Chogoria Route Mt Kenya: The Most Scenic Path to Africa's Second Peak (2026 Guide)

The Chogoria route is widely regarded as the most beautiful approach to Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain. If you’re planning to climb Mt Kenya and want a route that combines stunning scenery with a genuine wilderness experience, Chogoria is the one.

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This guide covers everything you need to know about the Chogoria route Mt Kenya trek — from logistics and costs to day-by-day itineraries and what to pack.

Why Choose the Chogoria Route?

Mount Kenya has three main climbing routes: Naro Moru, Sirimon, and Chogoria. Here’s why experienced trekkers consistently recommend Chogoria:

• Most scenic route: The approach through bamboo forest gives way to giant heather, then the stunning Gorges Valley with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise tarns
• Less crowded: Chogoria sees fewer trekkers than the popular Naro Moru route
• Better acclimatisation: The gradual ascent allows more time to adjust to altitude
• Lake Ellis: A beautiful alpine lake at 3,480m that you pass on the approach
• Gorges Valley: One of East Africa’s most spectacular mountain valleys

Chogoria Route Mt Kenya: Quick Facts

• Starting point: Chogoria town (1,500m), eastern side of Mt Kenya
• Summit reached: Point Lenana (4,985m) — the trekking peak
• Duration: 4–5 days (Chogoria up, Naro Moru or Sirimon down is the most popular combination)
• Distance: Approximately 35 km one way to Point Lenana
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — no technical climbing for Point Lenana
• Best months: January–March and July–October (dry seasons)

Day-by-Day Chogoria Route Itinerary

Day 1: Chogoria Town to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas (2,950m)

Drive from Chogoria town (or Nairobi, 5–6 hours) to the park gate at 2,950m. The road passes through dense bamboo forest — keep an eye out for elephant, buffalo, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Settle into the Meru Mt Kenya Bandas (basic huts) or camp.

Day 2: Bandas to Lake Ellis and Road Head Camp (3,300m)

Trek through giant heather moorland with views opening up across the eastern slopes. Pass the beautiful Lake Ellis (3,480m) — a pristine alpine lake perfect for a rest stop and photos. Continue to the road head camp at around 3,300m. This is an acclimatisation day — walk high, sleep low.

Day 3: Road Head to Lake Michaelson / Mintos Hut (4,135m)

The highlight of the entire route. The trail enters the spectacular Gorges Valley, with towering cliffs on either side and the dramatic Lake Michaelson below. The landscape is otherworldly — giant groundsel and lobelia plants dot the rocky terrain. Arrive at Mintos Hut (4,135m), a basic metal shelter. Camp nearby.

Day 4: Summit Day — Mintos Hut to Point Lenana (4,985m)

Wake at 2–3 AM for the summit push. The trail is steep but non-technical — scrambling over rock and scree in the dark with headlamps. Reach Point Lenana (4,985m) for sunrise. On a clear morning, you can see Kilimanjaro, the Aberdares, and the Rift Valley. This is the highest point accessible to trekkers without technical climbing equipment.

Descend via the Naro Moru route (or Sirimon) to Meteorological Station (3,050m) for overnight.

Day 5: Descent and Transfer

Complete the descent to the Naro Moru gate. Transfer back to Nairobi or continue your Kenya safari.

Chogoria Route Costs (2026)

• Mt Kenya National Park entry fee: $52 per day (international adults), $26 per day (children)
• Guide fee: $25–40 per day (mandatory)
• Porter fee: $15–20 per day per porter (recommended — 1 porter per trekker minimum)
• Cook: $20–30 per day (optional but recommended)
• Camping fees: $15–25 per night
• All-inclusive guided package: $800–$1,500 per person for 5 days (includes transport from Nairobi, meals, guide, porters, park fees, camping equipment)

What to Pack for the Chogoria Route

Essential gear for the Chogoria route includes:

• Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C minimum)
• Waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trek)
• Layered clothing: base layer, fleece, waterproof shell
• Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter for summit night
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Trekking poles (highly recommended for the steep sections)
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is intense at altitude)

Combining Mt Kenya with a Safari

A Mt Kenya climb pairs perfectly with a Kenya wildlife safari. Popular combinations include:

• Mt Kenya + Masai Mara: 10–12 days total — climb the mountain, then fly or drive to the Mara for big cat game drives
• Mt Kenya + Samburu + Laikipia: 8–10 days — stay in Kenya’s northern highlands
• Mt Kenya + Amboseli: 8 days — see Kilimanjaro from both the summit of Mt Kenya and the plains of Amboseli

Nature Nest Safaris specialises in combining mountaineering adventures with wildlife safaris. We handle all permits, guides, equipment, and logistics.

Book Your Chogoria Route Trek

Ready to tackle the Chogoria route? Contact Nature Nest Safaris for a tailored Mt Kenya trekking package. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced mountaineer, we’ll design the perfect itinerary for your fitness level and interests.