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Trip Overview
This 5-day trek offers an exciting opportunity to experience Mount Kenya’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as the most scenic approach to the summit, taking trekkers through lush rainforests, spectacular valleys, and high-altitude lakes before reaching the summit at Point Lenana (4,985m). The descent via Sirimon Route offers a gentler and drier trail, allowing for a gradual return to lower altitudes while enjoying stunning views of Mackinder’s Valley and the highland moorlands.
This less crowded route combination ensures a more immersive wilderness experience, perfect for trekkers looking to explore Mount Kenya’s raw beauty while enjoying excellent acclimatization and high summit success rates.
Trip Highlight
- Short yet scenic trek to Point Lenana (4,985m)
- Witness Lake Ellis, Nithi Falls, Gorges Valley, and spectacular rock formations
- Beautiful montane forests, moorlands, and glaciers
- Chance to see unique wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes & mountain antelop
- Camp in scenic locations beneath starlit skies.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with local porters and guides.
- Professional Support: Experienced guides and porters.
Itineray
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to Chogoria, a lively town at the foothills of Mount Kenya. Upon arrival, you will check into a comfortable lodge, meet your expert mountain guide, and go through a detailed pre-trek briefing. This session will cover safety, gear checks, and expectations for the trek.
If time allows, you can explore Chogoria town before enjoying a relaxing evening and dinner in preparation for your trek.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight Stay: Chogoria Lodge
Altitude: 2,950m (Chogoria Gate) → 3,400m (Lake Ellis Camp)
Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, a 4x4 vehicle will transfer you from Chogoria town to Chogoria Gate (2,950m), where the trek officially begins. The route starts with a gentle hike through a dense rainforest, where you may encounter monkeys, antelopes, and exotic bird species.
As you ascend, the scenery transforms into moorlands with giant lobelias and senecios, and you will reach the stunning Lake Ellis Camp (3,400m). This serene high-altitude lake provides a perfect spot for relaxation and photography before enjoying a warm meal and settling in for the night.
Altitude: 3,400m → 4,200m
Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek takes you deeper into Mount Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes. The route ascends gradually through open moorlands, offering spectacular views of Lake Michaelson, the Gorges Valley, and dramatic rock formations.
As you climb higher, the air becomes cooler and drier, and the landscape transitions into alpine desert terrain. By late afternoon, you will reach Mintos Camp (4,200m), your base for the summit attempt. Enjoy an early dinner and get a good night’s rest before the early morning summit push.
Altitude: 4,200m → 4,985m → 4,200m
Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
Trekking Time: 10-12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit day begins before dawn (around 3:00 AM). Equipped with headlamps and warm layers, you’ll start the steep ascent towards Point Lenana (4,985m), reaching the summit just in time to witness the sunrise over Mount Kenya.
The summit offers incredible panoramic views stretching across Kenya’s highlands and, on a clear day, all the way to Mount Kilimanjaro. After celebrating your achievement, begin the descent towards Shipton’s Camp (4,200m), where you’ll rest and recover after the long trek.
Altitude: 4,200m → 3,300m
Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, descend towards Old Moses Camp (3,300m) along the Sirimon Route, a gentle and scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of Mackinder’s Valley. You’ll pass through diverse vegetation zones, from alpine moorlands to heather forests, with opportunities to spot wildlife like buffalo, hyenas, and birds of prey.
Arriving at Old Moses Camp, you’ll enjoy your final mountain dinner, reflecting on the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.
Altitude: 3,300m → 2,650m
Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your final descent takes you through lush montane forest, where you’ll see towering bamboo, exotic plants, and possibly wildlife. Upon reaching Sirimon Gate (2,650m), a vehicle will transfer you back to Nairobi, marking the end of an unforgettable trekking adventure with Arrow Trekking and Safaris.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Tents and sleeping mats.
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate.
Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Beverages and personal expenses.
Trip Map
Gallery
FAQs
Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, about 175 km north of Nairobi. It is the second-highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
The highest point accessible to trekkers is Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355 ft). The two higher peaks, Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), require technical climbing.
The best route depends on your experience and preferences:
- Sirimon Route – Easiest and most gradual ascent, great for beginners.
- Naro Moru Route – Shortest but steep; can be challenging due to the “Vertical Bog.”
- Chogoria Route – Most scenic but requires more time.
- Burguret Route – Remote and less crowded, ideal for experienced trekkers.
The summit success rate is high, around 85-90%, due to the gradual ascent and shorter trekking days.
Yes, you need a Mount Kenya National Park entry permit, which is included in guided trekking packages.
Mount Kenya treks range from moderate to challenging, depending on the route. The Sirimon and Naro Moru routes are relatively easier, while Chogoria is more scenic but demanding. Proper acclimatization is key to a successful summit.
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