5 Days Mt Kenya hiking, Sirimon Down- Chogoria
Tour Type
Private / Group
Region
East Africa
Safari Highlights
The Grand Traverse: Avoid the "up and down the same path" monotony by crossing the mountain from North to East.
Stunning Scenery: Hike through the Mackinder Valley and the Gorges Valley, home to the spectacular Temple.
Point Lenana Summit: Reach the third-highest peak in Africa (4,985m) for a sunrise over the Kenyan plains.
Gorges Valley: Descend past Lake Michaelson and the Nithi Falls, widely considered the most beautiful part of the mountain.
Gentle Ascent: The Sirimon route offers a gentle, steady climb, making it excellent for acclimatization.
Detailed Itinerary
Nairobi to Sirimon Park Gate to Old Moses Camp
Distance: 9km / 5.5 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rainforest / Bamboo / Montane Forest Altitude: 2,600m (Gate) to 3,300m (Old Moses)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Nairobi early in the morning and driven north to the Sirimon Park Gate. The drive offers scenic views of the rolling farmlands of the Kikuyu people. After registration and meeting your crew, we begin the hike. The trail is a steady climb through the lush rainforest and bamboo zone, rich with wildlife like elephant and buffalo. We arrive at Old Moses Camp (Judmaier) in the afternoon. The evening offers stunning sunset views over the plains.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Old Moses Camp to Shipton Camp
Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert Altitude: 3,300m to 4,236m
Today is a long but gradual climb. We leave the bamboo forest behind and enter the moorlands. The trail winds up the Mackinder Valley, providing spectacular views of the giant Lobelias and Groundsels (unique plants of Mt. Kenya). We pass the Liki North and Northey Caves. As we approach Shipton Camp, the jagged twin peaks of Batian and Nelion dominate the horizon. We arrive at Shipton Camp in the early afternoon for rest and acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization Day at Shipton Camp
Location: Shipton Camp Habitat: Alpine Desert Altitude: 4,236m
To ensure the highest chance of summit success, we spend today acclimatizing. We take a short, steep hike up to Kami Hut or the Hausberg Col, climbing high and sleeping low. This exercise helps your body adjust to the low oxygen levels. We return to Shipton Camp for lunch and spend the afternoon hydrating and enjoying the silence of the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shipton Camp to Point Lenana Summit to Mintos Camp (Chogoria)
Distance: 18km / 11 miles Hiking Time: 8-10 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert / Glacial / Moorland Altitude: 4,236m to 4,985m (Summit) to 4,200m (Mintos)
The Summit Day. We wake up at 2:30 AM for tea and start the steep, scree-filled ascent to Point Lenana. We aim to reach the summit by sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM). From the top, you will see the stunning view of the Indian Ocean and the Kenyan plains on a clear day.
After celebrating, we return to Shipton Camp for breakfast. We then continue our trek across the ridge towards the Gorges Valley. The scenery today is dramatic as we descend past the Nithi Falls and the beautiful Lake Michaelson. We set up camp at Mintos Hut in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mintos Camp to Chogoria Gate & Return to Nairobi
Distance: 16km / 10 miles Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland / Forest Altitude: 4,200m to 3,000m (Gate)
We enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the breathtaking Gorges Valley. We begin the descent through the dense bamboo forest of the Chogoria Route. This side of the mountain is incredibly lush and often muddy. We pass through the "Temple," a unique rock formation. We eventually reach the Chogoria Park Gate where we meet our driver. The drive back to Nairobi passes through the Embu town, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
TOTAL PACKAGE COST: USD. 750 PER PERSON – LOW SEASON (1st JANUARY– 30th JUNE)
TOTAL PACKAGE COST: USD. 750 PER PERSON – HIGH SEASON (1st JULY -31st DECEMBER)
HIKING GEAR CHECKLIST
- Waterproof rucksack with day pack
- Sleeping bag (covering at least 3 seasons)
- Roll mats and insulation pads
- Comfortable hiking boots, light walking trainers thongs (flip – flops)
- Gaiters (useful when encountering snow)
- Wooden walking stick / ski pole
- Sunglasses or snow, goggles, sun hat, balaclava or woolen hat
- Warm scarf, gloves, mittens and thermal underwear
- Sweaters / jumpers, anorak / raincoat, water and windproof pants, jackets, t-shirt, several pairs of socks
- Long sleeved shirt with collar, small towel, toiletries and toilet paper
- Sunscreen and lip salve
- First aid kit and insect repellent
- Flash light (head mounted preferable) and spare batteries
- Pocket knife
- Water bottle
- Whistle, some plastic bags
- Camera with spare film and batteries
Included
Transport: Transfers from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate and from Chogoria Gate to Nairobi.
Park Fees: All Mount Kenya National Park entry and camping fees.
Accommodation: Accommodation in mountain bunkhouses/huts (Old Moses, Shipton, Mintos).
Crew: Professional Mountain Guide, Cook, and Porters.
Meals: All meals prepared fresh by the camp cook (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Water: Boiled drinking water provided daily.
Excluded
Personal Gear: Sleeping bag, hiking poles, clothing, and boots.
Tips: Gratuities for the guide, cook, and porters.
Travel Insurance: Mandatory.
Personal Expenses: Snacks, soft drinks, and souvenirs.
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in Nairobi (before and after the trek).
Chogoria Park Gate Transport Fees: There is often a 4WD transfer fee at Chogoria due to road conditions (usually payable directly to the driver/guide).
Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Book your spot today!