Tulia: Where Safari Meets Summit

In Swahili, the word Tulia means “to be at peace” or “to be calm.” This is not just a name—it’s the essence of the journey.

In a world that rarely slows down, Tulia was created to offer something different—a rare invitation to reconnect with nature, culture, and self through a journey that blends the stillness of safari with the challenge of expedition.

This 12-day adventure, set in the heart of Kenya, is not just a trip. It’s a curated experience designed for those seeking personal growth, bold movement, and meaningful moments in wild spaces.

My vision with Tulia is to give people the space they need to find their calm—through adventure.” - Schaniela Wright

Expedition Overview

  • Duration: 12 Days

  • Location: East Laikipia & Mount Kenya, Kenya

  • Activities: Walking Safari • Rock Climbing • High-Altitude Mountaineering • Cultural Immersion

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

  • Group Size: Small & Intimate (Private or Open Groups)

  • Accommodation: Mobile luxury Camps

  • Guide Ratio:

    Walking and Single pitch climbing: 1:6

    Technical Rock Climbing at Altitude:1:1 or 1:2 for climbing sections

What makes Tulia different is the balance it strikes:

  • Stillness & Movement

  • Culture & Climbing

  • Safari & Summit

  • Challenge & Calm

You’ll return home not only with stories and summit photos—but with clarity, confidence, and the quiet knowing that you stepped outside your norm and discovered something far more real.

If you’re looking for an expedition that goes beyond the itinerary—one that speaks to your spirit as much as your sense of adventure—then Tulia is waiting.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Our adventure begins early on day 1, a 2hr drive from Nairobi to Nanyuki airstrip where you will board your own private plane, an exciting bush landing at Tumaren Airstrip, offering stunning views over conservation land. The flight is only 20 minutes and upon arrival, Ella and Jack will meet you before a short game drive to our first campsite.

    Our adventure kicks off with a 4-day walking safari through the Karisia conservancy, starting at the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River, known for its rich wildlife. At the first camp, guests will meet the local team—cooks, camel handlers, and guides.

    After settling into your luxury tents and delicious lunch, we will take a short walk around camp to see what we can find and enjoy sunset drinks by the river, followed by a campfire and cooked dinner under the stars.

  • The day begins with an early morning walk along the river, watching birds and wildlife wake with the rising sun. After a healthy breakfast, the group continues on foot towards our next camp - Paul’s Camp.

    The walk crosses open plains and bushland, where wildlife sightings may include zebras, oryx, gazelles, and possibly dik-diks, gerenuk, impalas, or lesser kudu.

    By the time the group arrives at ‘Paul’s Camp’ for lunch, the pack camels and our team would have already set up most of the camp. After a relaxing break, the day ends with us climbing stunning granite rocks watching the sun set overlooking the vast savannah.

  • Following another refreshing morning, we set off for the third camp - Chololo.

    Chololo stretches out as a beautiful open landscape, its golden plains rolling toward the distant silhouette of the Loldiaga Hills.

    For adventurers, this place is a hidden treasure. The rocky outcrops offer incredible climbing routes, from playful scrambles to more technical lines. And for those seeking something truly unique, there’s the chance to take on a via ferrata, a really fun adventure before watching the sunset with a cold beer before yet another delicious dinner.

  • On the final full day of the trip, the group will hike to their last campsite Nyasura, at a striking rocky outcrop visible from miles away. This ancient, sacred site has been used for centuries as shelter, and evidence of early human activity—such as graves, flints, and stone tools—can still be found.

    After lunch at camp, the afternoon is spent exploring Nyasura’s slopes, with opportunities for both adventure abseiling and more technical rock climbing, building on the skills learned at Paul’s Rock.

    The day ends with a sunset gathering on top of Nyasura, offering spectacular views and a peaceful moment to reflect—while baboons wait below for their turn to sleep on the sacred rock. The journey to Mt. Kenya begins early the next morning.

