Chogoria Route Up – Sirimon Route Down

5-Day Mount Kenya Trek: Chogoria Up & Sirimon Down | Sunup Adventures

Experience the most scenic Mount Kenya climb. A 5-day traverse from the dramatic Gorges Valley (Chogoria) to the lush Mackinder’s Valley (Sirimon). Book your 2026 adventure now!

Overview: Why This Route?

Why settle for one view when you can have them all? The Chogoria-Sirimon Traverse is widely considered the most beautiful way to experience Mount Kenya.

You’ll ascend through the Chogoria Route, famous for its dramatic cliffs, the sheer “Temple” rock face, and the stunning Lake Ellis. After conquering Point Lenana, you’ll descend via the Sirimon Route, a gentler path through the expansive Mackinder’s Valley, known for its unique high-altitude flora and easier terrain on the knees.

Sunup Tip: This “up-and-over” traverse ensures you never see the same landscape twice, maximizing your photographic opportunities.

The Ultimate Ascent: Gorges Valley to the Top of Kenya

Quick Stats

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Max Altitude: $4,985\text{m}$ (Point Lenana)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Best for fit hikers)
Best Time: Jan–March, June–October

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Nairobi to Chogoria – The Journey Begins

Your adventure starts with a scenic 4–5 hour drive from Nairobi, passing through the vibrant highlands of Central Kenya. Arriving in Chogoria town, you’ll meet your Sunup Adventures mountain crew—the expert guides and porters who will be your family for the next week. We’ll conduct a final gear check and enjoy a hearty dinner as we acclimatize to the foothills.

Elevation: Approx. $2,000\text{m}$
Stay: Campsite in Chogoria
Activity: Team briefing and mountain prep.

Day 2: Chogoria to Lake Ellis – Into the Wild

Today we enter the Mount Kenya National Park. The trek winds through ancient bamboo and montane forests, where the air is crisp and the birdlife is abundant. We emerge into the moorland to reach Lake Ellis, a hidden gem offering mirror-like reflections of the peaks.

Distance: $10\text{km}$ | Time: 5–6 hours
Highlight: Sunset over the tranquil waters of Lake Ellis.
Stay: Lake Ellis Campsite ( $3,450\text{m}$ ).

Day 3: Lake Ellis to Mintos Hut – The Gorges Valley

Prepare for breathtaking scale. We ascend through the Gorges Valley, characterized by massive sheer cliffs and the famous “Temple” rock face. This is arguably the most photogenic day of the trek as we move into the high-altitude alpine zone.

Distance: $12\text{km}$ | Time: 6–7 hours
Highlight: Standing on the edge of the Gorges Valley looking down $300\text{m}$ to Lake Michaelson.
Stay: Mintos Hut/Camp ( $4,200\text{m}$ ).

Day 4: Summit Day! Mintos to Pt. Lenana & Down to Old Moses

The “Big Day” begins at 2:00 AM. Under a canopy of stars, we make the final push to Point Lenana ( $4,985\text{m}$ ). Standing on the summit for sunrise, you’ll see the African plains stretch out infinitely below you. We then cross over to the Sirimon Route, descending into Mackinder’s Valley.

Distance: $20\text{km}$ | Time: 10–12 hours
Highlight: 360-degree views from the summit and the dramatic change in landscape during descent.
Stay: Old Moses Camp ( $3,300\text{m}$ ).

Day 5: Old Moses to Sirimon Gate & Nairobi

Our final descent takes us through the heath and moorland of the Sirimon Route. It’s a gentle walk to the Sirimon Gate, where your transport awaits. We’ll enjoy a final group lunch before the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.

Time: 3-hour trek | 4–5 hour drive
End Point: Nairobi (approx. 4:00 PM).

Why Book This Route with Sunup Adventures?

Optimal Acclimatization: By spending Day 2 at Lake Ellis, we increase your summit success rate significantly.
Expert Logistics: We handle all KWS park fees, high-quality camping gear, and transport.
Nutritious Mountain Meals: Our cooks specialize in high-energy, delicious meals to keep you fueled.

The Chogoria approach offers a more gradual, high-altitude traverse through the Gorges Valley. This gives your body critical extra hours to acclimatize at 3,500 m – 4,200 m before the final push. Plus, the Sirimon descent is much gentler on your knees—ensuring you walk off the mountain smiling, not limping!

Frequently Asked Questions: Mount Kenya Trekking

1. How difficult is the Chogoria-Sirimon route?

The Chogoria-Sirimon traverse is rated as moderate to challenging. While you don’t need technical climbing skills to reach Point Lenana ( $4,985\text{m}$ ), you do need a good level of cardiovascular fitness. You will be trekking $6–8$ hours a day over varied terrain, including bamboo forests, moorlands, and rocky scree.

2. When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?

The best months are the dry seasons: January to March and June to October. During these windows, you’ll enjoy clear mornings and the best views of the peaks. While you can climb year-round, the “long rains” (April–May) and “short rains” (November) make the trails slippery and the summits cloudy.

3. What is the success rate for reaching Point Lenana?

With Sunup Adventures, our success rate is over 95%. We achieve this by using the “Traverse” method—ascending via Chogoria and descending via Sirimon—which allows for better natural acclimatization compared to shorter 3-day “express” routes.

4. How do you handle altitude sickness (AMS)?

Safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained to spot early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. We follow the “climb high, sleep low” principle, and our 5-day itinerary includes a crucial acclimatization night at Lake Ellis. We recommend drinking 3–4 liters of water daily and moving “pole-pole” (slowly).

5. Do I need to carry my own heavy gear?

No! You only carry a daypack (approx. $5\text{kg} - 7\text{kg}$ ) containing your water, camera, rain gear, and lunch. Our team of professional porters will carry your main duffel bag (up to $15\text{kg}$ ), tents, and all cooking equipment.