The Timau Route

Mount Kenya is one of the most stunning trekking destinations in Africa. The Timau Route is a beautiful and remote trail with a gradual gradient, making it great for acclimatisation. Chances are you won't see any other trekkers here, and you'll have the mountain all to yourself.
4 Days
$1,516

The Timau Route - 4 - $1,516

Itinerary

Day 1: Timau to Marania Camp

You will be transferred from Nanyuki Town to the road head of the Timau route north of Timau town at 2,700m above sea level.

The hike starts at the start of the moorland zone and takes you up through patches of bamboo and heather. We will stop for lunch on the rim of the crater, which offers a chance to see some of the rare mountain species including eland, zebra, buffalo and even the occasional elephant.

The view as you ascend is  breath-taking, looking down across Kisima, Lewa Downs, Samburu and the great Northern Frontier beyond and up to the glaring peaks of Mount Kenya ahead.

Stop for a picnic lunch and continue on your way to Marania Camp on the edge of one of the mountain’s shoulders in heather moorland.

Distance: 8 km

Hours Trekking: 4 hrs.

Altitude gain: 500m, 1,640 ft

Overnight at Marania Camp (3,200 m 10,500 ft)


Day 2: Marania to Major’s Camp

We will depart the camp after breakfast, walking up through the moorland towards the peaks ahead that make up the Mount Kenya Massif.

A picnic lunch will be set up at the Marania Spring, the source of the river that runs by Marania camp. It's a beautiful lunch spot, especially if there are some curious zebra around.

You will arrive at Major’s Camp in the afternoon, which is located at the base of the valley near some very dramatic rock faces. Some wildlife has been known to frequent the area, and previous guests have had sightings of the rare Serval cat!

Distance: 14 km

Hours Trekking: 8 hrs.

Altitude gain: 600m, 1,970 ft

Overnight at Major’s Camp (3,800 m 12,470 ft)


Day 3: Major’s to Simba Tarn Camp

You will begin the long, gradual hike up towards the Lower Simba Tarn. This walk is an experience unlike any other, with a unique lunar landscape coupled with very distinctive vegetation.

You'll catch your first glimpse of the fabulous Giant groundsels and Lobelias, particularly in the Hobley Valley below the massifs of Terere and Sendeyo (named after two Maasai wise men). This vegetation is endemic to Mt Kenya.

You will arrive at the Simba Tarn camp at the top of the Hobley Valley and the aptly named Gorges Valley. The views from Simba Tarn camp are staggering.

Distance: 12 km

Hours Trekking: 8 hrs.

Altitude gain: 850m, 2,790 ft

Overnight at Simba Tarn Camp (4,650 m 15,255 ft)


Day 4 : Simba Tarn, summit attempt and descend

An early start today as we head out at 5.30am for a sunrise summit. The views along the trail are extraordinary; soak up the expansive views of the mountainside, valleys, and country beyond – even the summit of Kilimanjaro – whilst sipping a hot coffee or tea under the beautiful morning light. 

The descent takes you down the southern side along the Naro Moru route, where you will have brunch in the Teleki Valley. Then it’s a final walk down to the MET station for collection. Should the weather not permit, the guide may use the Sirimon route as the descent route.

Distance: 18 km

Hours Trekking: 12 hrs.

Altitude gain: 335m, 1,100 ft

Altitude at Lenana: 4925m

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Base price is a per person rate based on 2 people travelling together.

Price depends on group size: 

  • 1 person: $2,086
  • 2 people: $1,516 per person
  • 3 people: $1,256 per person
  • 4 people: $1,090 per person
  • 5 people: $1,069 per person
  • 6 people: $1,023 per person
  • 7 people: $967 per person
  • 8 people: $952 per person

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Single supplement: $182 USD

Includes

  • Trained local Mt Kenya guides (at least 1 WFR certified guide per 7 guests, 1 guide: 4 guests ratio)
  • Camp crew, cook, a great team of porters
  • Airport transfers (Nanyuki airport or town) – NOTE: transfers out of Nanyuki supplement $20 per person.
  • All relevant Park fees
  • Emergency medical evacuation as far as the relevant gate
  • Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters
  • All accommodation, meals and drinks as described in the itinerary
  • Tents and equipment as per specification selected
  • Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)

Excludes

  • Tips (recommended $150 per person for large groups, $200 per person for small groups)
  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided, then the price will most likely vary up or down)
  • Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
  • Laundry
  • Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
  • Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency

Questions about this Trip?