Ithangune 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 the junction to Lake Ellis and Road End 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, and a bit of Bushwhacking follows. 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 hill. Lake Rutundu can also be seen from afar. We will take a lunch break atop here before trekking back to Chogoria Gate.
Ithangune Upsweep Stats
Approximate Distance: 22Km
Approximate Time: 10 Hours
Maximum Elevation: 3888m (At Ithangune Hill)
Difficulty: This hike requires you to have done several high-altitude hikes above 20km (total distance) to hack.
Hike Essentials
| What to Wear | What to Carry |
|---|---|
| Fleece Marvin/hat or a baseball cap | At least 2L water |
| Hiking pants/shorts | Electrolyte replenisher (Hydration mix, smoothies, crisps, nuts) |
| Wind jacket | Rain poncho |
| Comfortable hiking boot | Hiking stick |
| Sunscreen/petroleum jelly | Balaclava |
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).
Ticket & Booking Ithangune Upsweep
| Residents (KES) | Non-Residents (USD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Transport | 5200 | 95 |
| Self-Drive | 4000 | 85 |
| Booking | 3000 | 50 |
Citizens/Residents: Scroll to the “Book Event” section for tickets (recommended). Or pay externally through these payment details.
Non-Residents: Click Here to Pay in USD.
For partial payments, the balance shall be cleared before departure.
Hikers Arena Refund Policy applies.
Click here to see the ticket inclusions & definitions.
Trip Route
Nairobi- <Thika Road> -Embu.
Trip Itinerary
Meeting point: Opposite outside International House Kencom (Nairobi CBD)
- 2.00 am: Boarding opens
- 2.15 am: Departure for Mount Kenya Chogoria Gate (The departure time is strict)
- 6.00 am: Arrival at Mount Kenya forest Gate & registrations
- 7.20 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
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