Trip to Mt. Elgon: Thursday 26th to Monday 30th August 2010

This is the proposed itinerary for the Mt. Elgon trip. Please note that this is flexible and open to suggestions from participants.

 Thursday 26th August – 4pm

Departing Nairobi around 4pm heading north towards Kembu Camp in Njoro (just south west of Nakuru) for our first night. GPS coordinates: S 000° 17’59”, E 035° 54’00”

 

 

Friday 27th August – 8am

From Njoro we take the longer but most scenic route. We go via Eldama Ravine, cross the Turgen Hills (via Karbanet) and into the Kerio Valley. We’ll head northwards along the secondary roads, past Cherangani Hills to Marich Pass. There we’ll turn south, through Lenan Forest, passing the Saiwa Swamps to reach Mt. Elgon National Park Chorim Gate in the early evening .

Saturday 28th August – 8am

We can drive to the road head, start our hike up the mountain and return the same day. We camp at the road head for that night at Chorlim camp-site.

Sunday 29th August – 8am

OPTION 1 – Those who need to get back to Nairobi, can leave that morning.

OPTION 2 – Explore lower reaches of the mountain including the famous Kitum Caves

Monday 30th August – 8am

Drive back to Nairobi through Kakamega Forest over the Nandi Escapement

What to bring:

  • Hiking boots/clothing and rain gear

  • Camping gear including tent, sleeping bag, etc.

  • Self catering food – for the four days including trail food

  • Water for the days on Mt. Elgon (about 3lts per person per day) – THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER ON THE MOUNTAIN

  • Day pack – to carry water, snacks for the hike, etc

  • Sun screen, binoculars & Hat

  • Camera

Charges at Mt. Elgon:

  • Park fees – per person, per day:

Kenyan Citizens – Ksh.200/-

Residents – Ksh.500/-

Non residents – US$25/-

  • Camping fees – per person, per day:

Kenyan Citizens – Ksh.150/-

Residents – Ksh.150/-

Non residents – US$15/-

  • Per day car fees: 6 seater Ksh.300/- (above 6 seater is Ksh.1,000/-)

  • Ranger/Guide: for 6 hours Ksh.1,500/- for a group of 4 pax (over 6 hours Ksh.3,000/-)

Other costs:

  1. Camping at Kembu Camp:

Camp cahrges – Ksh. 300/- per person per night

½ board meals (Dinner/breakfast) – Ksh. 1,800/- per person

Full board (3 meals) – Ksh. 3,400/- per person

Hot showers and long drop toilets available

Bar facilities

Bandas and cottages available (more information on web site)

 

  1. Travel costs:

Car pooling – fuel cost of owner of vehicle divided by number of passengers. Also car charge by KWS to be shared amongst passengers

Tips, and extra money for the trip.

 

Useful websites:

www.kws.go.ke/park/park_reserves

www.kembu.com

 

That’s it! Enjoy