Climbing mount Kenya 5 days via chogoria route itinerary

The Climbing Mount Kenya 5 days via Chogoria route itinerary involves a challenging yet rewarding trek up Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa. The Chogoria route is known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, offering you a unique experience as they ascend the mountain. The itinerary spans five days and includes various stops at different campsites along the way to allow for acclimatization and rest.You often start their journey from the Chogoria Gate, trekking through lush forests, moorlands, and rocky terrains as you make your way towards Point Lenana, which is the most accessible peak on Mount Kenya. The itinerary is planned to ensure that you have enough time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the stunning views that the route has to offer before reaching the summit.

Overview of Climbing 2025-2026 mount Kenya 5 days via chogoria route itinerary

Unforgettable Climbing 2025-2026 mount Kenya 5 days via chogoria route itinerary with Kenya Natural Tours, Climb Mount Kenya via the Chogoria route with this 5-day trek, along experienced guides from the Claudious Tours and Safaris team. Reach the top of the second highest peak in Africa!

Description

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain, after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Erosion and time have reduced the peak from 6500m to 5199 on the highest point today. This extinct volcano, dating back 2.5 million years old is located about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, in the Mount Kenya National Park.

Mount Kenya has three peaks on the summit area: Mbatian, Nelion and point Lenana. On this trip we will climb up to Lenana (4985m), which offers magnificent views over the surrounding country and other high points around the main peaks.

The Sirimon Chigoria trek combines the two most scenic routes to the summit of Mt Kenya. We will hike up through the dry side of the mountain, climbing up through forests until we get to a wide ridge, approaching the summit area.

This wonderful and scenic hike takes you to discover the unique landscapes of this region in Kenya. The best time to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry months of January, February late August September and October.

The trek takes us to ascend via the Sirimon route and descend via the Chogoria route, taking you through beautiful forest trails, completing the entire traverse of the mountain. This combined itinerary offers stunning nature and magnificent views of the Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis.

Starting via the Sirimon route you will get a better acclimatization to altitude. We will begin from the northwest part of Mount Kenya, hiking via the Liki North, Old Moses Camp and the Shipton’s Camp before hitting Point Lenana.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 650m ascent

Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch.  After lunch, we drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mt Kenya Bandas.

3hrs / 10km walk / 650m ascent

Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas to Lake Ellis Campsite ( 3,600m)

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.

3hrs / 9km / 700m ascent.

Day 3: Lake Ellis to Minto`s Camp. ( 4,200m)

Similar early start Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest. Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge they look as if they are praying. An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit next day.

4 hrs / 12km / 600m ascent

Day 4: Minto`s to Pt Lenana ( 4,985m) to Old Moses camp.

Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 03:00 am. We hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker’s summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton camp for breakfast. After breakfast, begin a 5 hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Old Moses camp (3,300m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.

11-12 hrs / 785 ascent – 1,685 descent / 24km

Day 5: Old Moses camp to Nairobi

After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park  gate to catch a vehicle and travel to Nairobi.