Kenya · Trekking

5-Day Mount Kenya Trek to Point Lenana via Chogoria-Sirimon

5 Days Round trip from Nairobi Strenuous pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb to Point Lenana at 4,985 m for an African sunrise on Mount Kenya
02 Follow the Chogoria route, regarded as one of the mountain's most magnificent ascent routes
03 Take in breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley, Ithanguni, and the Northern Moorlands
04 Camp at scenic high-altitude sites including Lake Ellis, Mintos, and Old Moses
05 Trek through diverse landscapes from dense bamboo forest to alpine moorlands

Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest mountain, rises in Mount Kenya National Park about 200 kilometres north of Nairobi. On this scenic trek via the Chogoria-Sirimon route, you climb to Point Lenana at 4,985 m, with magnificent views over the summit area and the mountain's unique high-altitude landscapes. The Chogoria route is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular approaches, especially along the Gorges Valley. The best time to climb is during the dry months of January, February, late August, September, and October.

Hike for about three hours to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the hiker's summit, arriving in time to watch the African sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Strenuous

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Chogoria

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nairobi to Mt Kenya Bandas via Chogoria

Depart from Nairobi at 0800 hrs, driving through agricultural country to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, continue by 4x4 to the edge of the bamboo forest, where your trek begins.

Walk 10 km through the dense bamboo forest to Mt Kenya Bandas.

3 hrs / 10 km walk / 650 m ascent

Day 02

Mt Kenya Bandas to Lake Ellis Campsite

After breakfast and sorting the porter loads, set off up the mountain at a nice, easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis offers scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, while following the river near the road head upstream for about 3 km reveals particularly beautiful foreground scenery and flora.

Enjoy lunch on the banks of a stream, then cut up the left-hand hillside to your camp at about 3,600 m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.

Day 03

Lake Ellis to Mintos Camp via the ridge

Make another early start, again well off the beaten track, following a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours before eventually joining the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100 m.

Take in breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back 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 4,200 m for your night's rest.

The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This 150-metre vertical cliff 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 attempt the summit the next day.

4 hrs / 12 km / 600 m ascent

Day 04

Summit Point Lenana and descend to Old Moses Camp

Your predawn summit attempt starts at 03:00 am. Hike for about three hours to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the hiker's summit, arriving 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 Old Moses Camp (3,300 m).

The descent is gentle and offers ample time to enjoy the fascinating scenery, including the moorlands, before reaching camp.

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

Day 05