Kenya · Trekking

5-Day Mount Kenya Hike to Point Lenana via Sirimon and Chogoria

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through Mount Kenya's montane forest, bamboo, giant heather, and high moorland zones
02 Take in panoramic views from camp in Mackinders Valley below towering peaks and glaciers
03 Reach Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise under a stunning, pollution-free sky
04 Descend through the Gorges Valley with views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and the Giant Billiards Table
05 Enjoy a comfortable night at Mt Kenya Bandas with log fires, hot showers, and cosy beds

Embark on a breathtaking 5-day adventure through Mount Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the montane forests, bamboo, and giant heather zone of Sirimon to the high moorlands of Mackinders Valley. This trek includes time for acclimatization, with optional walks to Oblong and Hausberg Tarns before your early-morning ascent to Point Lenana for an unforgettable African sunrise. Descend via the dramatic Gorges Valley, taking in views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and the Giant Billiards Table, then continue through bamboo and virgin rainforest toward Chogoria and Nairobi.

Depart at 3 a.m. to reach Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Chogoria

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Sirimon Park Gate and First Camp

You will be picked up in Nairobi and driven to the Sirimon Park Gate.
From the gate, we will trek through the magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zone before reaching the high-altitude moorland and our first camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 02

Ontulili and Liki North River Crossings to Mackinders Valley

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction.
After a water break, continue on the track, crossing Ontulili River before turning right and contouring through the moorland.
Cross Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley, where you will find panoramic views towards the camp. This camp offers a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers.

Day 03

Acclimatization Walks and Leisure at Camp

To aid acclimatization, you can take a rest day at the camp. Short walks or day hikes to Oblong and Hausberg Tarns are possible, allowing you to gain elevation before returning to the campsite for lunch.
The afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 04

Sunrise Ascent to Point Lenana and Descent to Mt Kenya Bandas

Depart at 3 a.m. to reach Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some minor scrambling. With a full moon, you barely need a torch. Without a moon, the pollution-free sky provides a stunning view of the stars, almost unparalleled anywhere on Earth. Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible on the horizon. Descend to Minto's Hut for a full breakfast.
After a short rest, continue descending to Mt. Kenya Bandas along the Gorges Valley, where you can enjoy views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and the Giant Billiards Table.
Dinner and overnight will be at the Bandas, where you can enjoy log fires, hot showers, and comfortable beds.

Day 05

Descend to Chogoria and Return to Nairobi

After breakfast, depending on your mood, you have two options: pick up a vehicle from Chogoria Bandas or descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rainforest to meet a vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and then further to Nairobi.