Overview: 22-Day Kenyan Mountain Climbing and Wildlife Vacation
This 22-day East Africa expedition offers an immersive journey through Kenya’s dramatic landscapes—perfect for nature lovers, mountain trekkers, and safari enthusiasts. Start your adventure with a Mount Kenya climb through breathtaking alpine scenery. Then unwind on epic game drives in Meru National Park and the famed Masai Mara. Spot flamingos at Lake Nakuru, enjoy boating on Lake Naivasha, and encounter large elephant herds under the shadow of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli. Wrap it up with a classic safari through the wilds of Tsavo East and West. This is the ultimate blend of climbing, culture, and wildlife—Kenya, untamed and unforgettable.
Highlights: 22-Day Kenyan Mountain Climbing and Wildlife Vacation
- Conquer Mount Kenya (Africa's second-highest mountain) via the scenic Sirimon–Chogoria route
- Diverse Wildlife Encounters:
- Authentic Cultural Experiences
- Birdwatcher's Paradise
- Scenic Rift Valley Lakes
- Photographic Landscapes
- Well-Rounded Adventure
- Experienced Guides & Safety Focus
- Ultimate Bucket List Journey
Itinerary: 22-Day Kenyan Mountain Climbing and Wildlife Vacation
Your unforgettable Kenyan adventure begins as you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming journey. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, adjusting to the time zone, enjoying the hotel facilities, or exploring nearby local attractions. Overnight in Nairobi.
Overnight: Nairobi
Mid-range Lodge: Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands OR SIMILAR
After a refreshing breakfast, depart Nairobi and drive north through lush highlands and traditional Kikuyu farmlands to Nanyuki, a picturesque town at the foot of Mount Kenya. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in Nanyuki by early afternoon, where you’ll check in to your lodge and begin acclimatizing to the altitude. Spend the rest of the day preparing for the mountain trek, with a gear check and optional nature walk around the area. Overnight in Nanyuki.
Overnight: Nanyuki - Kenya
Mid-range Lodge: Ngomongo Cottage OR SIMILAR
Your Mount Kenya climb begins! After breakfast, drive to Sirimon Gate (2,650m), the starting point of your trek. Begin hiking through the mountain’s bamboo zone and into high-altitude forest, where colobus monkeys, forest hogs, and exotic birds can often be spotted. The trail gradually ascends to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 meters, offering stunning views of the valleys below. Dinner and overnight at the mountain huts.
Overnight: Mount Kenya
Camp: Old Moses Camp
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the moorland and alpine zones of Mount Kenya. Hike through the scenic Mackinder’s Valley, flanked by giant lobelias and senecios, with glimpses of glaciers ahead. The gradual ascent leads to Shipton’s Camp, located directly below the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion. Arrive in time to rest and acclimatize for the summit push. Overnight at Shipton’s Camp.
Overnight: Mount Kenya
Mid-range Lodge: Shimpton’s Camp
This day is set aside for acclimatization to prepare your body for the higher elevations. You’ll take short hikes around the camp area, exploring nearby ridges and glaciers while gradually adapting to the altitude. Spend time relaxing, hydrating, and soaking in the serene alpine environment. Overnight again at Shipton’s Camp.
Overnight: Mount Kenya
Mid-range Lodge: Shimpton’s Camp
Rise early—around 3:00 a.m.—for the final summit push. Hike under the stars with headlamps as you ascend steep scree slopes to Point Lenana, the third highest peak on Mount Kenya. Reach the summit at sunrise and witness a breathtaking panorama stretching from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Aberdare Ranges. After photos and celebration, descend via the beautiful Chogoria route to Mintos Camp or further to Meru Mount Kenya Lodge. Overnight in the mountain camp.
Overnight: Mount Kenya
Mid-range Lodge: Mintos Camp
After breakfast, continue descending through bamboo forests and dense montane woodland. Exit the park at Chogoria Gate (2,950m), where a vehicle will be waiting. Transfer to a comfortable lodge at the base of the mountain to rest, refresh, and celebrate your successful climb. Overnight in Chogoria or Meru.
Overnight: Chogoria
Mid-range Lodge: Maara Lodge Chogoria OR SIMILAR
Today you journey to the wild and unspoiled landscapes of Meru National Park, one of Kenya’s hidden safari gems. Arrive at your luxury tented camp nestled near the park’s edge. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed game drive through acacia forests, wide savannas, and riverine systems. Watch for elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and over 400 species of birds. Overnight in Meru National Park.
Overnight: Meru National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Rhino River Camp, Meru, Kenya OR SIMILAR
Spend a full day exploring the dramatic wilderness of Meru, made famous by Joy Adamson and the story of Elsa the lioness. Morning and afternoon game drives offer excellent wildlife sightings, with fewer crowds compared to more popular parks. Explore the Rojewero River, hippo pools, and open grasslands. Enjoy a bush picnic and return to camp for a sundowner. Overnight in Meru.
Overnight: Meru National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Rhino River Camp, Meru, Kenya OR SIMILAR
After breakfast, drive north to the arid and strikingly beautiful Samburu National Reserve. En route, witness a dramatic change in terrain as you enter the dry north. Arrive at your riverside lodge or camp in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Look out for rare northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, and the long-necked gerenuk. Overnight in Samburu.
Overnight: Samburu National Reserve
Mid-range Lodge: Samburu Sopa Lodge OR SIMILAR
Embark on morning and evening game drives in Samburu’s rugged terrain, rich with wildlife. The Ewaso Ng’iro River cuts through the reserve, attracting elephants, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. Learn about Samburu traditions from local guides and enjoy the serenity of this unique ecosystem. Overnight at your camp in Samburu.
