Category: Kenya

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Kenya 2017

We had great trip. Visited many places with main focus on safaris plus good dose of hiking. We spent some time with friends in Nairobi, big help with logistics. Hiking Mt Kenya was something we thought about for a while as a better option than Kilimanjaro. For practical reason it is difficult to organize the hike to avoid fast altitude gains, but we were fine. Batian and Nelion (on the right in the photo below) require technical climbing, but Point Lenana (on the left) is a “trekking peak” (third highest in the massif), so we went there. To warm-up we hiked Mt Longonot and biked/hiked in Hell’s Gate Park.

Kenya 2017 itinerary
Aug 14 Mon ORD➜Qatar Airways➜DOH➜
15 Tue Nairobi Runda âžœNBO [@ Friends]
16 Wed Nairobi Runda Nairobi Airport to retrieve luggage, Mt Kenya trekking and Meru safari briefing
17 Thu Nairobi Karura Forest Runda, Karura Forest walk, Samburu/Ol Pejeta/Lake Nakuru/Masai Marasafaribriefing
18 Fri Samburu Samburu NR NairobiâžœSamburu National Reserveâžœafternoon game drive [@ Samburu Sentrim Lodge]
19 Sat Samburu Samburu NR Samburu National Reserve morning and afternoon game drives
20 Sun Ol Pejeta Ol Pejeta Conservancy Samburu ➜ Ol Pejeta Conservancy, afternoon game drive & Baraka visit [@ The Stables ]
21 Mon Ol Pejeta Ol Pejeta Conservancy Morning game drive & Chimpanzee Sanctuary visit, afternoon game drive, night game drive
22 Tue Lake Nakuru Lake Nakuru NP Ol Pejeta ➜ Lake Nakuru National Park game drive [@ Lake ElementaitaSentrim Lodge]
23 Wed Masai Mara Masai Mara NR Lake Nakuru➜ Masai Mara National Reserve/ Sekenani Gate, Maasai village visit [@ Mara Sentrim Lodge]
24 Thu Masai Mara Masai Mara NR Full-day game drive to Mara River
25 Fri Masai Mara Masai Mara NR Full-day game drive to Mara River
26 Sat Masai Mara Masai Mara NR Morning drive to Sand River, afternoon game drive
27 Sun Lake Naivasha Lake Oloiden – Crater Lak Masai MaraâžœLake Naivasha, Lake Oloiden boat ride, Crater Lake hike and Game Sanctuary drive/walk [@ Fishermen’s Camp]
28 Mon Lake Naivasha Hell’s Gate NP Biking/hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park
29 Tue Lake Naivasha Mount Longonot NP Lake NaivashaâžœMt Longonot trail
30 Wed Nairobi Naivasha-Runda Lake Naivasha➜(matatu) ➜Naivasha➜ (matatu)➜ Westland Mall➜Runda
31 Thu Nairobi Runda Rest day, shopping and laundry
Sep 1 Fri Old Moses Camp Mt Kenya trek Runda➜Nanyuki➜Sirimon Gate➜[@ Old Moses Camp]
2 Sat Shipton’s Camp Mt Kenya trek Old Moses Campâžœ [@ Shipton’s Camp]
3 Sun Shipton’s Camp Mt Kenya trek Hausberg Col hike [@ Shipton’s Camp]
4 Mon Mintos Camp Mt Kenya trek Shipton’s CampâžœPoint Lenanaâžœ[@ Mintos Camp]
5 Tue Chogoria Mt Kenya trek Mintos Camp➜Chogoria Gate➜[@ Lizlo Hotel Chogoria]
6 Wed Meru Meru NP ChogoriaâžœMeru National Park, afternoon game drive [@ Murera Bandas]
7 Thu Meru Meru NP Morning and afternoon game drives
8 Fri Meru/Nairobi Meru NP Meru early morning game driveâžœRunda
9 Sat Nairobi Runda, Kiambethu Tea Farm Runda, Kiambethu Tea Farm
10 Sun Nairobi Nairobi Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, Safari Walk/Nairobi NP➜NBO➜DOH
11 Mon Chicago ➜ ORD
Mt Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria route

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Mt Kenya trail profile (Google Earth Pro) 

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More on our tour operator Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions

We made all the arrangements with ☞ Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions  by e-mail from Chicago, followed by short briefing in Nairobi. Good communication before and during the trip was key to making it successful. All people were very friendly, open to suggestions and requests.

