Enchanted Lakes Trek

This trek starts at the Chogoria gate following game trails South to the Hobley Valley. This trek is a little harder than most of the treks on Mt Kenya and requires a well established fitness base. However, it is certainly one of the more adventurous and rewarding treks that we offer on the mountain.

Day 1 Chogoria gate to the Soda Spring Camp (3551m)

Driving Time: 4hrs

Walking Time: 3-4hrs

After an early breakfast, you will be collected by the African Ascents team and be driven to the start of the route, this drive often takes about 4 hours from Nanyuki and about 4 hours from Nairobi. After you have checked into the park you will start your walk up through the forest which will then merge into heather and mooreland. The trek follows a jeep track for about two hours where you will then follow a single track which joins a network of game trails. You should get into camp at about mid afternoon.

Day 2 Soda Spring Camp to Carr’s Lakes (3963m)

Walking Time: 7 hrs

The walk to Carr’s lakes follows a network of game trails through an area seldom walked by people so be prepared for some uneven terrain and a little bushwacking. This route crosses two main valley with incredible views of the country below and the dramatic Delamere peaks above.

Day 3 Carr’s Lakes to Enchanted Lake and back to Carr’s.

Walking Distance: 4-5hrs

The walk up to Enchanted Lakes takes you past a couple of smaller lakes into another valley which joins onto the Hobley Valley. The Enchanted lake is quite a big lake, which in the right light has a striking turquoise color. There doesn’t seem to be trout stocked in this lake so its best to save the fishing for the Carr’s lakes.

Day 4 Carr’s Lakes to Lake Michaelson (4000m)

Walking Distance: 5hrs

The walk up the Hobley valley takes you up through the last of the vegetation zone past a couple beautiful high altitude lakes that have some incredible looking Algae giving them the name the “Gallery Tarns”.

The route then takes you up to the valley to the top of the Col (pass) where you look down on to Lake Michaelson in the Gorges Valley. The final walk down to Lake Michaelson is a further 1-2 hours of walking.

The option to climb point Lenana is possible, however, it wall add an extra 3-4hrs onto your journey.

Day 5 Lake Michaelson to Chogoria Gate

Walking Distance: 5 hrs

The walk down to the Chogoria gate takes between 5-6 hours and is probably one of the most scenic walks on the mountain. This trek takes you along the top of the ridge overlooking the Gorges valley.