Lake Ellis Camping & Nithi Fall Excursion

We set out on a journey to catch a sneak peek of the most scenic of all Mt. Kenya routes and taste the magic of Mount Kenya. Join us for a scenic camping experience with a gentle hike to the magnificent Lake Ellis and the breathtaking Nithi Fall on Mount Kenya Chogoria route.

Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Ellis

Our Lake Ellis Camping experience begins with a lengthy roadtrip cutting across 6 counties--from Nairobi all the way to Mount Kenya Chogoria Gate in Tharaka Nithi County. We begin our hike at the Chogoria gate and 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 afternoon sun on Lake Ellis against the Hinde Valley’s beautiful backdrop, welcoming us to our home for the night.

We will enjoy a quiet afternoon by the lake and have our evening tea and snacks, followed by an early dinner. Come ready to soak in laughter and good cheer as we bond over games and good conversations.

Day 2: Exploring Mugi Hill and Nithi Fall

Our second day starts with breakfast by the lake with a dash of a magical sunrise. The emotions are already rising as we prepare to bid farewell to this beautiful place that stole our hearts. Fret not; magic awaits. 

If you are feeling adventurous, wake up early and join a small part of the team for a hike up Mugi Hill. Catch the glorious sunrise up there and head back down back to join the rest of the team for breakfast. Of course, if you are up for a different kind of adventure, feel free to bring your best dress and take killer shots by the lakeside! Clearly, there's something for everyone!

The next order of business is to take the trek back to Chogoria Gate, where we will catch our ride back to Nairobi. If you are up for some more magic [we hope you are], take a slightly more intense challenge and walk with us up a gentle slope and down to the breathtaking Nithi Fall. This adds some 4km to your hike, but the reward is well worth the hassle.

Lake Ellis Camping Distance And Stats

Distance

• Chogoria Gate to Lake Ellis: 8km
• Lake Ellis to Mugi Hill: 2km
• Lake Ellis to Chogoria Gate via Nithi Fall: 12km

Chogoria Gate Elevation: 2,950m

Lake Ellis Elevation: 3,455m

Mugi Hill Elevation: 3,541m

Difficulty: Moderate

Beginner-friendly: Yes

Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above

Lake Ellis Camping Itinerary

Day 1

4:45 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.

5:00 a.m Departure for Mount Kenya Chogoria Gate

10:00 Arrival at Chogoria Gate.

10:30 a.m Hike Starts

Day 2

06:00 a.m Wake-up call

07:00 a.m Breakfast

09:00 a.m Departure from campsite

EST 2:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi

How to Prepare for the Hike

• Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
• Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
• Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
• Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike. 
• If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
• Cut your toe nails!
• Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
• Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
• Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!