Mount Kenya Climbing: 4 Days In Chogoria – Out Sirimon Route

The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular. The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain. This route is the most beautiful of the access routes to Point Lenana.  

Tour Highlights:

Traverse the mountain from the East to the North via the Chogoria and Sirimon routes.

 Climb Point Lenana, the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya park.

 Ascend via the quieter and most dramatic Chogoria route of Mt Kenya

 Accommodation is in huts or tents/camping while trekking Mt Kenya

Day 01: Nairobi  - Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent.
Pick up from your hotel early and drive north through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trek through the dense bamboo forest for distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas. (3000m). 

Day 02: Mt Kenya Bandas – Minto’s campsite (4,200m) 8-9 hrs, 17km, 1,400 ascent. 
Today you commence early for a long trek on a wide track through the forest, with occasional sightings of elephant, bushbuck, buffalo and impala. Emerging from the forest, you walk through heather before crossing the Nithi River to reach the moorlands from where you can enjoy good views of the picturesque Gorges, Valley, the Temple, lakes, mushroom rocks, billiards table and the high peaks of mount Kenya. Total walking time approx. 8 hours, with picnic lunch en route.

Day 03: Minto`s - Pt Lenana (4,985m) Judmiere Camp (3,300m) 11-12 hrs, 785m ascent, 24km walk, 1,685m descent

Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to point Lenana (4,985m), the hikers/trekkers summit, arriving there for the beautiful early African sunrise. After photography we descend to Shipton`s camp for breakfast and celebrations. After breakfast, begin a 5 hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Judmiere camp. ( 3,300m) The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
dDinner and overnight at judmiere camp. 

Day 04: Judmiere Camp - Nairobi. 2 hrs walk.

After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park gate to catch a vehicle for the return journey to Nanyuki for lunch. Later transfer back to Nairobi arriving by 1700hrs.

Tip: Day 02's hike is a long one involving a steady climb up to Mintos. Hikers who are not limited by time can take an overnight stopover at the Nithi Camp (3300m) mid-way to Mintos. From here they can explore the nearby Nithi Falls or climb Mugi hill (3500m) for better acclimatisation. Alternatively you can hike directly to Mintos/Halltarn and spend an extra day here instead to recuperate and explore the Gorges Valley which also accords you a better acclimatization due to the higher altitude.