Ithangune Ultra Upsweep is a resilience check along the Chogoria route as you head towards the direction of Meru/Timau. Ithangune is a merian name meaning a mountain in a leafy area. The locals reclaimed its name from the colonial “east mountain’ it had been given by Halford Mackinder in 1899.

This hike not only gives views. It also builds your resilience in walking a longer distance within time constraints. The hike starts at Mount Kenya Chogoria Gate and proceeds on your way through the road that goes up Lake Ellis. But instead of taking the final left diversion to Lake Ellis, we will proceed straight following the road to the Giant Billiard Table Mountain and then past the Table Mountain towards the far tall hill (Ithangune).

The trail is friendly until the last stretch at the mountain’s base, where the steep ascent begins. Up the summit is a panorama from the Timau side of Mount Kenya, with the largest lake, Alice (named after Princess Alice, a Gloucester who visited it to unwind), at the base of Ithangune. Lake Rutundu can also be seen from afar. We will take a lunch break atop here before trekking back to Chogoria Gate.

Ithangune Ultra Upsweep Stats

Approximate Distance: 29Km

Approximate Time: 10 Hours

Maximum Elevation: 3860m (At Ithangune Hill)

Difficulty: This hike requires you to have done several challenging hikes above 25km (total distance) to hack.

What to Wear During the Hike

1. Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
2. Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants, fleece jacket).
3. Comfortable hiking boots (should be at least one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
4. Leg gaiters.
5. Sunscreen.

In Your Backpack, Have

1. At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
2. Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
3. A hiking pole.
4. A raincoat/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).

See more details on how to prepare for this hike and the steps to take after the hike to ease the after-hike effects here.

Ticket & Booking Ithangune Ultra Upsweep

The Ticket is KES 4700. Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2500 using MPesa and clear the balance before departure. Hikers Arena ticket Cancellation and refund policy applies.

• • Paybill No: 522533
  • Account No: 7848929

See the ticket inclusions & definitions here.

Trip Itinerary

Meeting point: Opposite outside International House Kencom (Nairobi CBD)

• 1.45 am: Boarding opens
• 2.00 am: Departure for Mount Kenya Chogoria Gate (The departure time is strict)
• 6.00 am: Arrival at Mount Kenya forest Gate & registrations
• 7.00 am: Hike starts
• 1.00 pm: Turn-back time
• 5.00 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

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