Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

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

5 Days Round trip from Mt Meru Challenging pace
Mount Kenya
Witness the African wildlife
Mount Kenya

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through bamboo forests, moorlands, and glacial valleys
  • 02 Visit Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson amid stunning alpine scenery
  • 03 Climb to Point Lenana (4,985m), the trekker's summit of Mount Kenya
  • 04 Experience the contrasting terrains of Chogoria's lush landscapes and Sirimon's rocky slopes
  • 05 Enjoy peaceful trails far from the crowds of Kilimanjaro
  • 06 Watch a beautiful sunrise from Point Lenana
  • 07 Follow a less crowded route on Mount Kenya

This 5-day climb of Mount Kenya follows a scenic traverse via the Chogoria route, known for its lush landscapes and beautiful lakes, before descending by the Sirimon route through alpine terrain and dramatic valleys. Along the way, you'll trek through bamboo forests, moorlands, and glacial valleys, passing highlights such as Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. The journey culminates with a sunrise summit at Point Lenana, the third-highest peak of Mount Kenya, with sweeping views across Kenya.

The journey culminates with a sunrise summit at Point Lenana, the third-highest peak of Mount Kenya, with sweeping views across Kenya.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Chogoria
Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Nairobi to Chogoria Gate and Mount Meru Bandas

Nairobi - Chogoria Gate - Mount Meru Bandas (2,950m)

  • Drive from Nairobi to Chogoria town. After lunch, proceed to the park gate and begin a scenic hike through the forest to Mount Meru Bandas.

Accommodation: Camping

Hiking Time: ~4 hours

2
Day 02

Trek from Mount Meru Bandas to Lake Ellis

  • Enjoy a relaxed trek through moorland and valleys with views of Lake Ellis.

Accommodation: Camping at Lake Ellis

Hiking Time: ~5 hours

3
Day 03

Lake Ellis to Shipton's Camp via Mintos

  • Trek past Lake Michaelson and Gorges Valley toward Mintos, then cross over to Shipton's Camp for acclimatization.

Accommodation: Camping at Shipton's

Hiking Time: ~6-7 hours

4
Day 04

Sunrise Summit at Point Lenana and Descent to Old Moses

  • Make an early morning summit push to Point Lenana for sunrise. Descend through Mackinder's Valley and continue down to Old Moses.

Accommodation: Camping or bunk beds at Old Moses

Hiking Time: ~10-11 hours

5
Day 05

Descend to Sirimon Gate and Return to Nairobi

  • Enjoy an easy descent through the forest to Sirimon Gate, where your vehicle awaits. Return to Nairobi by evening.

Hiking Time: ~2-3 hours

Chogoria moorlands, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Point Lenana

Where this trip takes you

Chogoria moorlands, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Point Lenana

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Mt Meru 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All park entrance & camping fees
  • Professional guide, cook, and porters
  • All meals during the trek
  • Transport to and from Nairobi
  • Tents & mattresses (if camping)
  • Rescue services if needed
  • Drinking water during the trek
  • Summit certificate

What's Not Included

  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Hotel in Nairobi before/after climb (can be arranged)
  • Travel insurance & international flights
  • Mountain gear (personal gear/clothing)
  • Snacks, drinks, and personal items

What to bring

Clothing:

  • Waterproof & windproof jacket/pants
  • Fleece or down jacket
  • Thermal base layers
  • Warm hat, gloves, balaclava
  • Trekking trousers & shirts
  • Gaiters (optional)

Footwear:

  • Broken-in hiking boots
  • Camp sandals/shoes
  • Wool socks (3-4 pairs)

Gear:

  • Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
  • Daypack (30-40L)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Water bottles or hydration system
  • Sunglasses & sunblock
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal toiletries & towel

Know before you go

  • Best time to climb: January-March and July-October (dry seasons)
  • Altitude: gradual ascent minimizes the risk of altitude sickness
  • Acclimatization: built into the itinerary (days 3 and 4)
  • Climb difficulty: moderate; suitable for reasonably fit trekkers

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kenya
Tour start
Mt Meru, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Mt Meru.

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