Through jungle to the start of the trek
190 km from Nairobi, i.e. several long hours by bus, lies at the foot of the massif of Mount Kenya a former old Scottish missionary base – Chogorie (1 550 m asl). Tourists come here for one reason only. It is one of possible starting points to trek through the massif of Mount Kenya. You can hire a guide here and mainly arrange transport to the gate of the National Park (2 990 m asl), which is also the beginning of this wonderful trek. The entry to the mountains is still approximately 26 km from Chogorie, 20 km of which leads along annoying muddy path through the jungle. And this article is about this journey by jeep from Chogorie to the gate of the national park.
Chogoria
Chogoria is not very picturesque town and its muddy streets are almost impassable with dry foot in rain. Since, however, it is not quite close to Nairobi, you will come here probably very late. So you will have to probably sleep here (which is fortunately not a problem).
Banana plantation
The road rises from Chogoria between rounded hills in fertile landscape, where you can see many species of crops. Many of them thrive here well, for example bananas.
Tea plantation
Extensive tea plantations are in the highest locations.
After approximately six kilometers at about 1740 meters asl begins national park, i.e. end fields and begins impenetrable forest.
Drive through the jungle
Twenty kilometer long muddy path through the jungle is difficult also for off –road vehicle. This path is completely impassable even several days after frequent rains. Sometimes it is passable only partly. Anyway, although car travel is expensive, it is still a better option than long walking in monotonous forest in the mud.
Unexpected destination
Unfortunately it may happen that you really cannot pass further. So there is no other choice but to walk, sometimes even a few hours.
Mount Kenya Bandas
In the forest will gradually prevail bamboo, and then with increasing altitude it thins and grassy meadows appear. Here you are already in place in almost three thousand meters above sea level. The whole camp gives picturesque impression.
In the camp
It is safe to stay nearby the camp early in the morning and in the evening, because malicious buffaloes gather nearby the pond.
View of Mount Kenya
From the camp you can see yet quite distant peaks of the massif of Mount Kenya. The best weather is here early in the morning, it is then cloudy and it rains/snows at higher elevations.
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