The New Altomatum — Three Weekends of Madness
The Ultimate Hiking Challenge
Go as far as you can, or go all the way if you can!
We reimagined the way mountain traverses can be done and redesigned the way any hiker can test their endurance. Previously, The Altomatum Challenge was a preserve for only the fittest, most accomplished hikers who could go the farthest in the shortest time.
The New Altomatum gives everyone who understands hiking a chance to see how far they can go–or go all the way if they can!
We restructured the Nyandarua traverses to include a single point for entry and exit without dampening the challenge. And, because the challenge is not complete without a big mountain, we threw in a Mount Kenya day dash to replace the Mount Kenya Peak Circuit. This way, you can try to go all the way and unleash the beast hiker in you, or you can go the farthest you can and push your limits next time.
The New Altomatum Summary
Apr 22 – Elephant Hill X Mt. Kinangop Southern Breach
30km High Elevation Gain Challenge:- Njabini Gate – Elephant Hill – Mt. Kinangop – Elephant Hill – Njabini Gate
Apr 29 – Table Mountain X Seven Ponds Traverse
15km Steep Challenge:- Mikeu Entry – Table Mountain – Seven Ponds – Mikeu Exit
May 5–6 – Mount Kenya Day Dash on Naromoru Route
28km Steep, High Elevation Gain Challenge:- Met Camp Sleep-Over – Mackinders Camp – Austrian Hut – Point Lenana – Met Camp
The New Altomatum Package Cost
Citizen Ticket – 27,000
Resident Ticket – 27,500
Payment Plan
Pay 9,500/= non-refundable deposit before April 15
Clear the balance on or before April 30
Note: This is a limited edition package. Allotment of slots is on a first-pay-first-reserved basis.
How far can you go?
Apr 22 – Elephant Hill X Mt. Kinangop Southern Breach
We kick off the new Altomatum challenge by traversing the unequally yoked Southern Nyandarua twins with the worst reputation. Whether this is your first time attempting either Elephant Hill or Kinangop, you have heard of the notoriety of the two trails.
We leave Nairobi at 4 in the morning and drive to the Njabini Forest station, aiming to hit the trail by 6:30 a.m. Our hike takes us 9km to the Elephant Hill summit, down and up the treacherous climb to the Kinangop peak in 6km, back up a steep climb to the Elephant Hill Summit, and down to exit the Njabini Gate.
Hiking Distance: 30km
Maximum Elevation: 3,906m
Total Elevation Gain: 2,009m
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Mode of hiking: Time target-based
You shall receive targets to evaluate your progress throughout the hike. The entire group’s turn-back time is 1:30 p.m.
You’ve certainly got this!
Apr 29 – Table Mountain X Seven Ponds Traverse
Our next stop in the new Altomatum challenge takes us through two notoriously steep trails in the Northern Nyandarua moorlands, Table Mountain and Seven Ponds. This one is a softer, never less deserving traverse, which any intermediate or advanced hiker can confidently undertake.
We, again, depart Nairobi at 4 in the morning, aiming to hit the trail by 7:30 a.m. Our hike takes us up the new Table Mountain trail to the summit in 6.5km. It then continues 3km on a fairly gentle trek through the golden Northern Nyandarua moorlands to get to the Seven Ponds point (3,831m). Finally, we descend 5.5km down a steep trail back to our starting point.
Hiking Distance: 15km
Maximum Elevation: 3,831m
Total Elevation Gain: 1,300m
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Mode of hiking: Time target-based
You shall receive targets to evaluate your progress throughout the hike. The turn-back time before Table Mountain summit is 1:30 p.m.
The Climax: Point Lenana in a day
May 5–6 – Mount Kenya Day Dash on Naromoru Route
We wrap up the new Altomatum challenge by attempting to get to Mt. Kenya Point Lenana in a day. It’s been done before, and if you have made it thus far, it’s certainly worth a try!
We depart Nairobi on Friday the 5th at 1 p.m, aiming to get to the Mount Kenya Naromoru gate (2,400m) by 5 p.m. We shall then drive 9km into the park to get to Met Camp (3,048m), where we shall spend the evening. We arise at 2 a.m and have breakfast, targeting to hit the trail by 3 a.m.
Our trek takes us 10km to Mackinders Camp (4,300m), where we shall have a light breakfast before continuing on the brutally steep climb towards Austrian Hut (4,790m) and, finally, Point Lenana (4,895m) in 4km. We shall then descend all the way back to Met Camp, where we shall board our buses back to Nairobi.
Hiking Distance: 28km
Maximum Elevation: 4,895m
Total Elevation Gain: 1,984m
Hiking time: 14-16 hours
Mode of hiking: Time target-based
You shall receive targets to evaluate your progress throughout the hike. The turn-back time before Mackinders Camp is 2:00 p.m. The latest time by which the last person must get to Point Lenana is 12:30 p.m.
Mount Kenya Dash Gear Requirements
– Thermal top and bottom, quick-dry pants and tshirt
– Rain pants, rain jacket, fleece jacket, and fleece-lined hiking pants
– Warm, windproof hat, balaclava, fleece-lined gloves, headlamp, and sunglasses
– Leg gaiters and waterproof hiking boots
– Sleeping bag or camping quilt
The New Altomatum Ticket Includes
– Transport from Nairobi and back
– Park fees
– Armed ranger fees for the Elephant Hill x Kinangop traverse
– Guide services
– Paramedic services
– A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
– One night’s accommodation in mountain huts at Mt. Kenya, including dinner and breakfast
– The Altomatum Finisher Medal & Cetificate
Ticket DOES NOT include
– Hiking gear, clothes, and other personal effects
– Mandatory AMREF evacuation cover. If you do not have it, get your cover with AMREF for Ksh 1,600/= (one-month cover) or Ksh 2,500/= (annual cover).
– Anything else not mentioned in the ‘Ticket Includes’ list
The New Altomatum Cancellation and Refunds Policy
– Ksh 9,500 booking confirmation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
– No refund will be issued for cancellations after May 2, 2023.