  • Nanyuki to Chogoria Swiss Camp (3450m)

    • Morning

      • Early breakfast at camp

      • Farewell to the Karisia Team

      • Begin a 6-hour drive to Chogoria Gate

    • Afternoon

      • Arrive at Chogoria Gate (start of Mt. Kenya trek)

      • Trek for approximately 2 hours gaining 350m of height from the vehicle drop off, through forested terrain

      • Reach Swiss Camp (3450 m)

      • Take in views of the transition between Afro-alpine forest and moorland (weather permitting)

    • Evening

      • Dinner at camp

      • Rest and prepare for the next day’s trek

  • Day Itinerary: Swiss Camp → Lake Michaelson (4,300 m)

    Trekking time: ~5 hours
    Total amount of Altitude gain throughout the day: ~1300 meters

    Morning

    • Breakfast at camp

    • Begin scenic trek along a ridge overlooking into the Gorges Valley

    • Enjoy expansive views and changing landscapes as elevation increases

    Midday

    • Lunch break with a panoramic view overlooking Lake Michaelson

    • Great opportunity for photos

    Afternoon

    • After a packed lunch a short hike to camp with a gentle traverse, followed by a descent to Lake Michaelson campsite

    Evening

    • Optional: Explore the lakeside area or take time to rest and recover

    • Dinner at camp and overnight at Lake Michaelson

  • Day Itinerary: Lake Michaelson → Simba Col (4,550 m)

    Trekking time: ~3 hours
    Altitude gain: ~250 meters

    Morning

    • Breakfast at Lake Michaelson

    • Depart around 9:00 AM for a fairly short trek to Simba Col

    • Ascend steadily with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks

    • Pass through rugged alpine terrain as you gain elevation

    Midday / Early Afternoon

    • Arrive at Simba Tarn Campsite (Simba Col)

    • Camp will be pre-set, and lunch will be served upon arrival

    • Rest, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the summit push the following day

    Afternoon / Evening

    • Relax and enjoy the views from high camp

    • Early dinner and rest for an early summit start next morning

  • Day Itinerary: Simba Col → Point Lenana (4,985 m) → Kami Hut (4400m)

    Trekking time: ~4 hours
    Altitude gain (to summit): +435 m
    Descent: -585 m

    Early Morning

    • Start at 4:30 AM for a sunrise summit of Point Lenana (4,985 m)

    • Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and—on clear days—even Mount Kilimanjaro

    • Warm drink and photo opportunity at the summit

    Post Summit Descent

    • Begin a short descent of 1hr to Kami hut from the summit, where breakfast will be waiting.

    • Arrive at camp and settle in, rest, refuel, and prepare for the upcoming technical climb of Batian via the ‘North Face Standard’ route.

    Evening

    • Gear check and briefing with your climbing team

    • There is a 2 day window purposely built into the itinerary to give us the best chance of a good weather window, your guide will make the appropriate call if there is a window possible to climb

  • Technical Climb Overview: The North Face Standard Route – Mount Kenya

    * Allowing a 2 day weather window

    • Access: Start from Kami hut/tarn

    • Start Time: Very early, often before dawn with head torches

    • Approach: Cross the scree field , then scramble up scree to the base of the North face.

    Climbing Experience:

    • The first pitches are physically demanding due to cold temperatures and the long day ahead

    • Usually complete the first two pitches before first light

    • After sunrise, climbing becomes more enjoyable as muscles warm up

      • Location: The north face lies between the peaks of Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) — the two highest summits of Mount Kenya.

      • Climbing history: The north face route was first climbed in 1944 by Percy Wyn-Harris and Eric Shipton, during World War II — a remarkable feat given the limited gear of the time.

      • Ice and rock: It’s a technical alpine climb that combines rock, snow, and ice, depending on the season.

      • Best season: The north face is usually climbed in the dry season (July–September), when the rock is less icy and more stable.

      • Exposure: The face gets early morning and late afternoon sun, making it cold in the shade but spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

      • Rock type: The mountain is made of syenite, a type of intrusive igneous rock — solid and rough, great for gripping during climbs.

      • Volcanic origin: Mount Kenya is the remnant of an ancient volcano, once higher than Kilimanjaro — erosion sculpted the current jagged peaks.

