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Mount Kenya and Laikipia Community Expedition. Suggested Programme From the rugged peaks of Mt. Kenya to the dry, raw beauty of Laikipia this programme has it all; wonderful trekking to Africa’s second highest peak, mountain biking through traditional Maasai group ranches, meeting local people, participating in conservation projects, helping local communities and experiencing the mind blowing wilderness areas of the Northern Frontier. Day 1: To Nairobi Day 2: Arrive Nairobi transfer to Sirimon Gate House Arriving in Nairobi you are met by the Rift Valley Adventures team and transferred by mini bus to Sirimon Gate House. Your journey from Nairobi takes you into central province where the Rift Valley walls of the Aberdare ranges can be viewed. Soon the imposing bulk of Mt. Kenya, an the extinct volcano, can be seen stretching up to 5199m. Your rooms have been prepared at the Sirimon Gate House and you have time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the wilderness before a guided walk through the dense forest that surrounds the house. You never know maybe a forest elephant may be seen. After a programme brief the evening is free to settle in and recover from your journey. Day 3: Mt. Kenya: Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Bunk House Today we start our Mt. Kenya Ascent via the Sirimon route. The track route takes us uphill through a beautiful section of the forest dominated by Pencil Cedar and Podo trees before entering into heath land. For the lucky we may see one of the many forest elephants that inhabit the region. We walk purposely slow to acclimatise to the altitude. Day 4: Old Moses Bunk House to
Shiptons Camp A long day that sees us finish at the base of the old volcanic plug that makes up the rocky peaks of Batian, Nelion and Pt. Lenana. On the trek up, the vegetation changes to moorland grass with small flowering plants and the amazing giant lolbelias and senecios. We pass by Shiptons caves, once a hideout for the Mau Mau. Leopard also live in this region and have been observed at an altitude of 4500m Day 5: Old Moses Bunk House Acclimatisation Day With fantastic views of the peaks, Shiptons Camp Bunk House makes an ideal stop to help acclimatise and ensure the success of everyone in the group making the trek to Pt. Lenana. Today you can either relax, take a walk up to the base of Batian and Nelion, participate in some abseiling or rock climbing or do nothing! Day 6: Shiptons Bunk House to Pt. Lenana (4985m) to Mackinders
Bunk House An early 3.00am start sees us on the Summit Circuit Path, which is arguably the finest walking trail in all of East Africa. Stunning views, tarns, glaciers, ice carved rock formations and precipitous valleys and the views! We are in search for Pt. Lenana for a sunrise celebration with spectacular views to the Aberdare Ranges and Mt. Kilimanjaro. After a cup of tea or coffee we start our descent via the Summit Circuit Path to Mackinders Camp for a well earned rest. Day 7: Mackinders Bunk House to Naro Moru Gate to Timau River Lodge Descent is via the Western side of Mt. Kenya on the Naro Moru route that descends through the ‘Vertical Bog’ following the Teleki Valley down to the forested Naro Moru Park Gates. Here we meet our vehicles and head to Timau River Lodge for a hot shower and a refreshing soda. Day 8: Mountain Bike cycle to Il Polei After a good nights sleep we start cycling from the junction of the Dol Dol – Rumuruti road that winds through stunning topography, with the Loldaiga Hills on our right we weave our way to Il Polei campsite. Il Polei is a Maasai group ranch, rich in culture and tradition, where the money received from camping and conservancy fees goes directly to the community for use in building schools, water points and other life enriching uses. We are now in elephant territory and we might just get a close up view of one from our tents! Day 9: Il Polei to Kijabe Group Ranch Continuing our cycle across the Laikipia plateau our first stop is to have a look at a local school and meet the students. With its mud walls, lack of windows, and no facilities it is often a profound and enriching moment for people from abroad. Onwards we peddle passing Maasai and Samburu tribe members in traditional attire before we reach Kijabe Group ranch. Arguably one of Kenyas finest pieces of scenery, Kijabe Group Ranch is on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau with wonderful views to Ololokwe, Mathews Ranges and the vast Northern Frontier District. At certain times of the year there is abundant game to view such as elephant, cheetah, kudu and lion and you could also get involved in radio tracking the pack of Wild Dogs that frequent the ranch. There is an option of abseiling and rock climbing on Lendille rocks with refreshments afterwards looking over the Northern Frontier District. Day 10-15: Kijabe Community Project Being motivated and full of enthusiasm is the key to helping in
projects. Don’t worry if you think your skills are lacking,
you will become a valuable member of the team and contribute greatly
to the success of the project. After choosing what projects interest
you we begin the real work. Your recently acquired skills are put
to work everyday, interacting with and if the programme permits,
living with local villagers. Projects that you can choose from
include: Day 16: Kijabe Campsite to Uaso River Raft Length: 22km cycle After the ride to the Uaso River river we jump into out inflatable
rafts and paddle our way down river. With the Western World left
far behind the raw feeling of a true wilderness area abounds, as
does the wildlife. Paddling our way down through stunning rocky,
river valleys you never know what we might see. Day 17: Fly Camp to Pull out point The final day involves a paddle through grade 2 rapids to our pullout point where we have a short walk out and meet up with your vehicles. Then one last chance to admire the raw beauty of the Uaso Nyiro River before we embark for Tassia. Day 18: Tassia Lodge, Lekkurruki Group Ranch A day to relax and unwind! Take a swim in the pool, watch elephant drink from the waterhole or maybe go for a walk around the group ranch with one of the lodges guides. Day 19: Samburu National Reserve A morning talk by researchers at Save The Elephants (STE) gives insight into their valuable work on elephant conservation. After the talk we head off with the researchers, tracking elephants and learning about the name, age, sex, and behaviour of the family groups of elephants that we see. A unique game viewing day when elephant and human become that much closer. Day 20: Tassia to Nairobi Day 21: Arrive home |
Kenya
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