MOUNT KENYA CHOGORIA – SIRIMON ROUTE (5 DAYS)

Item Code: 124-2602

The Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse is widely regarded as the most scenic trekking route on Mount Kenya. It ascends through the spectacular Chogoria Route, passing waterfalls, Lake Ellis, the Gorges Valley, and Hall Tarns before summiting Point Lenana (4,985m) and descending through the beautiful Mackinder Valley and Sirimon Route. This itinerary provides excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate.

Details

DAY 1: NAIROBI – CHOGORIA – MOUNT KENYA BANDAS

Elevation: 2,950m
Walking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: Approximately 10 km

Program

  • Depart Nairobi at 7:00 AM and drive through Embu to Chogoria Town.
  • Lunch in Chogoria.
  • Continue by 4WD vehicle through the forest to the Chogoria Park Gate and roadhead.
  • Begin trekking through bamboo and montane forest to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas.

Highlights

  • Dense bamboo forest
  • Giant heather vegetation
  • Views of the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya
  • Waterfalls near the bandas

Meals

  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Overnight

Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m)

DAY 2: MOUNT KENYA BANDAS – LAKE ELLIS CAMP

Elevation Gain: 2,950m – 3,600m
Walking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: Approximately 9 km

Program

After breakfast, begin a gradual ascent towards Lake Ellis.

The trail passes through beautiful moorland characterized by:

  • Giant Lobelias
  • Giant Groundsels
  • Alpine flowers
  • Crystal-clear streams

Enjoy spectacular views of:

  • Mugi Hill
  • Ithanguni Peak
  • The Giant’s Billiard Table

Arrive at Lake Ellis Camp in the afternoon.

Highlights

  • Lake Ellis
  • Moorland scenery
  • Wildlife including sunbirds and hyraxes
  • Stunning views of the eastern peaks

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Overnight

Lake Ellis Camp (3,600m)

DAY 3: LAKE ELLIS – MINTOS CAMP

Elevation Gain: 3,600m – 4,200m
Walking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: Approximately 12 km

Program

Leave Lake Ellis after breakfast and ascend gradually along ridges leading toward Mintos Camp.

The route offers breathtaking views over:

  • Gorges Valley
  • Hall Tarns
  • Lake Michaelson
  • Ithanguni and surrounding peaks

Arrive at Mintos Camp in the afternoon.

Take a short excursion to the famous “Temple,” a dramatic cliff viewpoint overlooking the valley.

Highlights

  • Hall Tarns
  • Gorges Valley
  • Temple Cliffs
  • Spectacular sunset views

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Overnight

Mintos Camp (4,200m)

DAY 4: MINTOS CAMP – POINT LENANA – OLD MOSES CAMP

Elevation: 4,200m – 4,985m – 3,300m
Walking Time: 10–12 Hours

Summit Day

3:00 AM

Wake-up call and light breakfast.

3:30 AM

Begin the summit attempt under headlamps.

The ascent passes:

  • Hall Tarns
  • Lewis Glacier viewpoints
  • Austrian Hut area

Sunrise at Point Lenana (4,985m)

Reach Point Lenana in time to witness one of Africa’s most spectacular sunrises.

On a clear morning you can see:

  • Mount Kilimanjaro
  • The Indian Ocean horizon
  • Batian and Nelion Peaks

After photos and celebration, descend via Shipton Camp for breakfast.

Continue descending through:

  • Mackinder Valley
  • Liki North Valley
  • Moorland Zone

Arrive at Old Moses Camp in the late afternoon.

Highlights

  • Point Lenana Summit (4,985m)
  • Sunrise over East Africa
  • Mackinder Valley
  • Batian and Nelion views

Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Overnight

Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

DAY 5: OLD MOSES CAMP – SIRIMON GATE – NAIROBI

Elevation: 3,300m – 2,650m
Walking Time: 2–3 Hours

Program

After breakfast, descend through:

  • Giant Heather Zone
  • Forest Zone
  • Sirimon Track

Arrive at Sirimon Gate where your vehicle will be waiting.

Drive to Nanyuki for lunch before continuing to Nairobi.

Arrival

Expected arrival in Nairobi between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on traffic.

Included

  • transport
  • entry fee
  • guides and porters
  • camping tents
  • Food in the mountain
  • Travel insurance

Excluded

  1. personal hiking gears
  2. accommodation on arrival and after
  3. snacks