Nepal Trekking Sale On NowBook Now & Save
A moment of reflection on Mount Kenya | Lauren Bullen
A moment of reflection on Mount Kenya  | Lauren Bullen
Mt Kenya at sunrise | Sue Badyari
Mt Kenya at sunrise  | Sue Badyari
Trekking on Mount Kenya | Lauren Bullen
Trekking on Mount Kenya  | Lauren Bullen
Mountain peaks of Africa | Ken Harris
Mountain peaks of Africa  | Ken Harris

Twin Peaks

The ultimate African trekking challenge, a thrilling double summit of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

Kenya, Tanzania

 4 reviews

17 Days from

$7290 USD

Trip Code: TWP
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement - hotel only
$300 USD
Single Supplement - tent only
$450 USD
Single Supplement
$750 USD

Duration

  • 17 Days

Activities

  • 5 day trek & 8 day trek

Style

  • Classic Adventures  

Accommodation

  • 4 nights hotel
  • 12 nights camping/ mountain hut

Meals

  • 14 Dinners
  • 14 Lunches
  • 16 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

7 / 10

Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

29kg of CO2-e PP per day

(458kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • The ultimate double summit challenge - Point Lenana (4985m/16,355ft) and Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,341ft) in one supported expedition
  • Train as you climb, summit Mount Kenya first to build altitude experience and fitness for your Kilimanjaro ascent
  • Traverse Mount Kenya east to west via the spectacular Chogoria and Sirimon routes, through alpine lakes and rocky ridgelines
  • Trek Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route with fewer crowds, excellent acclimatisation and one of Africa’s most scenic trails

Overview

Climbing East Africa’s twin giants - Mt Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro - in one epic journey is a rare and exhilarating achievement for experienced trekkers. This challenging itinerary takes you deep into two contrasting mountain environments, offering a complete immersion in alpine East Africa, from forest trails to windswept summits.

Your expedition begins with a traverse of Mount Kenya, ascending via the remote Chogoria Route and descending via Sirimon, reaching the summit of Point Lenana (4985m/16,355ft) a dramatic, non-technical peak.

Crossing into Tanzania, you then take on Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m/19,341ft) via the scenic and challenging Lemosho Route, chosen for its excellent acclimatisation profile and sweeping views. You’ll tackle the final summit push to Uhuru Peak, reaching the roof of Africa at sunrise.

This is a fully guided and supported trek, designed for fit and determined adventurers who want to test their limits, and come away with two summits, not just one.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, you will be collected and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure in Nairobi. Overnight: Best Western Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel

Meals: Nil

This morning we head to Chogoria Village (approx 4-5 hours drive). In the afternoon you will ascend the steep and rutted track to the Bandas (cottages) in woodland near the Chogoria gate (3,017m) of the Mt Kenya National Park. We will stay here overnight. Our gear will be transported by Land Rovers while we acclimatise with our first walk at altitude (approx. 1 hour).

Meals: B,L,D

The flora and fauna surrounding the Bandas is prolific, with the possibility of seeing game in the surrounding forest (Elephant, Buffalo, Antelope, Colobus Monkey, Augur Buzzard & Verreaux's Eagle). As we walk, the forest gradually drops away and we enter a high moorland zone. En route we ascend nearby Mugi Hill (3600m) to help with acclimatisation before arriving to camp. Lake Ellis (3500m), where we camp tonight, is a peaceful spot with good views of the main peaks and we arrive in time for lunch. (approx. 6 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

The initial trek away from the lake ascends gentle moorland to attain a ridge that eventually joins the main Chogoria route at its best viewpoint. After enjoying views of Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley we descend to the little visited Lake Michaelson (3,830m) and possibly the most beautiful campsite on the walk. Overhead tower the cliffs of the Temple while Tacazze Sunbirds flit amongst the giant Groundsel and Lobelia and Hyraxes hop around in the rocks. (approx. 6 - 8 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

The trek now enters the Alpine Zone - after quite a boggy start to the walk the walking surface soon becomes scree. You will soon reach Simba Tarn at 4560m, in time for a late lunch. An afternoon walk will assist with acclimatisation. (approx. 4-6 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

After a hot drink you will leave at 3:30 am for the steep ascent (2 - 2.5 hrs) of Point Lenana (4,985m) in time for sunrise. Although the climb is straightforward, the final section is hard work at this altitude. From the summit it is often possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro 320km away as well as the nearby climbing peaks of Mt Kenya; Nelion and Batian which should be bathed in golden sunlight at this time of the morning. We descend back to Simba Tarn for a well-earned cooked breakfast, and continue our descent via the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp before joining the Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp. The walk today is long and exhausting and will challenge even the fittest of walkers. However the thrill of standing on the roof of Kenya, will be sure to make the effort worthwhile. (approx 11-12 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we head through the Sirimon Valley and down through the lush forest belt to the Park Gate where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Nairobi at around 10:00am (approx. 2 hours walking). We drive on to Nairobi where we farewell our Kenyan crew. Arrival at the hotel in Nairobi is around 16:00hrs. The remainder of the day is at leisure for showers, laundry and relaxing. Overnight: Best Western Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel

Meals: B,L

This morning we are transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport Tanzania (JRO). You will be collected upon arrival and transferred to our Lodge in Arusha. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing. NOTE- the flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Arusha (JRO) is NOT included in the tour price.

