The overview
This four-day Mount Kenya climb through Chogoria is the most popular and, arguably, the most beautiful climbing route to the summit area. It is the driest path up the mountain, and the stroll down the Gorges Valley is breathtaking. The Sirimon route descends down some magnificent forest tracks and accomplishes the mountain trek.
The detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya Bandas (2900m) and climb to Lake Ellis (3600m)
Depart Nairobi in the early morning and travel through agricultural land to Chogoria for lunch. After lunch, drive towards the edge of the bamboo forest and begin a 10-kilometer journey through the dense bamboo forest to Mt Kenya Bandas. A comparatively longer trek via Lake Ellis provides stunning views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table while following the river near the road head upstream for about 3 km provides exceptionally beautiful foreground scenery and plants. Hike up to the quiet camping on Lake Ellis’s shoreline (5-6 hours). Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Ellis campground.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 2: Lake Ellis to Mintos camp ((4,200m)
Set off in the morning to follow a path up the hill for approximately 3 hours, then join the tourist trail on the typical Chogoria route at about 4,100m. Vistas of the Gorges Valley and back onto Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands are breathtaking. Lunch will be served at a small river crossing before proceeding for an additional hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m, where you will spend the night. The rest of the afternoon involves relaxing at camp, however the 10-minute trek to the “Temple” is definitely worth it. This is a 150-meter-high vertical cliff that obtains its nickname due to a praying pose that visitors frequently take when staring over the edge.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 3: Minto`s camp to Point Lenana (4,985m) and descend to Old Moses camp.
The predawn peak attempt begins at 3 a.m., and you will climb for roughly three hours up to Point Lenana, arriving in time to enjoy the African sunrise. After a fair amount of rest, descend to Shipton camp for breakfast. Continue on a 3-hour descent through Mackinder’s valley until you reach Old Moses camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and there is plenty of time to explore the wonderful scenery, which incorporates the moorlands, before arriving at the camp for the rest of the day, dinner, and overnight.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 4: Descent to Sirimon gate and transfer to Nairobi
After an early breakfast, descend for 2 to 3 hours to Sirimon gate to meet your driver who is going to drive you back to Nairobi to check into the lodge for a lovely bath, relaxation, and overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included