Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro... the two giants of the African continent. The ascent of Lenana Peak (4985 m), one of the three summits of Mount Kenya, serves as acclimatization for climbing the much sought-after Kilimanjaro (5895 m), the roof of Africa, via the Machame route. Between these two ascents, a safari in Amboseli National Park perfectly complements this exceptional trip. 10 trekking days with days between 3 and 9 hours of walking. Two very long stages on the summit ascent days of both peaks. These two ascents of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro do not require any technique, but excellent physical fitness is essential. Maximum altitude of 5895 m.

Nairobi - Mount Kenya region

Arrival at Nairobi airport. Welcome by our guide and departure northbound to join the western foothills of Mount Kenya, in the heart of the Kikuyu kingdom, the first ethnic group in the country. Due to the fertility of the soils and the mild climate, the Mount Kenya region is densely populated and heavily cultivated up to about 2000 m altitude. Installation at the lodge and end of the day free before starting the trek

Accommodation: Lodge Meal: Dinner Transport: 4hrs

Mount Kenya -Sirimon Gate (2650 m), trek - Old Moses (3300 m)

In the morning, meet our team of guides and porters who will accompany us for the next five days of trekking. A few kilometres from the equator, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa, actually made up of three distinct summits: Batian (5199 m), Nelion (5188 m) and finally Lenana Peak (4985 m). The objective of this trekking is to traverse the massif with the ascent of this third peak, the only summit accessible to any good hiker and not requiring any alpine technique. Short 4x4 transfer to the entrance of Mount Kenya National Park to start the ascent via the Sirimon route. For this first trekking day, a warm-up stage on a wide path, through the lush tropical forest, rich in bamboo, rosewood and giant heathers. This forest area is the refuge of buffaloes, elephants and many other herbivores... At 3000 m, we leave this forest cover to find sparse Afro-alpine moorland vegetation. In the final part to reach the Old Moses refuge at 3300 m, the view opens up on the summit peaks.

Accommodation: Refuge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 3h/4h Elevation gain: +650m

Mount Kenya: trek - Shipton's Camp (4200 m)

Early morning departure and ascent towards a weather station that we pass by. The path gradually turns into a trail. The progression is regular through arborescent heaths, giant lobelias and tree groundsels (trees with cabbage-like flowers) that can reach 7 m high. The view is magnificent on Mount Kenya's summits. Short descent and crossing of small mountain streams. Along the way, we may have the chance to spot rock hyraxes (resembling marmots). We continue to a col at about 4000 m altitude, then emerge into the Mackinder Valley that we climb up calmly to our next Shipton's Camp refuge. It is located in a beautiful setting at the bottom of a cirque dominated by the majestic slender peaks of Batian and Nelion. We can see a small glacial tongue, the remains of a larger glacier still present fifteen years ago...

Accommodation: Refuge Camp : Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 7h/8h Elevation gain: +900m

Mount Kenya: trek - Teleki Hut (4200 m)

Very beautiful mountain atmosphere at sunrise when the first rays come to majestically illuminate the high summits of Mount Kenya. This trekking day is a beautiful stage both for the beauty of the landscapes and the variety of the terrain crossed. After breakfast, ascent in hairpin bends up to Hausberg Col (4590 m) where we go around Mount Kenya from the west then the south. Quite steep descent into loose terrain between the two small Hausberg and Oblong lakes, and gradual ascent to Hut Tarn Lake where we can admire on the left the long and narrow Diamond Couloir icefall, stretching over 500 m high! Final descent into the Teleki Valley to reach the Teleki Hut refuge of the same name. Night at the same altitude as the previous day.

Accommodation: Refuge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 6h Elevation gain: +600m / -600m

Mount Kenya: trek - Lenana Peak (4985 m) - Meru Bandas (3000 m)

Departure around 2am to reach Lenana Peak (4985 m) at sunrise... With the previous day, the second very beautiful stage in this massif! Gradual ascent along the right side of the moraine and the Lewis Glacier. After three hours of easy progression, arrival at the Austrian Hut (4750 m), a small refuge at the foot of the southeast face of Nelion Peak. For another hour, continuation on a ridge leading directly to the summit. Final part a bit more vertiginous where you have to remain vigilant! At the first rays of the sun, the view is spectacular from the summit of Lenana Peak... the Nelion glowing with an orange color; on a clear day, the panorama sometimes extends as far as Kilimanjaro, our next objective! Via the Chogoria route, we begin a long descent along the eastern slope. In a landscape of moorlands and heathers, continuation along a beautiful balcony trail above the Gorge Valley and Michaelson Lake. Extraordinary viewpoint over the gorge and cliffs below. It is at this vegetation level that we enter the territory of elephants and buffaloes. Crossing of the equatorial forest to reach some cultivated areas and Meru Bandas (3000 m).

Accommodation: Refuge Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 11h/12h Elevation gain: +900m / -2100m

Meru Bandas (Mount Kenya) - Chogoria - Nairobi

This morning, it's time to say goodbye to our team of porters. We find 4x4 vehicles for a journey of about 2 hours on a chaotic (sometimes very muddy) track through a dense forest then tea plantations and banana crops to the village of Chogoria. Road south to join the Kenyan capital. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel in a residential area of Nairobi.

Note: In case of bad weather, this stage can be replaced by a return via the Naro Moru route (west side).

