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5 Days Mt Kenya Climb: Sirimon In – Chogoria Out Route

4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Group SizeMax 8 People
VehiclePrivate Vehicle
AccommodationOld Moses Camp, Shipton Camp, Meru Bandas, Chogoria Bandas
MealsFull Board
From $1,250 /per person sharing
Free Cancellation up to 14 days Secure Booking Instant Confirmation

Safari Overview

For an unforgettable adventure, our 5 days mt kenya climb offers the perfect blend of gradual altitude gain and breathtaking descent landscapes, conquering Africa’s second-highest peak via the most scenic transition on the mountain. This Sirimon-Chogoria route is meticulously designed to maximize both your summit success and your enjoyment of the diverse ecosystems. Starting through the dry, yellowwood forests of the Sirimon route, you’ll ascend gradually, passing through unique moorland vegetation before reaching the dramatic Shipton’s Camp beneath the jagged volcanic peaks.

After a dedicated acclimatization day to ensure a successful summit, you’ll reach Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise for unparalleled panoramic views of the Kenyan highlands and even Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Your descent via the Chogoria route then reveals the mountain’s “hidden” beauty, featuring the spectacular Gorges Valley, the pristine waters of Lake Michaelson, and numerous plunging waterfalls, making this the ultimate trek for photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The Sirimon route, known for its gentle gradients and stunning northern views, serves as an ideal starting point for your ascent. As you trek through the lower slopes, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including colobus monkeys and various bird species, making the initial stages of your 5 days mt kenya journey a true immersion in nature. The path gradually transitions from dense forest to open moorland, where giant heathers and lobelias create an otherworldly landscape, leading you to camps like Old Moses and Shipton’s, each offering unique perspectives of the mountain’s grandeur.

A crucial aspect of any successful high-altitude trek is proper acclimatization. Our itinerary for your days mt kenya expedition includes a dedicated rest day at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m). This allows your body ample time to adjust to the thinner air, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness and enhancing your chances of reaching Point Lenana comfortably and safely. Our experienced guides will also provide valuable tips and monitor your well-being throughout this vital period.

The Chogoria route is often hailed as the most beautiful descent on Mount Kenya, offering a stark contrast to the Sirimon ascent. As you descend, you’ll be treated to spectacular vistas of the Gorges Valley, carved by ancient glaciers, and the shimmering waters of Lake Michaelson, nestled dramatically within the valley walls. The route is also dotted with numerous waterfalls, including the impressive Nithi Falls, providing incredible photographic opportunities and a refreshing change of scenery after your summit push. This unique combination of routes truly makes your 5 days mt kenya experience unforgettable.

Highlights of Your Days Mt Kenya Adventure

  • Dual-Route Experience: Ascend via the easier Sirimon track and descend the remarkably scenic Chogoria route.
  • Point Lenana Summit: Reach the 4,985m trekking summit in time to witness a spectacular African sunrise.
  • Superior Acclimatization: Includes a dedicated day at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) to increase summit success rates.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Trek through equatorial forests, high-altitude moorlands, and glacial valleys.
  • The Gorges Valley: Experience the most dramatic scenery on Mt. Kenya, including views of the Temple and Lake Michaelson.
  • All-Inclusive Trekking: Professional mountain guides, porters, and a skilled cook ensure a safe and comfortable expedition

Preparing for Your Mt Kenya Trek

Embarking on a multi-day trek like this requires thoughtful preparation. We recommend a good level of physical fitness, including regular cardio exercises in the months leading up to your trip. Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof outer shells, a good quality sleeping bag, and a reliable headlamp. Bison Safaris provides all necessary camping equipment, delicious meals prepared by our skilled cook, and purified drinking water throughout your journey, ensuring you can focus solely on the breathtaking landscapes and the challenge ahead.

Choosing Bison Safaris for your Mount Kenya adventure means opting for expertise, safety, and an unparalleled experience. Our team of certified local guides possesses extensive knowledge of the mountain’s trails, weather patterns, and unique ecosystems. They are trained in first aid and high-altitude rescue, prioritizing your safety at every step. We are committed to sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that your trek contributes positively to the local communities and the preservation of this magnificent natural wonder. Let us guide you to the summit and back, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Safari Route Map

Nairobi
Nanyuki
Sirimon Gate - Old Moses Camp
Shipton Camp
Mount Meru Bandas - Chogoria Gate
Chogoria Bandas
Nairobi

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Old Moses Camp 3-4 hrs. 9km, 860m ascent

Depart 7:30 AM

Leave Nairobi at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours with a stopover at the equator. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr., 2440m. From the gate, follow the track as it winds uphill through the forest, which becomes heathland after about 3½ hours. From the gate, the track veers right to Old Moses Camp, 3300m, for dinner and overnight.

Old Moses Camp Lunch, Dinner Drive across the Equator to Sirimon Gate and trek through montane forest to reach 3,300m.
2

Day 2: Old Moses Camp/Shipton Camp 6-7hrs, 14km, 900m ascent

Full Day

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right, contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North, and continue uphill to Mackinder’s Valley, from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peak. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m.

Shipton Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Cross the Ontulili River and trek through the expansive Mackinder’s Valley with views of the main peaks.
3

Day 3: Shipton Camp – Acclimatization day

Full Day

Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut, down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for dinner and overnight.

Shipton Camp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hike to high-altitude tarns and Kami Hut to prepare your body for the final summit push.
4

Day 4: Shipton/Point Lenana/Mount Meru Bandas (Chogoria Gate) 11-12hrs, 32km, 785m ascent

Full Day

Leave at 3 am up a steep, stony quarry that cuts through a cliff, clearing visible parts towards lower Hall Tarns, arriving at Mount Kenya Point Lenana (6km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30 am, taking about 3 hrs. After sunrise, descend down to Mintos Hut (6km), 2 hrs, for breakfast, and 20 km, 4-5 hrs further down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for dinner and overnight.

Mount Meru Bandas Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner A pre-dawn summit at 4,985m followed by a scenic descent past Hall Tarns to the mountain bandas.
5

Day 5: Chogoria Bandas/Chogoria/Nairobi

Return

Descend 2 hrs, 15 km to forest clearance to catch your transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village, where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi.

Breakfast, Lunch Descend through the bamboo forest and return to Nairobi, marking the completion of your expedition.

What's Included & Excluded

Included in Your Safari

  • Transfer to and from the base of Mt Kenya to Nairobi town
  • Meal plan as detailed
  • Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees
  • Service of an English-speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • Pick up and drop off in Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees to Kenya
  • Laundry, sleeping bags, beverages/drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gear
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

This is considered a moderate trek. The Sirimon side offers a steady ascent, while the Chogoria side is long but incredibly scenic. No technical climbing is required to reach Point Lenana.

The price covers all park fees, transport from Nairobi, professional mountain crew (guides, porters, cook), all meals on the mountain, and hut accommodation.

While you don't need ropes, you do need proper trekking gear: waterproof hiking boots, thermal layers, a high-quality sleeping bag, and trekking poles. These can be hired if needed.

Yes! We provide a full support team. We recommend joining a group or booking with our professional guides who are trained in high-altitude safety and first aid.

Traveler Reviews

4.8
Based on 50 reviews
5 star
78%
4 star
16%
3 star
6%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

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