We were very happy with everything on our Sirimon-Chogoria trekking part of the trip, except for inflatable sleeping mats – we took 3  and all of them had holes. The porters tried to fixed them, but it didn’t work.  Luckily it meant only one night on three deflated sleeping mats for one of us. We were quite upset about it at the time and urged the company to use a different more reliable source of rental equipment in the future. The guide should also check all the equipment carefully before the hike. There was no way we could do it ourselves. The tent was very good and warm, but someone had to bring it while we were already hiking because it was forgotten. Because of the rain, we slept in the tent (on deflated mats) only one night.

We really appreciated the flexibility of being able to change the itinerary on the run. Our guide was able to communicate by phone and make all the changes/arrangements. We wanted to ascend slower, but because of a downpour on day one, soaked the ground and us, it was not practical. We skipped an intermediate camp (Liki North, not the best spot to tent in wet weather we were told) and went to a higher elevation already on day two to sleep in a hut (Shiptons). The following day our crew was reluctant to stay at a higher camp (Upper Simba Tarn, 4,600 masl) closer to the Lenana summit, our first choice,  but considering the bad  mats (we didn’t know it yet at the time) and cold, dump weather it was good we didn’t stay there. We made it to the summit  (in clouds) from Shipton’s, no problem. The guide, cook and porters were all very good and well organized, the food was good, warm and plentiful (although mostly fried) with fresh fruits etc – amazing on the mountain. Everything was on time and the guid adjusted hiking tempo to our abilities and frequent photo stops. He knew well what he was doing. The hike itself, landscape and nature, is of course exceptional. We met no other hikers on the trail, just  a few other parties at camp sites.

The Meru trip was also good. We appreciated the driver/guide and cook coming to Chogoria the night before to start the second part of the trip earlier in the morning the next day. Another good adjustment on the go to make good use of our time after we made it to Chogoria earlier than planned. They were both very good and the cook followed our request to avoid fried food. He made delicious stews etc – probably the best food on our entire Kenya trip (better than in lodges in other parks).  We liked the cottages ( Murera Bandas near the park entrance) very much, although it would probably be better to stay deeper in the park (Kinna Cottages), closer to the areas with more animals. There was no hot water in the shower, but it was not big deal as it was hot in Meru. Our room was large and comfortable. The porch at our cabin was our kitchen and dinning room with nice view at dense vegetation along the nearby river, visited all the time by monkeys and birds, and buffalos passing by within feet from our windows one night. Very relaxing rest time between safaris. There were no other visitors staying at the bandas. The safari van was well prepared and we drove to different corners of the park. There are fewer animals in Meru and they seem to be more shy than in other parks, but no tourists at all. It’s a pity people don’t come there. The early morning drive (before breakfast) on the last day was the best. Our crew made a good run to find us a family of elephants to keep their promise. We made it back to Nairobi safely.

We really appreciate the flexibility and everybody’s efforts to make us happy – we had very good time.

Mt Longonot

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More on our tour operator Keron Safaris and Hotels

10 day/9 night trip from Nairobi to Samburu/Ol Pejeta/Lake Nakuru/Masai Mara with  â˜ž Keron Safaris and Hotels. All planning and arrangements for the trip were made by e-mail, and the process was very effective. We made the payment in Nairobi just before the trip. We chose a private tour for the flexibility of visiting places and staying longer in some parks than group tours do, and for the style of the game drives. It was good decision also because we were standing in the van most of the time during the game drives (when the roof was up). We had a lot of space and could turn around freely. It would still be OK with 4 people, but for sure not with 6 or 7, like we saw in many other safari cars.