Meals: B,D

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, and the drive there should be considered as part of the adventure, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m); [2-3 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550m). [6-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

An easy day to help acclimatisation, and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some wellgraded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport Tanzania (JRO) where the trip arrangements end.

Meals: B

Expand all | Collapse all

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, you will be collected and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure in Nairobi. Overnight: Best Western Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel

Meals: Nil

This morning we head to Chogoria Village (approx 4-5 hours drive). In the afternoon you will ascend the steep and rutted track to the Bandas (cottages) in woodland near the Chogoria gate (3,017m) of the Mt Kenya National Park. We will stay here overnight. Our gear will be transported by Land Rovers while we acclimatise with our first walk at altitude (approx. 1 hour).

Meals: B,L,D

The flora and fauna surrounding the Bandas is prolific, with the possibility of seeing game in the surrounding forest (Elephant, Buffalo, Antelope, Colobus Monkey, Augur Buzzard & Verreaux's Eagle). As we walk, the forest gradually drops away and we enter a high moorland zone. En route we ascend nearby Mugi Hill (3600m) to help with acclimatisation before arriving to camp. Lake Ellis (3500m), where we camp tonight, is a peaceful spot with good views of the main peaks and we arrive in time for lunch. (approx. 6 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

The initial trek away from the lake ascends gentle moorland to attain a ridge that eventually joins the main Chogoria route at its best viewpoint. After enjoying views of Vivienne Falls and the Gorges Valley we descend to the little visited Lake Michaelson (3,830m) and possibly the most beautiful campsite on the walk. Overhead tower the cliffs of the Temple while Tacazze Sunbirds flit amongst the giant Groundsel and Lobelia and Hyraxes hop around in the rocks. (approx. 6 - 8 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

The trek now enters the Alpine Zone - after quite a boggy start to the walk the walking surface soon becomes scree. You will soon reach Simba Tarn at 4560m, in time for a late lunch. An afternoon walk will assist with acclimatisation. (approx. 4-6 hrs)

Meals: B,L,D

After a hot drink you will leave at 3:30 am for the steep ascent (2 - 2.5 hrs) of Point Lenana (4,985m) in time for sunrise. Although the climb is straightforward, the final section is hard work at this altitude. From the summit it is often possible to see Mt Kilimanjaro 320km away as well as the nearby climbing peaks of Mt Kenya; Nelion and Batian which should be bathed in golden sunlight at this time of the morning. We descend back to Simba Tarn for a well-earned cooked breakfast, and continue our descent via the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp before joining the Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp. The walk today is long and exhausting and will challenge even the fittest of walkers. However the thrill of standing on the roof of Kenya, will be sure to make the effort worthwhile. (approx 11-12 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we head through the Sirimon Valley and down through the lush forest belt to the Park Gate where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Nairobi at around 10:00am (approx. 2 hours walking). We drive on to Nairobi where we farewell our Kenyan crew. Arrival at the hotel in Nairobi is around 16:00hrs. The remainder of the day is at leisure for showers, laundry and relaxing. Overnight: Best Western Nairobi Upper Hill Hotel

Meals: B,L

This morning we are transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for your flight to Kilimanjaro Airport Tanzania (JRO). You will be collected upon arrival and transferred to our Lodge in Arusha. We stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, a pool, and restaurant. Overnight: Moivaro Coffee Plantation or similar NOTE- the flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Arusha (JRO) is NOT included in the tour price.

Meals: B,D

Today is an open day for you recharge and rest ahead of Killimanjaro. Enjoy your stay at the Moivaro Coffee Plantation which has spacious rooms, with some relaxing by the pool, and enjoy the nice restaurant. This afternoon at 16:30 you will meet the rest of the group and your guide for a trip briefing . Overnight: Moivaro Coffee Plantation or similar

Meals: B

After completing the necessary registration formalities, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road is of poor quality and difficult to drive after rain, and the drive there should be considered as part of the adventure, sometimes we start walking a kilometre or two below the roadhead. We often have our lunch at the roadhead before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m); [2-3 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3550m). [6-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

An easy day to help acclimatisation, and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4550m) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900 m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our camp at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the way to the summit. [4-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some wellgraded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5735m), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite Millenium (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

A sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Here we sign out from the National Park before walking on for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where our vehicle awaits. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalisingly close! Overnight at Moivaro Coffee Plantation. [4-6 hours walking]

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport Tanzania (JRO) where the trip arrangements end.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Park entrance fees (valued at US$1,464)
  • 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 14 dinners
  • 4 nights in 3 star hotels in Nairobi and Arusha on a twin share basis
  • 12 nights fully supported camping on a twin share tent basis
  • Private transfers
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi (Day 1 and Day 8) and Arusha (Day 8 and Day 17)
  • Group camping equipment including tent (sleeping bag and mat not included - available for hire locally)
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment
  • Experienced local guides
  • Cook and camp crew
  • Portable altitude chamber and group medical kit (Mt Kenya)
  • Emergency group oxygen and group medical kit (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Kilimanjaro (JRO)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Sleeping bags and mats
  • Any items not listed as included

Adventure Highlighted Video

Kilimanjaro Treks - What To Look For In A Quality Trek

Kilimanjaro Treks - What To Look For In A Quality Trek
Climbing Safely On Kilimanjaro - What To Look For

Reviews (4)



Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Guaranteeing A Great Kenya Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters