5-Day Mount Kenya Trek to Point Lenana Summit from Nairobi

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Summit Point Lenana at 4,985 metres and witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds
02 Trek through diverse landscapes including dense bamboo forests, moorlands, and dramatic gorge valleys
03 Discover scenic alpine lakes including Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson along the route
04 Camp under mountain skies with full support from experienced guides, cooks, and porters

Embark on an exhilarating five-day Mount Kenya trek and conquer Point Lenana at 4,985 metres above sea level. Trek through dense bamboo forests, discover the scenic beauty of Lake Ellis, and traverse dramatic gorge valleys to Lake Michaelson. Witness spectacular alpine landscapes, giant lobelias, and moorlands throughout the journey. Reach the summit before sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views, supported by experienced guides, cooks, and porters every step of the way from Nairobi and back.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Chogoria

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Meru Bandas through Chogoria

You will be picked up early in the morning from your Nairobi hotel or airport and depart in a shared shuttle towards Chogoria town, driving through scenic agricultural country for lunch.
After lunch, you will drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest, where the trek begins through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mount Kenya Bandas.
You will arrive at the Bandas for dinner and overnight camping.

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 650 m | Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Accommodation: Meru Bandas (Camping)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Meru Bandas to Lake Ellis Campsite

After breakfast and sorting the porter loads, you will set off up the mountain through beautiful landscapes and scenic views.
You will take a slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis, enjoying scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table before trekking upstream for approximately 3 km through particularly beautiful foreground scenery and flora.
You will stop for lunch at the banks of the stream for a short rest before continuing the trek to the campsite.

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 700 m | Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Accommodation: Lake Ellis Campsite (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Lake Ellis Campsite to Lake Michaelson Campsite

You will have an early breakfast before starting the trek at 8:00 AM.
Today's trek has a higher level of difficulty compared to previous days, covering a distance of approximately 10 km and gaining an altitude of 650 m, with the highest point of the day reaching 4,200 m.
You will descend through the Gorges Valley to Michaelson Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 650 m | Highest Point: 4,200 m
Accommodation: Lake Michaelson Campsite (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Lake Michaelson Campsite to Simba Tarn Campsite

Today is a shorter day as you gear up for the summit attempt the following morning.
After breakfast at 8:30 AM, you will begin the hike, covering a distance of approximately 5 km and taking between four and five hours, before arriving at Simba Tarn Campsite at 4,600 m.
Lunch will be served at the camp, after which a short optional walk is available, or you may choose to rest and prepare for the summit.

Distance: 5 km | Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Altitude: 4,600 m
Accommodation: Simba Tarn Campsite (Camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Simba Tarn Campsite to Point Lenana and Nairobi

You will begin the day at 3:00 AM with a light bite and hot drink before departing camp at approximately 4:30 AM.
You will hike up the steep scree to the summit of Point Lenana at 4,985 m above sea level, covering approximately 2.5 km in around two and a half hours and arriving at the peak in time to catch the sunrise.
After the summit, you will descend to Sirimon Gate through Old Moses Camp for lunch before heading back to Nairobi.
Drop-off at your hotel or pick-up point marks the end of the tour.

Distance: Approximately 2.5 km to summit | Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours | Summit Altitude: 4,985 m
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Nairobi 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
All activities mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
All accommodation - camping
Round-trip airport transfer
Camping equipment (sleeping bag, tent, sleeping mat)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Porterage

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to the client's home country)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips for the guide and crew
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Things to carry (available for hire)
Hiking boots (waterproof with a good grip)
Warm socks
Light socks
Tights
Tops (light and warm)
Warm jacket
Warm trousers
Warm hat/balaclava
Normal hat (for sunny days)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Warm gloves
Walking sticks
Crocs/light shoes to wear in the evening
Waterproof jacket and trousers

Know before you go

This trek requires a moderate to good level of physical fitness, with daily trekking ranging from four to eight hours, including some steep sections.
The trek reaches Point Lenana at 4,985 m, and altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level; proper acclimatisation and hydration are essential.
Mountain weather can change quickly, with warm daytime temperatures and very cold nights, especially at higher elevations.
Accommodation is in tents throughout the trek, and basic mountain camping facilities should be expected.
All meals are provided during the trek; please inform the team in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters support the trek; porters assist with carrying main luggage while clients carry day packs with essentials.
Guests with asthma, heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical concerns should consult a healthcare professional before travel.
Comprehensive travel insurance, including trekking and emergency evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended.
Certain hiking equipment, such as trekking poles and jackets, can be rented if needed.
Please follow guide instructions and help preserve the mountain environment by avoiding littering and respecting wildlife.

Logistics