We passed some nice landscapes on the way between the parks, Rift Valley, hills, coffee and tea plantations, villages and small towns, street/highway markets, but even with the private tour we didn’t stop and had to rushed to the next destination, although often it would be fine to arrive an hour later. Driving on Kenyan main roads is tough, but our driver Mike was very good and careful. Our safari was well organized, lodges/camps were very good, better than we expected, food was OK and safe (many choices, tasty but quite heavy and often fried). Our safari van was older, but well prepared and survived the journey without a problem. Mike did also excellent job on the bumpy roads and stream crossings, knew the parks well, spotted many animals, and showed great interest in birds. Venant, one of the owners who came along as our guide, provided assistance, but spent quite a bit of  time on his phone arranging tours for other clients. He didn’t volunteer too much information, but when asked provided facts about birds and animals, and Kenya in general, but not so much about habitat, environment etc. We didn’t have a radio, but it didn’t matter at all, as Mike with help from Venant were very good deciding where to go and at finding animals and birds. We often had them to ourselves, even in the very popular Masai Mara. All the safari drivers/guides exchanged info about animals when passing and before/after the drives. In theory we had unlimited game drives, in practice we had to bargain a bit for time. In most cases we got enough –  8 -9 hours a day, with two full-day drives in Masai Mara. We were promised some before-breakfast drives and I really regret we didn’t insist more firmly on an additional early morning drive when the animals are up and most active! It didn’t help that Piotr was not too keen on getting up so early. Our Masai Mara lodge (Mara Sentrim) was not inside the reserve, as we were told it would be, and for every drive we had to go to the reserve entrance on a super bad road and through a village losing a lot of time. Before booking we had multiple discussions about it, as the lodge’s location was not so clear, and they assured us it was a better choice and definitely inside the reserve. I wanted to stay near more centrally located Talek gate rather than Sekenai gate. The lodge was very nice. As a result we spent 3 days in Masai Mara Reserve instead of 4 and could not  have an early morning game drive on the last day, which was disappointing. This misrepresentation was the only negative score point. Our trip included a short visit to Maasai village (Masai Mara), a bit touristy but still interesting.

All in all the tour was very good, we had great time and saw many animals very close, everything we expected and more,  except for the leopard. Venant and Mike were very friendly and easy to interact with.

Hells’s Gate

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Kenya video clips
Photo gallery – 311 photos
Animals – 164 photos
Birds – 136 photos
More on Kenya (12 posts)
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Kenya, day 27&28: Back in Nairobi

After morning game drive and breakfast in Meru, we drove for 7 hours  around Mt Kenya to Nanyuki and back to Nairobi. Nice views, passing small towns and villages, observing local life along the highway. Many people in Kenya just walk on or along the roads, even main highways.

Next day, we spent relaxing afternoon with our friends at Kiambethu Tea Farm (20 km NW from Runda/Nairobi) learning about growing and harvesting tea, about different types of tea, tasting some teas from local farms. We brought their black tea with us to Chicago.  We heard the family story of the plantation and had a short nature walk, followed by delicious lunch on the lawn in front of the old plantation family house,  which now serves also as a visitor center.

We spent last day in Nairobi meeting animals up close, made possible by organizations that save orphaned, injured and endangered animals. Visitors are one source of income used to support the animals and to educate on wildlife and environment conservation. We visited three places all located on the edges of Nairobi National Park, 15-20 km SW from Nairobi center. The Giraffe Center saves and breeds endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes. It’s fun to feed giraffes by hand and watch them so close. David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage saves orphaned and injured elephants and reintroduces them to the wild (which takes about 10 years). Most are in trouble because of conflicts with people (mothers killed or injured by poachers, some trapped in illegal wells). Some are handicapped and will be released to spent their lives with other problem animals. You can adopt one, helping in its upbringing. It was very exciting to see over 20 baby elephants run to get their morning milk and play, and to hear their (sad) stories.

Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage

 
We also visited Safari Walk, large and nice ZOO, quite pricy and not comparable to the other two places. Not safari, but we saw leopard and met cheetah, and many other animals reminding us all the game drives. Our friend took us to the airport for late evening flight back home.

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Kenya, day 24-26: Meru National Park

We spent one night in Chogoria after our Mt Kenya trek. We were a bit of an attraction in this small town – surprisingly not too many tourists stay there.  Then we drove through the hills and plantations, stopped at roadside market to buy fresh fruits and veggies for two days in Meru NP. We passed interesting villages, banana and khat (local stimulant legal in Kenya) trade centers. We stayed at park-managed self-catering Murera cottages just inside the park near the river. Very comfortable and pleasant. We were the only tourists there and, as far as we can tell, in the entire park. We had very good driver-guide and excellent cook for this part of our trip with Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions  (recommended). We made all the arrangements by e-mail from Chicago, followed by short briefing in Nairobi. Good communication before and during the trip was key to making it successful. All people were very friendly, open to suggestions and requests.

