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 #Resolutions2023 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
- Kijabe 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.
Beginner to Mount Kenya Program Phase 1: Introduction to Hiking
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.
Oldonyo Sabuk: Kilimambogo
Our maiden expedition to Kilimambogo is a moderate hiking experience meant to spark your interest in outdoor fitness life. The mountain is located along the Thika-Garissa highway, within the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
Goal: Introduction to hiking
Total distance: 18km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
2023 Dates: Sep 30
Orientation Day -- The Nairobi Arboretum
Goal: Orientation to hiking gear and rules
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.
Kijabe Hills
On our second hike, we set out to discover the magic of the Kijabe Hills Hike. Our expedition starts at the AIC Kijabe Hospital, cutting through thick forest vegetation, to get to the caves and hot springs. Next, we will conquer ourselves by scaling the three Kijabe Hills. Finally, we shall descend toward the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, to exit via Soko Mjinga.
Goal: Introduction hiking
Distance: 11km
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
2023 Dates: Oct 14
Mt. Longonot Crater Circuit
The third hike takes us to our first mountain, Mt. 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.
Goal: Orientation to steep terrain
Total distance: 13.5km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
2023 Dates: Oct 28
Beginner to Mt Kenya Program 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.
Elephant Hill Conquest
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.
Goal: Altitude acclimatization, Orientation to steep terrain
Total distance: 19km
Hiking time: 7-10 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
2023 Dates: Nov 11
The Mackinders Quest
Slightly under a month to achieving our end goal on the Beginner to Mt Kenya training program, we will go on a unique mission to set our eyes on the prize. Our route choice will be the Naromoru route, as the trail is short, making it possible to trek all the way to the Mackinders camp (4,300m ASL) on a day trip, where we will enjoy glorious views of the peaks--if the weather permits.
The Mackinders hike 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 Mt. Kenya climb.
Goal: Altitude acclimatization, orientation to altitude sickness
Total distance: 20km
Hiking time: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
2023 Dates: Nov 25
Oldoinyo Lesatima Dragon's Teeth Trail
Rising to an altitude of 4,001m (13,126ft) above sea level, Ol Donyo Lesatima is the highest of the Aberdares peaks and the third-highest 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.
Goal: Altitude acclimatization
Total distance: 16km
Hiking time: 7-9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
2023 Dates: Dec 09Beginner to Mount Kenya Program Climax: Unlocking Point Lenana
We understand hiking as a sport deeply, we have mastered 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 top of Kenya!
2023 Dates: December 14--17
Nairobi - Chogoria Gate - Lake Ellis
We depart Nairobi for Chogoria Gate early in the morning. Upon arrival at the Mt. Kenya Chogoria Gate, we will connect with the Outdoorer Mt. Kenya team, meet and greet, and have brunch before hitting the trail.
After registration at the gate, we begin our trek through the beautiful Hargenia forest, past a fisheries station. As we approach Road Head camp, we will take a detour on the right toward Lake Ellis. Prepare to be enchanted by the glittering blue-green reflections of the late afternoon sun on Lake Ellis against the Hinde Valley’s beautiful backdrop.
We will pitch camp here by the lake. Feel free to wander around the lake as you take unlimited pictures. Later, enjoy a quiet evening by the lake, as you have dinner and recount your experiences.
Distance:- 8km
Elevation gain:- 600m
Max Elevation: 3,455m ASL
Journey to Camp Mintos
After breakfast, we will embark on our journey through the heather and moorland towards Camp Mintos on an initially relatively steep trail. Expect breathtaking views all along the way. We shall carry a packed lunch at a picnic point along the trail.
After the lunch break, we continue our trek through a rocky, steep stretch. Altitude sickness symptoms may start appearing at this point; therefore, we will maintain a very moderate pace the rest of the way. If heights don’t scare you, you will have the opportunity to catch a beautiful glimpse of the entire Lake Michaelson from atop a cliff.
Soon enough, we reach our final destination, Camp Mintos. Here, you will give your feet a well-deserved break by letting them breathe. Feel free to slip on your sandals or walk on bare feet around the beautiful Mintos Tarn. Later on, we will have our dinner and retire early in readiness to attempt the summit push to Point Lenana early in the morning.
Distance:- 9km
Elevation gain:- 800m
Max Elevation: 4,200m ASL
Conquering Ourselves
We wake up at 1:00 a.m, have tea and snacks, and immediately begin our trek to Point Lenana by 2:30 a.m. An early ascent guarantees magical views of sunrise at dawn from the summit if we make it on time. Set yourself to take it all as far as the eye can see: Simba Tarn, Harris Tarn, Square Tarn, Hanging Tarn, and the view across the divide.
With our mission accomplished, we will head back to Camp Mintos for breakfast. Later, we head back to Lake Ellis, where we shall spend the last night.
Distance:- 17km
Mintos to Pt. Lenana: 4.5km
Pt. Lenana to Lake Ellis: 13.5km
Elevation gain:- 785m
Max Elevation: 4,985m ASL
Home Sweet Home
After breakfast, we shall have an awards ceremony. (Bring your best dress and pray for good weather!) Thereafter, those of us with some spare energy left shall take a small detour down to the magical Nithi Fall, preparing our hearts and minds to bid the mountain farewell. We shall then hit the road back to Chogoria Gate, where we shall board our transfer vehicles back to Nairobi.
We hope to come out of the mountain with our hearts fuller and our souls richer, having completed the Beginner to Mt Kenya program.
Distance:- 9km
Beginner to Mount Kenya Program Charges, Package & Cancellation Policy