Tour Overview
The 5 Day Mount Kenya Chogoria–Sirimon Route Trek is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Africa’s second-highest mountain.
The climb begins on the scenic Chogoria side of Mount Kenya and finishes through the gentler Sirimon Route. This combination allows you to enjoy two very different landscapes in one journey.
The Chogoria Route is known for its dramatic valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls, highland forests, and impressive views of the main peaks. As you climb, you will pass through bamboo forest, heathland, open moorland, and rocky alpine terrain.
After reaching Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, you will descend through the Sirimon Route. This side of the mountain offers a more gradual trail with beautiful views across Mackinder Valley and the northern slopes of Mount Kenya.
This itinerary is ideal for active travellers who want a rewarding mountain adventure without technical climbing. With professional guides, porters, camping support, and enough time to adjust to the altitude, the trek offers a memorable combination of scenery, challenge, and achievement.
The 5 Day Mount Kenya Chogoria–Sirimon Route Trek offers one of the most complete Mount Kenya trekking experiences.
The climb through Chogoria takes you past some of the mountain’s most beautiful natural attractions, including Lake Ellis, Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson, waterfalls, highland forests, and dramatic rock formations.
After reaching Point Lenana, the descent through Sirimon provides a gentler finish and wide views across the mountain’s northern slopes.
Using different routes for the ascent and descent also means you experience more scenery and avoid retracing the same trail.
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with a morning pick-up from Nairobi. You will then drive towards Chogoria town on the eastern side of the mountain.
After arriving near the mountain, you will stop for lunch and prepare for the first stage of the trek. A 4x4 vehicle will take you closer to the starting point of the hiking trail.
The walk begins through a beautiful bamboo forest that gradually climbs towards the heathland zone. This part of the mountain is rich in vegetation and may offer opportunities to see monkeys, buffalo tracks, antelopes, and colourful mountain birds.
You will arrive at Mount Kenya Bandas, where you will have dinner and spend the night surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery.
Starting Point: Chogoria side
Ending Point: Mount Kenya Bandas
Elevation: Approximately 2,900m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: Around 3 hours
Elevation Gain: Approximately 680m
Accommodation: Mount Kenya Bandas or nearby campsite
After breakfast, continue your climb towards Lake Ellis, one of the most beautiful camping locations on Mount Kenya.
Depending on the trail conditions and your guide’s recommendation, you may follow a route near the Ontulili River or take the longer path towards Lake Ellis.
The river trail passes through areas with thick vegetation and good opportunities to see birdlife and signs of mountain wildlife. The alternative route offers wider views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and, on a clear day, the rocky summits of Batian and Nelion.
You will stop for lunch along the trail before continuing towards Lake Ellis.
The campsite offers a peaceful setting beside the mountain lake, with excellent views of the surrounding hills and peaks. After settling into camp, enjoy dinner and a quiet evening under the mountain sky.
Starting Point: Mount Kenya Bandas
Ending Point: Lake Ellis Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,600m
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700m
Accommodation: Camping at Lake Ellis
After breakfast, leave Lake Ellis and continue uphill until you rejoin the main Chogoria Route.
As you gain altitude, the trail becomes more demanding, and the air begins to feel thinner. Your guide will maintain a steady pace to help your body adjust to the higher elevation.
The route passes through the spectacular Gorges Valley, one of the most scenic sections of Mount Kenya. Ahead, you will enjoy views towards the main peaks, while behind you lie Mugi Hill and the impressive Giant’s Billiard Table.
As you approach Minto’s Camp, you will also enjoy views of Lake Michaelson and the dramatic rock formation known as the Temple.
You will arrive at Minto’s Camp in the afternoon, have an early dinner, and rest in preparation for the summit attempt the following morning.
Starting Point: Lake Ellis Camp
Ending Point: Minto’s Camp
Elevation: Approximately 4,200m
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Hiking Time: Around 4–6 hours
Elevation Gain: Approximately 600m
Accommodation: Camping at Minto’s Camp
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
You will wake at around 3:00 AM, have a light snack and hot drink, and begin the climb towards Point Lenana.
The trail is steep and rocky in some sections, and you will walk in darkness using a headlamp. Your guide will keep a slow, steady pace as you climb towards the summit.
After approximately three hours, you will reach Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, the most accessible trekking summit on Mount Kenya.
If the weather is clear, you will watch the sunrise over the surrounding mountains and plains. From the summit, you may enjoy views of Batian, Nelion, the Lewis Glacier, and the distant landscape stretching across central Kenya.
After taking photographs and celebrating your achievement, begin your descent through the Sirimon Route.
You will stop at Shipton’s Camp for breakfast before continuing through the beautiful Mackinder Valley. The Sirimon trail offers a gentler descent with wide views of the moorland and northern side of the mountain.
You will arrive at Old Moses Camp later in the day for dinner and your final overnight stay on Mount Kenya.
Starting Point: Minto’s Camp
Highest Point: Point Lenana – 4,985m
Ending Point: Old Moses Camp
Distance: Approximately 24 km
Elevation Gain: Approximately 785m
Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,685m
Hiking Time: Around 10–12 hours
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
After breakfast, begin your final descent towards Sirimon Gate.
The trail passes through moorland and forest as you make your way down to the lower slopes of Mount Kenya.
After reaching the gate, you will sign out of Mount Kenya National Park and meet your driver for the return journey to Nairobi.
You will arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, marking the end of your five-day Mount Kenya trekking adventure.
Starting Point: Old Moses Camp
Ending Point: Sirimon Gate
Hiking Time: Around 2 hours
Transfer: Sirimon Gate to Nairobi
