5 Days Mount Kenya Trek on Chogoria Sirimon

The 5-day Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is considered the “Gold Standard” of Mount Kenya trekking. It combines a gradual, dry acclimatization ascent up the western Sirimon route with a spectacular descent past the emerald Lake Michaelson, rugged Gorges Valley, and lush bamboo forests on the eastern Chogoria route.

Why Choose this Traverse

  • Perfect Pacing: Ascending from the Sirimon side provides one of the best profiles for high-altitude acclimatization, significantly boosting your chances of submitting without altitude sickness.
  • Scenery & Wildlife: You will hike through diverse vegetation zones—from giant yellow wood forests to surreal high-altitude moorlands filled with giant groundswells.

Standard 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Nairobi to Judmaier (Old Moses) Camp
    Distance/Time: 9 km / 3–4 hours | Altitude: 2,400 m to 3,300 m
    Depart Nairobi and drive to Nanyuki (about 4 hours) then to Sirimon Gate. Trek through the montane forest and heather zones to reach the Judmaier Camp for dinner and the first night.
  • Day 2: Judmaier Camp to Shipton’s Camp
    Distance/Time: 14 km / 6–7 hours | Altitude: 3,300 m to 4,200 m
    Hike up the sprawling moorlands, crossing the Ontulili River and Mackinders Valley. You will begin to see the dramatic peaks of Batian and Nelion as you reach Shipton’s Camp for the night.
  • Day 3: Acclimatization at Shipton’s / Move to Mintos Hut
    Take an acclimatization hike to the Hausberg Col (4,600 m) to help your body adjust, and perhaps traverse around the peaks. This extra elevation prep is vital for your summit push.
  • Day 4: Summit Push & Descent to Chogoria Bandas
    Distance/Time: ~14 km (plus summit push) | Altitude: 4,200 m → Point Lenana (4,985 m) → 2,950 m
    An early 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM start gets you up the steep scree to Point Lenana (4,985 m) in time for sunrise. Afterward, descend to Mintos Hut for breakfast, then trek down through the breathtaking Gorges Valley and past Lake Michaelson to spend the night at the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (Chogoria).
  • Day 5: Chogoria Bandas to Chogoria Town & Nairobi
    Distance/Time: 10 km (plus drive) | Altitude: 2,950 m to Chogoria Town
    A scenic 10 km walk down through the lush, bamboo-filled Chogoria forest to the forest gates, where a 4×4 vehicle will pick you up and drive you back to Nairobi.

Planning and Preparation

  • Best Time to Climb: January through February and late August through October offer the driest conditions. [1]
  • What to Pack: High-altitude, layered clothing (down jacket, thermal underwear), waterproof hiking boots, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C, and a trekking pole.

5-day Mount Kenya trek combining the scenic Chogoria route for descent and the gradual Sirimon route for ascent (or vice-versa) is a premier, moderate-difficulty, 80km hike to Point Lenana (4,985m).

This itinerary allows for optimal acclimatization, typically staying in mountain huts or camping, while traversing diverse landscapes including bamboo forests, the Gorges Valley, and unique high-altitude flora.

Climbing Mount Kenya Chogoria Sirimon Route

Reach the top of the second highest peak in Africa!

Climbing Mount Kenya in 5 days via the Chogoria Sirimon Route 2026

– Climb Mount Kenya via the most scenic route to the top

Mount Kenya Chogoria Sirimon

– Ascend via the Sirimon route and descend via the Chogoria route

– Reach the summit of the second highest peak in Africa!

The Chogoria route is one of our recommended Mount Kenya Climbing Tours and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area of Mount Kenya.

It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the is truly spectacular.

Mount Kenya Chogoria Sirimon

The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain.

Accommodation on this hike is 1 night in mountain huts and 3 nights camping. Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so all night on the mountain.

Highlights:

  • Combining two of the most scenic routes on Mount Kenya
  • Spectacular views of the mountain through the Gorges valley
  • Varied mountain vegetation from Rainforest, Bamboo, Moorland and Giant Lobelia
  • The chance to acclimatize at 3,300m

Climbing Mount Kenya in 5 days via the Chogoria Sirimon Route

Overview

Climbing Mount Kenya in 5 days via the Chogoria Sirimon Route 2023

The Chogoria route is our recommended African Climbing Tour and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area of Mount Kenya. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the is 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 hike is 1 night in mountain huts and 3 nights camping.  Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so all night on the mountain

Highlights:

  • Combining two of the most scenic routes on Mount Kenya
  • Spectacular views of the mountain through the Gorges valley
  • Varied mountain vegetation from Rain-forest, Bamboo, Moorland and Giant Lobelia
  • The chance to acclimatize at 3,300m

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5 Days Mount Kenya Trek on Chogoria Sirimon