5-Day Mount Kenya Trek – Sirimon Route Down Chogoria Route
Experience one of Mount Kenya’s most scenic trekking adventures by ascending via the Sirimon Route and descending through the spectacular Chogoria Route. This combination offers the best of both worlds, showcasing the mountain’s diverse landscapes—from the dry western slopes with giant cedar forests, moorlands, and rocky terrain to the lush bamboo forests and pristine rainforest of the eastern side.
Reaching Point Lenana (4,985m) before sunrise is a rewarding challenge, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Kenya. While the summit ascent requires determination, the remainder of the trek is less demanding than climbs such as Mount Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzori Mountains. This route also offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife unique to Mount Kenya.
Day 1: Nairobi – Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Driving Time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Trekking Distance: 9 km
Walking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 680m
After an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel or the airport, drive to Nanyuki Town, crossing the Equator en route. Continue to Sirimon Gate (2,660m), where you will complete park formalities before beginning your trek.
The trail passes through beautiful montane forest, bamboo zones, giant heather, and open moorland before reaching Old Moses Camp (3,300m). This gentle hike provides an excellent introduction to the mountain while allowing your body to begin acclimatizing.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp
Day 2: Old Moses Camp – Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)
Walking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Elevation Gain: 900m
After breakfast, continue trekking through the dramatic high-altitude landscape. Cross the Ontulili River before traversing the moorland and crossing the Liki North River.
The trail gradually climbs into the spectacular Mackinder’s Valley, where magnificent views of the surrounding peaks accompany your journey to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m).
This alpine camp sits beneath Mount Kenya’s towering peaks and glaciers and is home to rock hyraxes and colorful sunbirds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp
Day 3: Acclimatization at Shipton’s Camp
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, an essential step in improving your chances of successfully reaching the summit.
Optional short hikes lead to Oblong Tarn and Hausberg Tarn, gaining approximately 370 metres before returning to camp for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery.
The principle of “climb high, sleep low” greatly improves acclimatization and prepares you for the summit attempt.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp
Day 4: Shipton’s Camp – Point Lenana (4,985m) – Mount Kenya Bandas (2,900m)
Walking Time: 11–12 hours
Elevation Gain: 785m
Descent: 2,085m
Wake at approximately 3:00 AM to begin your summit attempt under the stars.
The trail ascends over frozen scree and rocky terrain with a few easy scrambling sections. On clear nights, moonlight often illuminates the route, while moonless skies reveal an unforgettable display of stars.
Arrive at Point Lenana (4,985m) in time to witness a spectacular African sunrise over the surrounding mountains and plains.
After celebrating your achievement, descend via the scenic Chogoria Route to Mount Kenya Bandas (Meru Mount Kenya Bandas) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Optional Upgrade:
Guests wishing to stay in the cabins at Mount Kenya Bandas can do so at an additional cost of USD 40 per person, which includes comfortable beds, hot showers, and cozy log fires.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Mount Kenya Campsite or Mount Kenya Bandas (optional)
Day 5: Mount Kenya Bandas – Chogoria Town – Nairobi
After breakfast, descend through dense bamboo forests and beautiful virgin rainforest along the Chogoria Route.
Meet your transfer vehicle for the drive to Chogoria Town before continuing to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 5:00 PM.
Optional: You may choose to use a 4×4 vehicle for part of the descent at an additional cost.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Includes
- Return transportation between Nairobi and Mount Kenya
- Pick-up from Nairobi airport or hotel
- Mount Kenya National Park entrance fees
- Accommodation in mountain camps/tents
- All meals during the trek
- Professional mountain guide services
- Porter support
- Cook services throughout the trek
- Government taxes and levies
Price Excludes
- Personal clothing and trekking equipment
- Sleeping bag rental (available at USD 20 per day)
- Cabin accommodation at Mount Kenya Bandas (USD 40 per person)
- Optional 4×4 transfer on the Chogoria descent
- Beverages outside the mountain
- Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
Recommended Mountain Gear Checklist
- Large backpack/rucksack (carried by porters)
- Daypack
- Mountain sleeping bag
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Camp shoes
- Hiking socks (lightweight and warm pairs)
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm fleece jacket or pullover
- Hiking trousers
- Long-sleeved hiking shirts
- Hiking shorts
- Thermal base layers
- Underwear
- Warm hat
- Balaclava
- Neck warmer
- Gloves
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses or snow goggles
- Trekking poles (walking stick)
- Personal first aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Water purification tablets
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Personal toiletries