More on our tour operator Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions

We were very happy with everything on our Sirimon-Chogoria trekking part of the trip, except for inflatable sleeping mats – we took 3  and all of them had holes. The porters tried to fixed them, but it didn’t work.  Luckily it meant only one night on three deflated sleeping mats for one of us. We were quite upset about it at the time and urged the company to use a different more reliable source of rental equipment in the future. The guide should also check all the equipment carefully before the hike. There was no way we could do it ourselves. The tent was very good and warm, but someone had to bring it while we were already hiking because it was forgotten. Because of the rain, we slept in the tent (on deflated mats) only one night.

We really appreciated the flexibility of being able to change the itinerary on the run. Our guide was able to communicate by phone and make all the changes/arrangements. We wanted to ascend slower, but because of a downpour on day one, soaked the ground and us, it was not practical. We skipped an intermediate camp (Liki North, not the best spot to tent in wet weather we were told) and went to a higher elevation already on day two to sleep in a hut (Shiptons). The following day our crew was reluctant to stay at a higher camp (Upper Simba Tarn, 4,600 masl) closer to the Lenana summit, our first choice,  but considering the bad  mats (we didn’t know it yet at the time) and cold, dump weather it was good we didn’t stay there. We made it to the summit  (in clouds) from Shipton’s, no problem. The guide, cook and porters were all very good and well organized, the food was good, warm and plentiful (although mostly fried) with fresh fruits etc – amazing on the mountain. Everything was on time and the guid adjusted hiking tempo to our abilities and frequent photo stops. He knew well what he was doing. The hike itself, landscape and nature, is of course exceptional. We met no other hikers on the trail, just  a few other parties at camp sites.

The Meru trip was also good. We appreciated the driver/guide and cook coming to Chogoria the night before to start the second part of the trip earlier in the morning the next day. Another good adjustment on the go to make good use of our time after we made it to Chogoria earlier than planned. They were both very good and the cook followed our request to avoid fried food. He made delicious stews etc – probably the best food on our entire Kenya trip (better than in lodges in other parks).  We liked the cottages ( Murera Bandas near the park entrance) very much, although it would probably be better to stay deeper in the park (Kinna Cottages), closer to the areas with more animals. There was no hot water in the shower, but it was not big deal as it was hot in Meru. Our room was large and comfortable. The porch at our cabin was our kitchen and dinning room with nice view at dense vegetation along the nearby river, visited all the time by monkeys and birds, and buffalos passing by within feet from our windows one night. Very relaxing rest time between safaris. There were no other visitors staying at the bandas. The safari van was well prepared and we drove to different corners of the park. There are fewer animals in Meru and they seem to be more shy than in other parks, but no tourists at all. It’s a pity people don’t come there. The early morning drive (before breakfast) on the last day was the best. Our crew made a good run to find us a family of elephants to keep their promise. We made it back to Nairobi safely.

We really appreciate the flexibility and everybody’s efforts to make us happy – we had very good time.

 

Vervet monkeys, baboons and birds were visiting us at meal times, and buffalo herd passed right under our windows at night. I expected lush jungle-like vegetation in Meru, however most of the park was dry, crisscrossed by many rivers and streams with palms and other trees (including baobabs) along them. The first afternoon we visited rhino sanctuary. There was construction of rangers/park headquarters going on and therefore no animals in that corner of the park, but we found 4 white rhinos in a swamp at the end of the drive. Next day we had morning and afternoon drives. Animals in Meru are similar as in Samburu: oryx, ostrich, kudu, reticulated giraffe, and zebra, but they are more shy because they are not yet so used to cars and people. Adult giraffes check traffic before crossing the road.

Giraffe family crossing the road, Meru

Very few tourist visit this park – it was great to have it all to ourselves, but a pity that people don’t go there. It’s very nice, relaxed park with beautiful landscapes, surrounded by picturesque mountains and hills. Finally, we had early morning drive (before breakfast) on last day and it was great. Sky was dramatic with dark clouds. We visited hippo pool and wetlands, and found large family of elephants with 5 day-old baby suckling milk and big sister on duty not sure if she should charge our car – in the end she decided it was OK since mother was very calm. Although animals are more difficult to find in Meru, it was nice and relaxing end to our safaris.

