The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful approach to Mt Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain. Winding through bamboo forests, alpine moorlands, and past the stunning Lake Michaelson, this route offers trekkers a wilderness experience that rivals anything on Kilimanjaro — with far fewer crowds and a fraction of the cost.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mt Kenya has three main trekking routes: Naro Moru, Sirimon, and Chogoria. While Naro Moru is the quickest and Sirimon the most gradual, Chogoria is unanimously the most scenic. The route approaches from the east, traversing lush montane forest before opening into dramatic alpine scenery with volcanic rock formations, glacial lakes, and sweeping views across the Kenyan highlands.
The highlight is undoubtedly Lake Michaelson — a pristine glacial lake sitting in a deep volcanic crater at 3,900 metres, surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the entire Mt Kenya National Park and a moment trekkers never forget.
Day 1: Drive from Nairobi to Chogoria town (approximately 4 hours). Register at the park gate and drive through the forest zone to the roadhead at 3,000m. Camp at the roadhead or continue to Minto’s Hut area.
Day 2: Trek through the moorland zone, passing giant lobelias and groundsel plants unique to East African alpine environments. Reach Lake Michaelson for lunch, then continue to the Austrian Hut (4,790m) or Shipton’s Camp (4,200m).
Day 3: Summit attempt to Point Lenana (4,985m) — Mt Kenya’s trekking peak. Start before dawn for sunrise views over the glacier-capped Batian and Nelion peaks. Descend via the Sirimon or Naro Moru route for variety.
Day 4: Complete the descent and transfer back to Nairobi.
The Chogoria Route is moderate in difficulty — easier than Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route but requiring reasonable fitness. The main challenge is altitude rather than technical terrain. Point Lenana (4,985m) is a walk-up summit with no climbing equipment needed. Proper acclimatisation is essential: we recommend a minimum of 4 days for the trek, with an extra acclimatisation day if you’re not experienced at altitude.
The best months are January-February and July-October, when dry weather provides clear summit views and firm trails. The route is accessible year-round, but April-May rains make the forest section muddy and views are often obscured by cloud.
A 4-5 day guided Chogoria Route trek costs approximately USD 800-1,500 per person, including park fees (USD 52/day for non-residents), guide, porters, camping equipment, and meals. This is significantly cheaper than Kilimanjaro treks, which typically start at USD 2,000+.
Many trekkers combine the Chogoria Route with a Kenya safari — after summiting Mt Kenya, head south to the Maasai Mara for Big Five game drives, or visit Lake Nakuru for flamingos. Our 5-Day Mt Kenya Safari and 9-Day Mt Kenya Safari packages include both trekking and wildlife experiences.
Ready to trek Mt Kenya via the Chogoria Route? Contact Nature Nest Safaris at book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912.
Ready to plan your East African adventure? Browse our curated safari experiences:
Let our expert team craft your perfect safari adventure. Custom itineraries, competitive prices, and unforgettable experiences.
Start Planning Your Safari