    Timing:

    • The ascent to Batian’s summit typically takes 6–8 hours

  • Final Day Itinerary: Descent & Celebration

    • Morning

      • Begin a slow descent down the Makinder valley

      • Enjoy the final scenic trek and reflect on the journey

    • Afternoon

      • Arrive at the trailhead

      • Transfer by vehicle to Soames Hotel

    • Evening

      • Final celebratory dinner at Soames Hotel

      • Share memories and celebrate an amazing 11-day adventure together

  • Trip Conclusion & Departure

    • After an incredible 11-day adventure, the group will be transported from Soames Hotel back to Nairobi.

    • Overnight stay at a restful and beautiful hotel in Nairobi, for one last evening of rest and reflection.

    • A vehicle will then transport individuals from their hotel to Jomo Kenyatta airport.

  • -Transport from JKIA airport to your accommodation in Nairobi

    • Your first and final night in Country will be at a luxury hotel in Nairobi

    -Transport from Nairobi hotel to Nanyuki airstrip

    - Flight from Nanyuki Airstrip to Karisia

    This scenic flight is included in your quoted price, flight times to be confirmed

    - All park fees and conservancy fees will be included in your trip costs

    -Air evacuation of Mt Kenya

    www.rescue.co

    - All food, transport and accommodation throughout the 12 days

    This will include luxury tents on the walking and climbing safari at Karisia followed by tents on Mt Kenya

    -Climbing equipment

    Harness, safety equipment and helmets will be provided, unless you would like to bring your own.

    -Equipment and camping essentials on Mt Kenya

    Sleeping bag and liner

    (all bags and equipment will be carried by porters you will just carry a day bag throughout the day)

    Equipment and kit list details will be provided once a booking and deposit has been made

    -Soames hotel accommodation for 1 night after descent of Mt Kenya

    -Transport from Soames hotel to Nairobi Hotel

    -Transport from Hotel to JKIA Airport

  • - Flights to and from Kenya

    -Kenyan Tourist visa

    -Personal Medical Insurance

    - Sturdy bag for the porters to carry your belongings

    -Walking boots and climbing shoes will not be available for usage.

    -Tipping

    Tipping is an old culture in Africa, please don't feel pressured to tip however if you would like to tip, a tipping advice sheet will be issued to you.

Group of hikers walking on a dirt trail at dusk or dawn, with two women in the foreground wearing headlamps and backpacks, leading the way. The sky is dark with a hint of orange near the horizon.
Three women sitting inside a colorful camping tent at a table covered with a green plaid tablecloth, preparing and eating food.
A woman swimming in a body of water with a rocky embankment in the background, smiling and enjoying the swim.
Group of five hikers in warm jackets and gear standing together on mountain summit at sunrise or sunset, with a rocky mountain peak in the background.

Technical Climbing Requirements

 Climbing Ability

  • Several pitches at 5.8

  • One key pitch at 5.9

  • Route includes 10+ pitches of climbing and scrambling

  • Rock quality is generally good, but conditions can vary due to altitude and weather

  • Climbing at ~17,000 ft makes even moderate pitches physically demanding

  • Solid 5.9 follower on traditional gear

  • Comfortable on long, multi-pitch alpine routes

  • Experience at high altitude (above 3000m)

  • Ability to manage exposure and potential changes in weather

Gear & Footwear

  • Approach shoes or lightweight mountaineering boots used for lower pitches

  • Helmets mandatory due to rockfall risk

  Is this really for me?

Mt. Kenya is an incredible mountain. The beauty of it is that you don’t need to be a technical climber to enjoy and succeed on the route—we actually do it in approach shoes. At times you’ll feel out of breath, but that’s not because of difficult climbing; it’s simply the altitude, especially once you’re above 4,800m.

The real key to this mountain is the ability to keep moving steadily. I’d strongly recommend preparing with plenty of running, long hill days, and maybe even a Cuillin Ridge traverse in Scotland with us. These are things you’ll probably want to do anyway, but this time you’ll have a clear goal to aim toward.

Lenana, at 4,985m, is a fantastic peak. Our aim is to get everyone there—and then, if the weather allows, decide together whether the North Face is something you want to take on.