installment: clear the balance three weeks before the Mount Kenya climb.
Mpesa Buy Goods till 989985
Beginner to Mount Kenya Package Includes
- Progressive training throughout the course of the program:
- Training materials and discussions in a WhatsApp group
- Three virtual Q&A group calls
- Two one-on-one hands-on gear sessions at the Nairobi Arboretum
- Unlimited consulting with various Outdoorer Champions
- Transport from Nairobi and back for all events
- Park fees & charges at all events
- Guide services at all events
- Paramedic services at all events
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits at the day hikes
- Services of a professional team of guides, cooks, and porters at Mt. Kenya
- Full-board accommodation in a standard two-man tent and a standard camping mat at Mt. Kenya -- two people sharing a tent.
A private tent may be requested at an extra cost. However, we strongly discourage using a private tent for safety reasons. Altitude sickness commonly develops at night, therefore it is safer to have someone with you.
Package DOES NOT include
- Hiking gear, clothes, and other personal effects
- Sleeping bag and porter's backpack
- Anything else not mentioned in the 'Package Includes' list
Click here for the Mt. Kenya Gear Checklist.
See this detailed gear guide as well.
Other costs you will incur in the Mount Kenya training program
- Hiking gear: second-hand hiking gear - Ksh 25,000-40,000; brand new hiking gear - From Ksh 80,000/=
- Mandatory air evacuation cover at the Mount Kenya expedition - Ksh 3,900 (if you have your own, please confirm ahead of travel that it covers air evacuation during mountaineering activities at elevations above 3,000m ASL).
- Tips at the Mount Kenya expedition - from Ksh 2,000
Beginner to Mount Kenya Training Program Cancellation and Refunds Policy
– The booking confirmation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to a future event or program.
– The booking and booking confirmation deposit are transferrable to a different person on or before the program start date.
– Where cancellation is requested on or before the program start date, Ksh 9,500 or 15% of the program cost, whichever is higher, will be retained from the sum paid up. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested after the program start date, and on or before day 70 of the program, Ksh 22,000 or 35% of the program cost, whichever is higher, will be retained from the sum paid up. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– Where cancellation is requested after day 70 of the program, and before day 80 of the program, Ksh 34,000 or 55% of the program cost, whichever is higher, will be retained from the sum paid up. Any excess paid will be refunded in full.
– No refund will be issued when cancellation is requested on or after day 80 of the program.
– The Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days Program ticket is bundled and may not be split into specific event tickets. Therefore, no-shows may not claim any amount for any event they miss.
– The Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days Program subscription will be put on hold as soon as a milestone payment falls overdue.
– The Beginner to Mount Kenya in 90 Days Program ticket expires immediately a milestone payment becomes seven (7) days overdue. The ticket is deemed canceled on the expiry date, and the cancellation policy applies.
– An expired ticket may be revived by topping up the deposits paid to the total of the per-event rate for all events in the bundled ticket.
– Participation in the prep hikes is mandatory, otherwise, no adjustments will be made to the final cost.
– No refunds will be issued where participation is denied due to non-compliance with the rules and regulations, safety guidelines, and/or the failure to comply with the minimum gear requirements.
– No-shows forfeit the entire deposits paid up.