Timau 4 Day Trek
The Timau Route approaches from the North of the mountain following a meandering route through the gentler northern slopes until they steepen at around 4200m. From here it drops abruptly into and across the Hinde Valley and the Nithi North river before climbing up to meet the Chogoria Route at Simba Col. The route lies in a major rain shadow. Because of this there is a very little forest on this side of the mountain. However, the low rainfall zone it generally makes for a drier trek. The slope is gentle and because the peaks on Mount Kenya line up east to west the views from the north give you the impression you are trekking into a whole mountain range.
DAY 1 TIMAU ROADHEAD TO MARANIA CAMP (3,200 m).
Trekking time: 4 hours.
The African Ascents team will transfer you to the roadhead of the Timau route, at 2,700m above sea level. This trek starts on the edge of the moorland zone, and also takes you through sections of bamboo and giant heather. The view as you ascend is breathtaking; looking down over the patchwork fields on the lower slopes, the golden hills of Lewa Downs at the foot of the mountain, and the great expanse of the Northern Frontier spreading out into the distance. After a picnic lunch on the rim of a crater, you will continue on your way to Marania Camp, which is situated in heather moorland, on the edge of one of the mountain’s shoulders.
DAY 2 MARANIA CAMP TO MAJOR’S CAMP (3,800 m).
Trekking time: 8 hours.
You will depart camp after breakfast, trekking up through the moorland towards the Mount Kenya massif. As you ascend from the North, the glimmering peaks are spread out ahead of you, beckoning you onward and upward. Picnic lunch takes place at the Marania Spring, which is the source of the river that flows past Marania camp. It is a beautiful lunch spot, especially if there are some curious zebra around. You will arrive at Major’s Camp in the afternoon. This camp is set up at the base of a valley, near some very dramatic rock faces.
DAY 3 MAJOR’S CAMP TO SIMBA TARN (4,650m).
Trekking time: 8 hours
After an early breakfast, you will begin the long, gradual trek up towards the Lower Simba Tarn. This day’s trek is sure to be an experience like no other, passing through a strange, lunar-like landscape, where very distinctive vegetation grows. As you rise steadily upwards, you will begin to see giant groundsels and lobelias. Many of these strange plants you’ll see are endemic; uniquely adapted to cope with the vast temperature fluctuations on Mount Kenya. You’ll pass under the gaze of Terere and Sendeyo; two bare, rocky massifs named after famous Maasai wise men. At the top of the Hinde Valley you will arrive at Simba Tarn camp, to be met with breathtaking views to the east down the aptly named Gorges Valley.
DAY 4 SIMBA TARN TO POINT LENANA (4,985 m) TO MET STATION
Trekking time: 12 hours
An early departure at 5.30 am for a sunrise on the summit is the best way to experience this climb. On a clear day the valleys light up golden-green, little tarns reflect the sun and, if you're lucky, even the summit of Kilimanjaro can sometimes be seen way off in the distance. Enjoy the expansive views whilst sipping a hot drink - its all downhill from here. The descent takes you down the southern side along the Naro Moru route where you will have brunch in the Teleki Valley. Then it’s a final trek down to the MET station for collection.