Buffalo, Meru

Giraffe family, Meru

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Kenya, day 19-23: Mt Kenya trek

For the next leg of our trip we had crew switch set-up in Chogoria: hiking crew (guide, cook and three porters) for Mt Kenya trek and safari crew (driver/guide and cook) for Meru National Park. All arranged by Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions  (recommended).

More on our tour operator Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions

We were very happy with everything on our Sirimon-Chogoria trekking part of the trip, except for inflatable sleeping mats – we took 3  and all of them had holes. The porters tried to fixed them, but it didn’t work.  Luckily it meant only one night on three deflated sleeping mats for one of us. We were quite upset about it at the time and urged the company to use a different more reliable source of rental equipment in the future. The guide should also check all the equipment carefully before the hike. There was no way we could do it ourselves. The tent was very good and warm, but someone had to bring it while we were already hiking because it was forgotten. Because of the rain, we slept in the tent (on deflated mats) only one night.

We really appreciated the flexibility of being able to change the itinerary on the run. Our guide was able to communicate by phone and make all the changes/arrangements. We wanted to ascend slower, but because of a downpour on day one, soaked the ground and us, it was not practical. We skipped an intermediate camp (Liki North, not the best spot to tent in wet weather we were told) and went to a higher elevation already on day two to sleep in a hut (Shiptons). The following day our crew was reluctant to stay at a higher camp (Upper Simba Tarn, 4,600 masl) closer to the Lenana summit, our first choice,  but considering the bad  mats (we didn’t know it yet at the time) and cold, dump weather it was good we didn’t stay there. We made it to the summit  (in clouds) from Shipton’s, no problem. The guide, cook and porters were all very good and well organized, the food was good, warm and plentiful (although mostly fried) with fresh fruits etc – amazing on the mountain. Everything was on time and the guid adjusted hiking tempo to our abilities and frequent photo stops. He knew well what he was doing. The hike itself, landscape and nature, is of course exceptional. We met no other hikers on the trail, just  a few other parties at camp sites.

The Meru trip was also good. We appreciated the driver/guide and cook coming to Chogoria the night before to start the second part of the trip earlier in the morning the next day. Another good adjustment on the go to make good use of our time after we made it to Chogoria earlier than planned. They were both very good and the cook followed our request to avoid fried food. He made delicious stews etc – probably the best food on our entire Kenya trip (better than in lodges in other parks).  We liked the cottages ( Murera Bandas near the park entrance) very much, although it would probably be better to stay deeper in the park (Kinna Cottages), closer to the areas with more animals. There was no hot water in the shower, but it was not big deal as it was hot in Meru. Our room was large and comfortable. The porch at our cabin was our kitchen and dinning room with nice view at dense vegetation along the nearby river, visited all the time by monkeys and birds, and buffalos passing by within feet from our windows one night. Very relaxing rest time between safaris. There were no other visitors staying at the bandas. The safari van was well prepared and we drove to different corners of the park. There are fewer animals in Meru and they seem to be more shy than in other parks, but no tourists at all. It’s a pity people don’t come there. The early morning drive (before breakfast) on the last day was the best. Our crew made a good run to find us a family of elephants to keep their promise. We made it back to Nairobi safely.

We really appreciate the flexibility and everybody’s efforts to make us happy – we had very good time.

 
We decided to take Sirimon – Chogoria Mt Kenya route –  it is the longest route, but with 6 days/5 nights we planned to go slow to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the nature. Nature however brought rain and we had to adjust our plan: go directly to Shiptons Camp (for two nights) rather than spending one night at an intermediate Liki North Camp (tent). The change gave us an easy day for a short acclimatization hike to Hausberg Col. Because of wet weather, we stayed in huts rather than tent, except for one night at Mintos Camp (no hut there). We also asked to be picked up at Chogoria Gate which saved as quite a bit of walking, so we could go slower, but still end up in Chogoria by the end of day 5. This way we were able to leave earlier next morning and have more time for an afternoon game drive at Meru NP. The hike was ~47 km long with 3100 total ascent.

