6 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Chogoria – Sirimon Route 2024
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular.
The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain. Accommodation on this trek is 3 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights camping. Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so on all nights on the mountain.
6 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Chogoria – Sirimon Route 2024
Overview
Day 1: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent.
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4×4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas.
Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite ( 3,600m) 3hrs, 9km, 700m ascent.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.
Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.
Day 3: Lake Ellis- Minto`s Camp. ( 4,200m) 4 hrs, 12km, 600m ascent.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over 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 4200m and our night’s rest.
The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying.
Day 4: Minto`s – Austrian hut 4,700m(top hut) 4 hrs, 7km, 500m ascent.
Today we begin our trek ascending up along the foot of huge rock walls.
From the top, we`ll have an excellent view of Mt. Kenya. After ascending for a couple of hours you reach Tooth Col. From here you traverse until you reach the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Austrian camp – Pt Lenana – Liki North camp. 7 hrs, 20km, 285m ascent – 1,058 descent.
Leave at 5.00 am for predawn attempt, climbing for 1 hour across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region up to Pt Lenana – the hiker`s summit, arriving in time to catch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton’s camp for breakfast and a short rest. After breakfast, we begin a 3-4-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to Liki North camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
Dinner and overnight at the Liki North.
Day 6: Liki North camp – Nairobi. 2 hrs, 5km, 680m descent.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours up to Old Moses camp to catch a vehicle for transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon.
Itinerary
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.
Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it's time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over 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 4200m and our night's rest.
The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge - they look as if they are praying.
Today we begin our trek ascending up along the foot of huge rock walls.
From the top, we`ll have an excellent view of Mt. Kenya. After ascending for a couple of hours you reach Tooth Col. From here you traverse until you reach the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.
Leave at 5.00 am for predawn attempt, climbing for 1 hour across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region up to Pt Lenana - the hiker`s summit, arriving in time to catch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton's camp for breakfast and a short rest. After breakfast, we begin a 3-4-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to Liki North camp (3,900m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours up to Old Moses camp to catch a vehicle for transfer to Nairobi arriving late afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the climbing routes in Mt. Kenya?
• The following are the major and frequently used routes:-
• The Chogoria route leads from Chogoria town up to the peaks circuit path
• The Naromoru route is taken by many of the trekkers who try to reach Point Lenana in a few days.
• The Sirimon route approaches Mount Kenya from the plains in the Nanyuki Timau area on the north-west.
When is the best time to climb Mt. Kenya?
The safest time to climb Mt. Kenya is during the dry seasons: January – February and Mid June to September. The main routes are likely to be more crowded at this time of the year. If you favor complete solitude over the sunny skies, try going slightly off the peak season.Can you climb Mount Kenya?
Most visitors to Mt. Kenya usually make it to Point Lenana, a much easier satellite peak. The “real” Mount Kenya is a long and serious climb, involving many pitches of fifth class rock climbing
What is the highest peak of Mt Kenya?
The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian 5,199 metres (17,057 ft), followed by Nelion 5,188 metres (17,021 ft) and finally Point Lenana 4,985 metres (16,355 ft).
What is the cost of climbing Mt. Kenya?
The cost of climbing depends on the number of people in a group and also the number of days . This usually involves the Park fees and facilitation fees. The average cost is $200 per day per person.
Things to do in Kenya?
Whist in Kenya one can have a lot of things to do and places to visit. From the national parks, the museums, animal orphanages, boat riding in the lakes, sun bathing in the coastal beaches. You can also climb Mt. Kenya and hiking in Longonot
What vaccinations do I need to go to Kenya?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kenya. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Kenya: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, and influenza.
Which is the largest national park in Kenya?
Tsavo is made up of two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park. Located in Coast Province of Kenya in between Nairobi City and Mombasa. Tsavo is nearly 22,000km2, being the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world.
What is the most popular animal in Kenya?
The most popular animals in area the “Big Five” namely:-
• Lion- regarded as the largest of Africa’s big cats
• African Elephant, the world’s largest land mammal.
• Buffalo – famed for its boiling temper, the buffalo is one of the most feared animals.
• Rhinoceros.
• Leopard.
What kind of animals do they have in Kenya?
Kenya is really endowed with wildlife contact us for more information.
How long does it take to get an E visa for Kenya?
It can be issued in as little as 2-3 business days (Monday – Friday) and is a cost-effective option. A Traditional Visa is valid for multiple entries into Kenya, good for 6 months from the date of issue for a stay up to 90 days, and extendable for up to an additional 90 days while in country.
Is Kenya a malaria area?
Malaria risk is high throughout the year in the whole country, but low in Nairobi, the immediate surrounding areas, and the highlands (above 2500m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Provinces. Malaria precautions are essential.
Which is the best month to visit Masai Mara?
The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the Dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Where is Amboseli National park?
Amboseli National Park is in southern Kenya Loitoktok District. It’s known for its large elephant herds and views of immense Mount Kilimanjaro, across the border in Tanzania. Additionally, varied wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and hundreds of bird species.
Things to do in National Park?
You can visit the Nairobi safari walk, the animal orphanage, David Shedrick elephant orphanage, game drives in the, visit the Bomas of Kenya and Karen Blixen museums.
What animals can be seen in Nairobi National Park?
The park has a large and diverse wildlife population. Species found in the park include Cape buffaloes, baboons, eastern black rhinos, gazelles, zebras, Tanzanian cheetahs, Coke’s hartebeest, hippopotami, leopards, East African lions, elands, impala, Masai giraffes, ostriches, vultures and waterbucks.
When is the annual wildebeest migration?
Tempted by greener pastures, the wildebeest migrate northwards from the Serengeti and arrive at the Mara River around July/August. They then cross over into the Masai Mara plains. Typically the wildebeest remain in the Masai Mara until October. Afterwards, they head south and return to Tanzania.
Are there any security risks in the conservancies?
The Mara Conservancy properties are secure and well-guarded – usually by the Masai who benefit from the conservancy. On walking safaris you will be accompanied by experienced and highly qualified guides, occasionally armed.
Can you fly to the Mara?
There are frequent flights to the Masai Mara served by airlines from Nairobi and Mombasa. AirKenya and Safarilink both offer regular flights which stop at various airstrips within the Maasai Mara Conservancies.
How long does it take to hike Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro routes and their variations take between five to nine days to complete. Although Mount Kilimanjaro is known as a “walk-up” mountain, you should not underestimate it and its risks. Similarly ,the overall statistics show that less than half of all climbers reach the summit.
What is the success rate of climbing Kilimanjaro?
Our recommended operators state that the 7 day itinerary has an 80% summit success rate whilst the 6 day route has a 65% success rate
What is the best month to go to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Best Trekking Months. There are two distinct trekking seasons which constitute the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. They are January-March and June-October.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
The prices for Kilimanjaro climbs vary wildly. To climb Kilimanjaro can cost you anything from $1000 to $4000 and above
Who was the first person to climb the Mount Kenya?
The first recorded person to climb Mt. Kenya was Halford Mackinder
How much is park entrance fee in National parks in Kenya?
The park entrance fees vary from one park to the other