Climbing Mount Kenya

4-Day Sirimon Chogoria Route

The ultimate 4-day guide to climbing Mount Kenya via the scenic Sirimon-Chogoria traverse. Detailed itinerary from Nairobi to Point Lenana summit.

Climbing Mount Kenya is a bucket-list experience that offers some of the most diverse glacial landscapes in Africa. While there are several paths to the summit, the Sirimon-Chogoria route is widely considered the most spectacular. This traverse allows you to ascend through the dry, scenic side of the mountain and descend through the lush, waterfall-rich Gorges Valley.

PEAK SEASON

JULY – OCT

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

4 DAYS

Trip Highlights

The Equator Crossing: Begin your journey with a unique photo op at the equator in Nanyuki.
Diverse Ecosystems: Trek through montane forests, bamboo belts, and giant heather zones.
The Mackinder Valley: Experience the surreal landscape of the “land of the giants,” filled with prehistoric Lobelia and Senecio plants.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the wisdom of local guides who know every twist of the trail.
The Shipton’s Camp View: Sleep directly beneath the towering volcanic plugs of Batian and Nelion.

The 3:00 AM Summit Push: Feel the adrenaline of a starlit ascent toward Point Lenana.
Sunrise at 4,985m: Witness the African sun ignite the glaciers from the summit.
Gorges Valley Descent: Descend via the Chogoria route, widely cited as the most beautiful path on the mountain.
Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for rock hyrax, sunbirds, and even the elusive high-altitude elephant.

Sirimon-Chogoria Route

Day 1: Nairobi | Sirimon Gate | Judimere Campsite (3,300m)

Your adventure begins with a 7:30 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Nairobi. The drive to Nanyuki takes about four hours, offering a chance to see the Kenyan countryside and cross the equator. After a briefing and a hearty lunch at the Sirimon Park Gate (2,660m), the trek begins.

The first day is a gentle introduction. You’ll walk for 3–4 hours through a magnificent mix of forest, bamboo, and giant heather. As you gain 680m in elevation, the air begins to cool. You’ll reach Judimere Campsite (also known as Old Moses) in time for dinner under the stars.

Accommodation: Judimere Camp

Pro Tip: Use this day to walk slowly (pole pole). Even if you feel strong, saving your energy is key to a successful summit on Day 3.
Day 2: Judimere | Shipton Camp (4,200m)

After breakfast, the trail leads you deeper into the moorland. You’ll cross the Ontulili and Liki North Rivers, heading toward the spectacular Mackinders Valley. This is where the landscape becomes truly “Afro-alpine,” dominated by giant lobelias and groundsels.

As you approach Shipton Camp, the jagged volcanic peaks of Batian and Nelion come into full view. The camp is set in a surreal glacial valley, home to high-altitude sunbirds and rock hyraxes.

Accommodation: Shipton Camp

Highlight: The panoramic views of the main peaks from Mackinders Valley are some of the best photo opportunities of the entire trip.
Day 3: Shipton Camp | Point Lenana (4,985m) | Chogoria (2,900m)

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of your Mount Kenya climbing expedition. You will wake up at 3:00 a.m. for the summit push. Under the glow of your headlamp, you’ll scramble up a steep stony quarry, reaching Point Lenana—the highest trekking peak—by 6:30 a.m.

Standing at 4,985m, you’ll watch the African sunrise break over the horizon. On clear days in 2026, you can see as far as Mount Kilimanjaro to the south. After celebrating your achievement, you begin the descent via the Chogoria route. You’ll stop at Mintos Hut for a well-deserved breakfast before continuing down to Bandas Camp.

Accommodation: Mount Kenya Bandas

Highlight: The descent through the Gorges Valley offers breathtaking views of “The Temple” and Lake Michaelson.
Day 4: Bandas | Chogoria | Nairobi

Your final morning on the mountain is a relaxed descent through bamboo and virgin rainforest. You can choose a short walk to spot local wildlife like Colobus monkeys before your private vehicle picks you up at the gate. You’ll drive back through the fertile tea and coffee plantations of central Kenya, arriving in Nairobi by approximately 3:00 p.m.

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Trip Highlights

Each journey is tailored to your specific needs and desires, and so our prices vary depending on the number of people
traveling, level of accommodations desired, and activities included, among other factors.

Our travel designers will curate a journey specifically for you. If you have a budget you want us to work with, please let
us know, and we will do our best to achieve it.