The Giant Bamboo hike is a gentle walk in the lowlands of Mount Kenya through the Burguret Route. Where humans do not rough up forests, forests remain natural, and the environment is adventurous. You might encounter at least one of the big five along this route from a distance. Life here is under a forest of towering bamboo and montane forests. Come on a day hike with us.

The Giant Bamboo Trek starts at Gathioro Forest Station and quickly takes us through tall and lively manmade that could be confused with indigenous forests because of the trees’ age. Past this forest, the rest of the forest to the bamboo zone is indigenous. Past the indigenous forest, there are lofty and statuesque bamboo trees. The best place you can hide is here since the hike is entirely under the forest cover, and you can listen to the noise of your footsteps.

Our hike ends at the Giant Bamboo Camp. This is usually the first camp when climbing Mount Kenya to the summit using the Burguret route.

The Giant Bamboo Hike Stats

Approximate Distance: 20Km

Approximate Time: 6 Hours

Max Elevation: 2600 (At the Giant Bamboo Camp)

Difficulty: You do not need previous hiking experience to hack this. Good health and fitness are, however, needed.

What to Wear During the Hike

• • Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap.
  • Proper hiking clothes (polyester t-shirt, wind jacket, hiking pants, fleece jacket).
  • Comfortable hiking boots (should be at least one size bigger than your standard shoe size).
  • Insect repellant (there are tse tse flies at the summit).

In Your Backpack, Have

• • At least 2 liters of water (use a water bladder or a reusable bottle). Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed inside parks.
  • Snacks such as biscuits, nuts, fruits, crisps, etc.
  • A hiking pole.
  • 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 the Giant Bamboo Hike

The Ticket is KES 4500. Reserve a slot by paying at least Kes.2500 by Wednesday, October 23, 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)

• • 3.45 am: Boarding opens
  • 4.00 am: Departure for Gathioro Forest Station (The departure time is strict)
  • 8.00 am: Arrival at Gathioro Forest Station & registrations
  • 8.20 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

For inquiries and updates, click here. We also recommend you join the Hikers Arena Community Whatsapp group (Click here to join) to keep up to date with our activities and upcoming events.