A camel walking safari with us provides the perfect acclimatization for climbing Mt. Kenya. Tumaren, situated over a mile above sea level, offers an ideal environment for adjusting to the thinner air you’ll experience on the mountain. The journey begins with a collection by vehicle from Nanyuki or a private charter to our conservation area.
Meet your Walking Safari guide and driver in Nanyuki, at the base of Mt. Kenya, for a scenic 2-hour drive north to the start of your walking safari in Laikipia. Upon arrival at camp, you’ll be greeted by our camels and our team of Masai and Samburu guides, cooks, and trackers. The ancient rocks of Nayasura have been a campsite for millennia, as evidenced by stone chippings left behind. After a refreshing lunch and rest in your spacious safari tent, you’ll take a short afternoon walk to spot game and get a feel for the surroundings. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners at the crest of Nayasura, watching baboons return to roost. End the day with dinner under the stars after a hot shower and drinks around the fire.
After an early breakfast, head north towards Nyarara Camp. "Nyarara," meaning Cheetah in Masai, was named after a large male frequently seen in the area. You’ll traverse open plains and mixed bush, home to herds of Zebra, Oryx, and Grant’s Gazelle. In the bush, you may encounter Dik-diks, Gerenuk, Impala, and, with luck, Lesser Kudu. Arrive at camp in time for lunch, where the pack camels will have already set up camp. In the evening, enjoy a walk to a scenic spot for sundowners.
Today's journey takes you towards the EwasoNyiro River, which borders the eastern edge of the Laikipia Plateau. Along the way, watch for Eland, Steinbuck, and Giraffe as the landscape transforms. Upon reaching the river, you may wish to take a swim before lunch. Afterward, relax with sundowners on a rocky hillside and return to camp by the river for a peaceful dinner under the stars.
After breakfast, enjoy a game drive back to Tumaren Camp, a bush oasis where wildlife gathers at the salt lick and waterhole near camp. The luxurious tents at Tumaren offer a stark contrast to the mobile tents carried by camels, providing a glimpse of the comfort that awaits after the more rugged backpacking days on Mt. Kenya. Spend the day at your leisure, choosing between game drives, walks, visits to a Masai Market (if timed right), or exploring a Masai homestead. You may also try rock climbing or discover dry river beds (Lugha).
Begin your Mt. Kenya adventure with an early drive to Nanyuki for coffee before meeting your new team. Depart Nanyuki at 9:30 a.m. for the 3-hour drive to the Chogoria Gate. After checking in with park officials, take a short hike to your first campsite near a small stream.
Hike up to Lake Michaelson, a breathtaking spot surrounded by towering cliffs and home to excellent trout fishing. Spend the day acclimatizing, exploring, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery. Consider bringing a fly rod to try your hand at fishing in the lake.
Ascend from Lake Michaelson to summit Point Lenana by lunchtime. If the weather is clear, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views extending towards the Aberdare Mountains. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Makinder’s Camp for the night, with incredible views of Batian Peak along the way.
From Makinder’s Camp, descend along the NaruMoru route to meet your vehicle at the gate. Enjoy lunch en route and bid farewell to your team in the lush forests at the mountain’s base