Note: In case of a muddy track, you may have to walk 1 to 2 hours to meet the vehicles lower down on the track.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: 6h

Nairobi - Amboseli National Park, safari at the foot of Kilimanjaro

Early morning departure for a safari in Amboseli National Park, one of Kenya's oldest parks. This protected area of 3000 km² offers magnificent savannah landscapes with Kilimanjaro in the background. Although the volcano is located in Tanzania, it is from Amboseli that its snow-capped summit is best seen. This park is also renowned for its concentration of elephants with some marshy areas that delight hippopotamuses during the dry season. It is also the playground of the great predators, lions, leopards, cheetahs... on the lookout for their prey. We encounter giraffes, buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras or gazelles and baboons... It is an ideal place to observe rich wildlife in an impressive setting. Exit from the park in the afternoon through the west gate to reach the small town of Namanga, not far from the border. Tomorrow, direction Tanzania and Kilimanjaro, the second stage of our African adventure!

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: 5h

Namanga - Arusha (Tanzania)

This morning, we leave Kenyan lands. Customs formalities and vehicle change at the border. We head south towards the town of Arusha, the "capital" of northern Tanzania. Lunch and installation in a comfortable lodge. Free afternoon to rest, enjoy the pool and the beautiful garden. Late in the day, preparation of bags and pre-trek briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Transport: 2h

Kilimanjaro: Machame Gate (1800 m), trek - Machame Hut (3000 m)

After breakfast, we leave Arusha to reach Machame Gate (1800 m), the starting point of our second trek, the ascent of Kilimanjaro! Meeting with the team that will accompany us and weighing of loads for each porter before departure. The geological formation of the roof of Africa is later than that of the Rift Valley. Its volcanic activity ceased about 100,000 years ago, leaving today three distinct craters: Shira (Klute Peak, 3962 m), Mawenzi (5149 m) and Kibo (Uhuru Peak, 5895 m).

The Machame route is probably one of the most beautiful routes to climb Kilimanjaro as it goes around the summit and all the glaciers via the West and South slopes. Start of the trek in the heart of the lush forest on a wide and well-marked path with the watchword "pole pole" meaning "slowly" in Swahili! Exit from the forest cover around 2900 m altitude and crossing of a landscape of tall grasses, giant heathers until our camp. Set up camp near the Machame Hut huts (3000 m). First view of Kili's summit.

Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 4h/5h Elevation gain: +1200m Transport: 2h

Kilimanjaro: trek - Shira Hut (3800 m)

Early morning start for the second trekking day on a fairly steep path through a high-altitude moorland dotted with giant groundsels. Ascent along a ridge. Several rock formations offer splendid viewpoints during this day. Crossing of a small col and gentle descent to the camp located below on the Shira volcano plateau. Set up camp near the refuge overlooking the entire plateau, often windy in the late afternoon. Splendid sunset over Kibo, the summit cone on one side... and on the other, a beautiful view of the Shira crater and Mount Meru emerging from a sea of clouds.

Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 5h Elevation gain: +800m

Kilimanjaro: trek - Lava Tower (4600 m) - Barranco Hut (3950 m)

Continuation of the trek heading east towards the imposing Kibo. Passing close to surprising lava formations, a surreal lunar landscape until the Lava Tower col at 4600 m. This detour by this impressive 100-meter-high lava tower located at the foot of the Western Breach is interesting as it allows us to approach the mountain and glaciers as close as possible. Descent along old lava flows into the Barranco Valley, dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias. To the left, a beautiful waterfall, before reaching the Barranco Hut camp. From the tents, the panorama is exceptional on the south face of Kili, between slender peaks and glaciers... At nightfall, downstream, a plunging view onto the lit city of Moshi.

Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 5h/6h Elevation gain: +800m / -700m

Kilimanjaro: trek - Karanga Valley - Barafu Hut (4600 m)

Early morning departure. The trekking day begins with the crossing of the Barranco Wall, a large 300 m high rock face. By a narrow path sneaking along small ledges, steep ascent requiring great vigilance due to a few airy passages. After about 1h30 of effort, we are rewarded by a magnificent spectacle on Kili's summit. Long horizontal traverse with a succession of ups and downs on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, to reach the small Karanga Valley. The porters stock up on water as there will be no more until Barafu. Steep ascent to the Karanga refuge before a picnic break at the foot of the Heim and Kersten glaciers. Continuation of the trek through a desolate volcanic landscape. In the distance, behind us, the silhouette of Mount Meru emerges from a sea of clouds. Final rather steep ascent to reach the eagle's nest camp of Barafu Hut at 4600 m. majestic view of the Mawenzi crater (5149 m). Preparation of the bag for the final ascent and rest as the night will be short!

Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 6h/7h Elevation gain: +1000m / -300m

Kilimanjaro: trek - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Mweka Hut (3100 m)

Night departure to begin the final ascent of Kilimanjaro. It's a very big day requiring about 6 hours of slow ascent in switchbacks on a loose terrain of scree and ashes to reach the summit plateau at Stella Point (5700 m). This is the junction point with hikers coming from the Marangu route. Extraordinary atmosphere from the first rays of the sun. Continuation of the walk along the caldera to Uhuru Peak at 5895 m as the southern glaciers light up and the crater gradually brightens. Unforgettable moments! Descent following the same path to Barafu. Rest at camp and very long descent via the Mweka route to reach the Mweka Hut refuge at 3100 m. We leave the Afro-alpine moorlands to return to a heather ambiance.

Accommodation: Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Walking: 12h/13h Elevation gain: +1300m / -2800m

Trek - Mweka Gate (1500 m) - Moshi, return flight.

We begin our last trekking day, descending, on quite a steep terrain. The trail crosses again a dense equatorial forest which leads us to the end of a drivable track. We meet our vehicles at the Mweka Gate (1500 m) and it's time to say goodbye to our team of porters! We leave the mountain to reach Moshi. Lunch and provision of a hotel room (to take a shower, rest and repack your bag) before transfer to the airport and return flight to home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Walking: 3h/4h Elevation loss: -1600m Transport: 2h