Climb Mount Kenya 6-day Adventure Via Chogoria – Sirimon by Mt. Kenya Trekking Expedition

Climb Mount Kenya in 6 Days Via Chogoria Down Sirimon Route

Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya Chogoria Sirimon routes are the most scenic of all Mt. Kenya hiking routes. A 6-day trekking adventure gives you enough time to adequately explore and appreciate what these routes have to offer. From the forests and rivers of Chogoria to the valleys and lakes of Sirimon, you can be sure to climb Mount Kenya in a holistic way.

One of the advantages of these two Mount Kenya climbing routes is how well they complement one another. The Sirimon route approaches the mountain from the North, has a warm climate, and is generally drier than other routes. The Mount Kenya Chogoria route, on the other hand, has a cool climate hence the forests and many tree species

All in all, you can be sure to have an unforgettable hike when you climb Mount Kenya through the Chogoria Sirimon route.

Climbing Mount Kenya Via Chogoria – Sirimon 6-day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi- Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m), 5km, 350m ascent

Our adventure to climb Mount Kenya begins with us picking you up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Nairobi. We drive through the scenic countryside of Kenya up to Chogoria town where we have Lunch. The town sits on Mount Kenya at an altitude of 2300m.

After Lunch, we have a short drive up to the edge of the Bamboo forest. Our Mount Kenya trek begins here with a hike through the dense bamboo forest. We trek a 5 – 6 km trail towards the Mount Kenya Bandas campsite. This is where we have dinner and stay overnight.

The day’s trek sees us cover a 350 m ascent.

Day 2: Mount Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) 9km, 700m ascent

Our trek begins shortly after breakfast towards Lake Ellis. Trekking Mount Kenya on this day consists of a long trek but at a steady pace so as to gradually acclimatize. Along the way, we may see wild animals gently walking and pass by ancient trees that are almost a century old. We’ll have a short stop at the Nithi River to rest before continuing with our Mount Kenya trek.

We continue to climb Mount Kenya through tussock grass towards Lake Ellis. The scenery from Lake Ellis is stunning as the lake offers views of Ithanguni, Mugi Hill, and the Giants Billiards Table. We have lunch at this site and continue appreciating the magnificence of what we’re seeing.

After Lunch, we cut left and head to our second campsite. We have dinner and enjoy an overnight stay at Lake Ellis campsite.

Climbing Mount Kenya on this day will see us ascend 700m to sleep at an altitude of 3,600m.

Day 3: Lake Ellis Campsite– Minto`s Camp. (4,200m) 12km, 600m Ascent

We have an early start as our Mount Kenya trek for this day will be longer than any before. After breakfast, we’ll start our 3-hour trek along a rocky path that follows a ridge. We’ll continue following the trail until we rejoin the normal Chogoria route.

By this time, we’ll be at about 4,100m of altitude and be able to enjoy the views of the Gorges Valley and Northern Moorlands. We’ll have Lunch, then continue hiking up Mount Kenya for another hour until we reach Minto’s camp.

The rest of our afternoon is spent relaxing, exploring the area, and enjoying the sights. We recommend taking a 10-minute trek to the Temple; a 150m vertical cliff climb.

We’ll have dinner and an overnight stay at Minto’s camp.

Hiking Mount Kenya on this day will see us ascend an addition 600m.

Day 4: Minto’s Camp – Point Lenana – Shiptons Camp 4987m, 4km

On this day, we climb Mount Kenya to the peak and watch the sunrise. Therefore, our day starts early at 2:30 am. We take a 3 hour trek through a rocky path and hike steep tracks to make our way to Point Lenana. We’ll hike Mount Kenya through the dark with hand held torches but if we’re lucky the sky will light the way for us. Even without the moon, a cloudless sky at this altitude will light the way for us thanks to the stars of the Milky way’s spiral arm.

Watching the sunrise at Point Lenana is magical. We’ll watch the African sunrise slowly illuminate the sky, mountain, and vast lands beneath with golden rays. We’ll take pictures and rest for some time.

Our descent via the Mount Kenya Sirimon route begins with a trek to Shiptons camp. We’ll have breakfast at camp and spend the day relaxing and exploring at 4,200m.

This day will see us spend the night at Shiptons camp.

Day 5: Shipton Camp - Old Moses camp 3300m

After a hearty breakfast, we start the day’s Mount Kenya trek. We’ll be trekking for 6 hours towards Old Moses Camp.

The views from this day’s hike will show you why most who climb Mount Kenya describe Sirimon as the most attractive route. Mackinder’s valley offers panoramic views of the mountain with the peaks and valleys below visible. This surreal setting is filled with the Giant groundsel and lobelia plants endemic to Mount Kenya.

We’ll also go through the Sedea and Terere peaks before reaching camp. Our trek ends at Old Moses camp where we have dinner and an overnight stay.

Climbing Mount Kenya on this day will see us descend to 3,300m.

Day 6: Old Moses Camp – Nairobi

Our final day starts with a 2-hour trek through the mountain’s rainforest to the Sirimon National Park gate. We continue to trek Mount Kenya past the Sirimon equator area and find a vehicle waiting for us at the gate.

We say goodbye to the mountain and head to Nairobi.

Our Mount Kenya climbing adventure ends in Nairobi late afternoon.