Mount Kenya Trek
Sirimon–Chogoria Route
Africa’s most underrated high-altitude trek — a non-technical summit to Point Lenana (4,985m) on Mount Kenya’s most scenic traverse, with real acclimatization built in and a far quieter trail than Kilimanjaro.
Sirimon to Chogoria — Mount Kenya’s most scenic traverse
Africa’s second highest peak, where glaciers meet the savannah. The Sirimon–Chogoria traverse is the most complete way to experience the mountain, climbing through forest and moorland to Point Lenana before descending through dramatic valleys, alpine lakes and waterfalls. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
The full itinerary
Grouped by phase — tap any stage to open it. Want every detail first? See the full day-by-day itinerary & gallery →
DAYS 1–2
Nairobi to Old Moses Camp
Arrival in Nairobi. Briefing and equipment check.
8:00am hotel pickup, a scenic ~3h drive via Nanyuki to Sirimon Gate (2,600m). From here, a 9km hike through dense montane forest to Old Moses Camp (3,300m), spotting wildlife along the way — waterbuck, baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, Hartlaub’s turaco and Jackson’s francolin. Road transfer 195km, trekking 9km, elevation gain +700m.
DAY 3
Into the moorland — Shipton’s Camp
3,300 → 4,200 m
The trail climbs steadily out of the forest zone and into Mount Kenya’s open moorland, with giant lobelias and groundsels dotting the landscape and the jagged twin summits of Batian and Nelion coming into view ahead. A gentle but steady ascent through the Mackinder Valley leads to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m), set beneath the mountain’s glaciers — our base for the acclimatization and summit days ahead. Trekking distance approximately 10km, elevation gain +900m.
DAY 4
Acclimatization — Hausberg Col
4,200 → 4,560 m
An acclimatization day — hike up to Hausberg Col (4,560m), a spectacular viewpoint over the western peaks (Batian, Point Piggot) and the glacial lakes hidden in the valley below. Return to Shipton’s Camp for lunch and rest, prepping for the summit push. Trekking distance 4km, elevation gain +360m.
DAY 5
Summit — Point Lenana
4,560 → 4,985 → 2,950 m
Ascent begins at 3:00am to reach Point Lenana at sunrise, with views stretching across the African plains — on clear mornings, even Kilimanjaro is visible. After celebrating on the summit, descend via the Chogoria route through the dramatic Gorges Valley, stopping at Lake Michaelson and Mintos Hut for breakfast, then past Lake Ellis, Mugi Hill and the striking “Temple” rock formations, down to Meru Bandas Camp. Ascent 4km / +785m, descent ~10km / −2,035m.
DAY 6
Descent to Nairobi
2,950 → 2,500 m
An 8km hike through bamboo zones and tropical forest, with elephants and buffalo possible along the way. At Chogoria Gate, continue by 4×4 to Chogoria village (29km), followed by a 200km road transfer back to Nairobi, closing out an unforgettable trip. Safari extensions available on request. Trekking distance 8km, descent −450m.
What’s included
INCLUDED
- Airport transfers and ground transfers between Nairobi and Mount Kenya on agreed dates
- All meals during the mountain program
- 2 nights in Nairobi, twin room with breakfast (Holiday Inn or similar, subject to availability)
- Safe drinking water throughout the trek
- High-quality expedition tents at designated campsites (mountain huts available at some points)
- Certified mountain guide and porters
- All Mount Kenya National Park fees, permits, taxes and conservation charges
- Summit certificate
- All applicable taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Kenyan visa (approx. USD 34)
- Meals in Nairobi
- Personal mountain equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel and mountain insurance (mandatory)
- Any changes or cancellations due to force majeure, or services not listed in the itinerary (extra hotel nights, route changes, extensions, personal expenses)
Mount Kenya Trek — reserve your spot for February 2027
6 days via the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse to Point Lenana (4,985m) — small groups, a certified mountain guide, and a non-technical trekking summit on one of Africa’s most underrated high routes. See the full official itinerary & booking page.
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Frequently asked questions
How fit do I need to be for the Mount Kenya trek?
No technical climbing skills or gear are required — this is a non-technical trekking summit. That said, summit night starts at 3:00am and involves a long, sustained push to 4,985m, so solid cardio fitness matters. The itinerary builds in a full acclimatization day at Hausberg Col (4,560m) before the summit push.
Is Mount Kenya the same as Mount Kilimanjaro?
No — they’re neighbouring East African peaks. Point Lenana, at 4,985m, is the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya reachable without technical climbing, and the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse is a quieter, less-crowded alternative to Kilimanjaro’s busier routes, on the same continent.
Do I need ropes, crampons or climbing experience for Point Lenana?
No. Point Lenana is the highest trekking summit without technical climbing — no ropes, crampons or climbing gear are needed. What matters most is pacing and real acclimatization, which this itinerary builds in with a dedicated day at Hausberg Col.
What’s included in the price?
Airport and ground transfers between Nairobi and Mount Kenya, all meals during the mountain program, 2 nights in Nairobi with breakfast, a certified mountain guide and porters, expedition tents, and all Mount Kenya National Park fees and permits. International flights, the Kenyan visa and travel insurance aren’t included.
Why trek Mount Kenya instead of a more crowded route?
We trek the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse with an experienced local guide and a small group, taking the time to acclimatize properly on one of Africa’s most underrated high-altitude routes — glaciers, moorland, alpine lakes and a genuine 4,985m summit, with none of the crowds of Kilimanjaro.