6-Day Mt Kenya Trek – Burguret Route | Rough North Kenya

6-Day Mt Kenya Trek – Burguret Route | Rough North Kenya

The Burguret Route is a true wilderness adventure reserved for experienced trekkers seeking an authentic, untamed Mount Kenya experience. This challenging, less-traveled path features rough terrain, overgrown trails once used more by elephants than humans, muddy conditions in wet weather, dense bamboo and montane forest, and no permanent huts — making it ideal for real wilderness enthusiasts. First pioneered in colonial times and largely abandoned until reopened in the early 1990s, Burguret offers a completely natural, remote ascent. The route culminates at Point Lenana (4,985 m) before descending the spectacular Chogoria Route — delivering the most dramatic views and completing a full traverse of the mountain.

Key Highlights

• True wilderness trek – remote, rugged, and rarely crowded
• Point Lenana summit (4,985 m) – breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Kenya’s peaks
• Burguret ascent – wild path through dense bamboo, montane forest, and giant lobelias
• Chogoria descent – stunning views of gorges, waterfalls, tarns, lava flows, and alpine valleys
• Wildlife encounters – elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and high-altitude birds
• Fully supported – expert guides, porters, and cooks ensure safety and success
• Rewarding traverse – perfect for adventurers craving a challenging, scenic, and unforgettable experience

Day 1: Nairobi to Giant Bamboo Camp

Depart Nairobi in the morning for Nanyuki, where you’ll enjoy lunch. After lunch, drive to Gathiuru Forest Station and begin the 4-hour ascent through towering, dense stands of giant bamboo to Giant Bamboo Camp at 2,600 m. Elephants and buffalo are commonly seen in this area. Dinner and overnight at camp. (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Giant Bamboo Camp to Highlands Castle

The trail transitions from luxuriant bamboo to enormous podocarpus and pencil cedar forest, then into the Hagenia rosewood zone at the edge of the moorlands — your lunch stop. Continue uphill through dramatic giant lobelias and groundsels to camp near the sheer lava cliffs of “Highlands Castle” at 3,700 m. Today’s hike takes 5–6 hours with 1,100 m of ascent. Dinner and overnight at camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Highlands Castle to Shipton’s Camp

Enjoy spectacular scenery as jagged volcanic peaks and shimmering glaciers rise above the trail. Turquoise tarns nestle in the valleys while eagles and buzzards soar overhead — a surreal equatorial high-altitude landscape. Hike 5–6 hours to Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 m for dinner and overnight. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Shipton’s Camp – Point Lenana – Hall Tarns

Predawn start for the summit attempt. Climb steep screes and rocky tracks to reach Point Lenana (4,985 m) around sunrise — with distant views of Kilimanjaro 340 km south. After celebrating, descend 2–3 hours to Hall Tarns (4,300 m) for a hearty breakfast. Spend the afternoon resting and relaxing at this stunning campsite perched near a sheer 300 m cliff overlooking the Gorges Valley. Dinner and overnight at camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Hall Tarns to Mt Kenya Bandas

Enjoy a gentle descent along a broad ridge with magnificent views back toward the snowy peaks. Continue down past waterfalls, tarns, and lava flows in the beautiful Gorges Valley to reach Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas. Relax with log fires, hot showers, comfortable beds, and — if supply vehicles make it through the forest — cold Tusker beers! Wildlife viewing is possible in the evening, with elephants and buffalo often grazing nearby. Dinner and overnight at the bandas. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Mt Kenya Bandas to Nairobi

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed 3-hour walk down through bamboo forest to meet your transport vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Includes

• Airport pick-up upon arrival in Nairobi
• Round-trip transport in a safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• All national park entrance fees
• Full-board accommodation (meals as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Tent camping and bandas stays as per the itinerary
• Services of a professional English-speaking mountain guide, skilled porters, and cook
• Drinking water throughout the trek
• Return drop-off to Nairobi or airport

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel and personal insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Accommodation on the first night upon arrival in Nairobi
• Personal climbing equipment (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.)
• Snacks, beverages, and bottled water
• Any items of personal nature (laundry, extra drinks, tips, etc.)