Overnight: Samburu National Reserve
Mid-range Lodge: Samburu Sopa Lodge OR SIMILAR
Today, depart Samburu and descend into the Great Rift Valley, arriving at Lake Nakuru National Park. After lunch, take a game drive around the lake’s shores, famous for flamingos and pelicans. The park also hosts both white and black rhinos, lions, giraffes, and leopards. Continue through acacia woodlands and high cliffs. Overnight in a lodge near the lake.
Overnight: Lake NakuruMid-range Lodge: Lake Nakuru Lodge OR SIMILAR
After a morning breakfast, drive to nearby Lake Naivasha National Park, a freshwater lake known for its serene beauty. In the afternoon, take a guided boat ride among hippos and exotic birds. Stop at Crescent Island for a unique walking safari among zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests in a predator-free environment. Overnight in a lakeside lodge.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Mid-range Lodge: Lake Nakuru Lodge OR SIMILAR
Today offers a slower pace. You may opt to relax at the lodge or take an optional excursion to Hell’s Gate National Park for hiking or cycling between towering cliffs and geothermal features. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural visit or nature walk. Overnight at Lake Naivasha.
Overnight: Lake Naivasha
Mid-range Lodge: Lake Nakuru Lodge OR SIMILAR
After breakfast, head southwest toward Kenya’s crown jewel—the Masai Mara. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive. The park offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, with golden plains dotted with acacia and abundant predators. Overnight in a luxury tented camp in the heart of the reserve.
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Mid-range Lodge: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge OR SIMILAR
Spend the day on game drives in search of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Depending on the season, you may witness the Great Wildebeest Migration crossing the Mara River. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild and optional visit to a traditional Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions. Overnight in the Mara.
Overnight: Masai Mara National Reserve
Mid-range Lodge: Jambo Mara Safari Lodge OR SIMILAR
Depart Masai Mara National Reserve after breakfast and drive south toward Amboseli National Park, near the Tanzanian border. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening game drive against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli National Park is famous for its large herds of elephants and open landscapes. Overnight in a lodge with mountain views.
Overnight: Amboseli National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Amboseli Sopa Lodge OR SIMILAR
Today, explore Amboseli’s marshes, woodlands, and dusty plains. Watch for elephants with their calves, wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, and possibly even a glimpse of lions and cheetahs. The park offers some of Africa’s best opportunities for elephant photography with Kilimanjaro looming in the distance. Overnight in Amboseli.
Overnight: Amboseli National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Amboseli Sopa Lodge OR SIMILAR
After breakfast, drive to the rugged landscapes of Tsavo West, known for its lava flows and scenic beauty. Visit Mzima Springs, where an underground viewing chamber allows you to see hippos and fish in crystal-clear water. Continue game viewing as you drive to your lodge, set amid volcanic hills. Overnight in Tsavo West.
Overnight: Tsavo West National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Salt Lick Safari Lodge OR SIMILAR
Continue your journey into Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest park, home to “red elephants” dusted in the park’s fine soil. Game drive en route to your lodge. Explore the Yatta Plateau and Galana River, watching for lions, giraffes, and waterbuck in the open savannas. Enjoy a farewell dinner and sundowner to mark the final safari night. Overnight in Tsavo East.
Overnight: Tsavo East National Park
Mid-range Lodge: Salt Lick Safari Lodge OR SIMILAR
After a leisurely breakfast and a final game drive (time permitting), depart Tsavo and drive back to Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon for your onward flight or transfer to your hotel. This marks the end of an extraordinary journey through Kenya’s mountains, plains, lakes, and wildlife havens—a true adventure of a lifetime.
Cost: 22-Day Kenyan Mountain Climbing and Wildlife Vacation
Cost Includes
- Specialized Safari Guide,
- Full Mount Kenya climb (6 days) with guides, porters, camping gear,
- Land Cruiser Car Transportation for Safari,
- Airport Transfers,
- All Entrance Fees,
Costs Excludes
- Domestic & International Flights,
- Travel Insurance,
- All Meals + Drinking Water are included,
- Mid-range Lodges,
- Soft Drink & Beer,
- Government tax (18%) of all fees.
- Soft and Alcoholic Beverages,
- Laundry Services,
- Balloon Flight,
- Climbing equipment (available for hire),
- Optional cultural visits & hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara,
- Tip for the safari crew.
FAQs: 22-Day Kenyan Mountain Climbing and Wildlife Vacation
You will climb Mount Kenya (Africa’s second-highest peak) offering both challenging and moderate treks.
Moderate to high physical fitness is recommended, especially for the mountain trekking days. Prior hiking experience is a plus but not mandatory.
Yes, the tour includes game drives in Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Tsavo, and Amboseli, where you can spot the Big Five and other iconic wildlife.
Accommodation includes a mix of mountain huts, mid-range lodges, and tented safari camps, offering both comfort and immersive nature experiences.
Yes, certified and experienced mountain guides will accompany you on all climbs, ensuring safety and support.
Yes, a detailed gear list will be provided. Essential items include hiking boots, warm clothing, headlamp, sleeping bag, and daypack.
It can be, especially during the Mount Kenya trek. The itinerary is designed to include proper acclimatization to reduce the risk.
Yes, most meals are included—full-board during safaris and treks, with some flexibility in cities or travel days for you to explore local cuisine.
The best times are January, February to March and June, July, August, September, to October, when the weather is dry and ideal for both climbing and wildlife viewing.
Yes, the itinerary can be tailored to fit your interests, whether you want more trekking, cultural experiences, or beach extensions in Mombasa or Diani.