Mt Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria route

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Mt Kenya trail profile (Google Earth Pro) 

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Trek day 1

First, we drove some 200 km (5 hours) from Nairobi (1,800 masl) to Nanyuki (1,900 masl). After lunch and trek briefing we drove 25 km (45 minutes) more to Sirimon Gate (2,650 masl) and then walked  ~9 km (3.5 hours), with one hour in heavy rain and hail, to Old Moses Camp (3,300masl). The road to Old Moses was paved not long ago, which was a surprise (we do not like hiking on paved roads), but it was easy, steady hike through bamboo, rosewood and giant heather forest (did not see any large animals), up until we got caught in rain – now it was easier to walk on paved road rather than muddy trail.  Luckily, we were prepared and had everything in our backpacks double packed in garbage bags, but still our backpacks and whatever we were wearing got wet. There was no way we could pitch our tents at campsite which turned into wetland, we stayed in the hut. We had warm food and comfortable bunk beds, started drying our stuff.

Trek day 2

From Old Moses Camp we walked ~13 km (8 hours) to Shiptons Camp (4,236 masl). With change of plans, we knew it was going to be a long day, but we could afford it and there was no reason for us to rush. The trail is easy, but gains 900 m to over 4,000 masl, so we needed time to ease acclimatization. Scenery was beautiful, exotic (for us) plants: giant lobelias (Lobelia deckenii), ostrich plume lobelias (Lobelia telekii) and giant groundsels (Dendrosenecio) endemic to Mt. Kenya, and birds. Weather was not too bad (no rain, some drizzle). We crossed Ontulili and Liki rivers, descended into Mackinder Valley, passed Mackinder Caves before arriving at Shiptons. On the way, we got a good view of the valleys and a glimpse of the rocks high up. At Moses and Shiptons, hiking crews had their own quarters with kitchen to prepare meals served in large dining rooms. At Shiptons  small birds and rock hyraxes, and of course mice, came to dining room looking for snacks. Food was  good, fresh and plentiful.

Trek day 3

From Shiptons Camp we hiked 3 km loop (2.5 hours) to Hausberg Col (4,591 masl) with  return via Kami Camp (4,439 masl). We started the day around 6 am excited about open view of the Mountain in rising Sun. It was easy and slow day good for acclimatization, which we did not start until 9 am. Good practice on scree. Decent views. In the afternoon we walked towards Lower Simba Tarn, not too far –  just to keep muscles warm, and to get ready for Lenana next morning. We felt the altitude a bit. Our shoes finally dried.

Trek day 4

From Shiptons we hiked up ~2 km (almost 4 hours) to Point Lenana (4,985 masl), then ~4 km (6 hours) down to  Mintos Camp (4,290) via Simba Col (4,630 masl). We started hiking shortly after 5 am in the dark with temperature a bit below freezing. We warmed up quickly when the sun came out behind the clouds and we hit steep scree. With clouds, but no precipitation, we kept pushing towards the summit hoping the Sun burns off clouds by the time we get there. It got windy and cold again near the summit, visibility was only a couple hundred meters or less at times. Rocks at the summit were covered with ice. We hanged around the summit for a while taking pictures, but without good views we started descending shortly. The weather improved and was quite nice, although changing quickly, by the time we made it to Mintos Camp. Walked around near Hall Tarns before dinner. Piotr slept on three deflated (punctured) rented sleeping mats (luckily just one night), but tent was good and warm.

Trek day 5

From Mintos Camp we walked down ~15 km (5.5 hours) to Chogoria Gate (2,950 masl). On the way, we made 1 km side hike from Roadhead (3,200 masl) to Nithi Waterfalls. After lunch we drove 28-30 km (1 hour) to Chogoria (1,540 masl) where we stayed for the night at Lizlo Hotel.  It was really nice downhill hike along Gorges Valley with great views into the valley and towards Lake Michaelson, and back towards the Mountain which was still hidden in clouds. The weather was perfect, warm and partially sunny. We could observe changes in landscape and vegetation as we were descending to lower altitudes: from alpine to equatorial/tropical.  Moorland, big trees, lichens and mosses, cloud forest at times. Driving from the gate to Chogoria was too fast to see much, but we thought it would be nice to hike through the forest part of the park as well. We parked at Lizlo Hotel, went for a walk along main street and met with our tour manager to talk everything over. They made really good effort with all the changes to make our trip better. There is cell connection in many spots on the Mountain (if you know where to find them) and we were able to make new arrangements while  hiking. Our safari driver/guide and cook arrived day earlier from Nairobi, so that we could go to Meru and start safari earlier next day.

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