Looking for a day dash to Mount Kenya? Look no further if you dare. Our Mackinder Ultra Upsweep will see you through a long and challenging ascent up the famous Mackinder Valley, Shiptons Camp, Harris Tarn, and lastly, Point Lenana. The bog and wet terrain before Mackinder Valley and the vertical desert past Shiptons Camp are notable challenges on this ascent that will require mental and physical resilience to see you through.
The hike starts at Old Moses Camp and quickly proceeds through a more gentle incline past the met station. It diverts to the right past two valleys and rivers and to the start of Mackinder Valley, which marks the first phase of this ascent. You cross a third bridge at Mackinder Valley close to Shipton’s camp. Past the Shiptons Camp, we will take a very steep ascent to Harris Tarn (cover image) and then a few meters to Point Lenana.
The mountain never moves, it’s you who does. Keep moving. If you can’t sit atop the rocks at Point Lenana, you have a panorama of tarns and surrounding views of rocks and the views of the mountain below.
Mackinder Ultra Upsweep Stats
Approximate Distance: 32Km
Approximate Time: 11.5 Hours
Maximum Elevation: 4985m (At Point Lenana)
Difficulty: This hike requires you to have done tough hikes over 25km before under time constraints. You must also be in good health.
Hike Essentials
| What to Wear | What to Carry |
|---|---|
| Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap | At least 2L water |
| Thermal base layer | Electrolyte replenisher (Hydration mix, smoothies, crisps, nuts) |
| Wind/fleece jacket | Sunglasses |
| Hiking/summit pants | Hiking stick |
| Comfortable hiking boot | Balaclava |
| Sunscreen/petroleum jelly | Fleece-lined gloves |
| Rain poncho |
It is Also Advisable to Have
- A set of clothes to change into after the hike (sometimes, the good hiking gear also fails, and weather changes are unexpected).
Ticket & Booking Mackinder Ultra Upsweep
| Residents (KES) | Non-Residents (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Transport | 6200 | 105 |
| Self-Drive | 4100 | 85 |
| Booking | 3000 | 55 |
Citizens/Residents: Scroll to the “Book Event” section for tickets (recommended). Or pay externally through these payment details.
Non-Residents: Click Here to Pay in USD.
For partial payments, the balance shall be cleared before departure.
Hikers Arena Refund Policy applies.
Click here to see the ticket inclusions & definitions.
In Addition, the ticket provides:
-
- A trek guarantee.
- 4:1 client-to-guide ratio to maintain efficiency.
Trip Itinerary
Meeting point: City Hall Way (Kencom) opposite International House Entrance, CBD.
- 1.15 am: Boarding opens
- 1.30 am: Departure for Mount Kenya Sirimon Gate (The departure time is strict)
- 6.00 am: Arrival at Mount Kenya Sirimon Gate & registrations
- 6.45 am: Hike starts
- 1.00 pm: Mandatory Turn-back time
- 6.00 pm: Departure for Nairobi
N/B: The departure time back to Nairobi is subject to the day’s team and could be earlier or later than estimated.
Inquiries and Updates
For inquiries and updates, click here. We also recommend you join the Hikers Arena Community Whatsapp group (Click here to join) to keep up to date with our activities and upcoming events.
