5-Day Mount Kenya Trek: Sirimon Up - Chogoria Down
The Ultimate Trekker’s Route
Experience the ultimate traverse of Africa’s second-highest peak. This 5-day expedition combines the best scenic paths on Mount Kenya. Ascend through the dry, high-altitude forests of the Sirimon Route and descend through the breathtaking Gorges Valley on the Chogoria Route.
Trip Highlights
Point Lenana (4,985m): Reach the “Hiker’s Summit” for a sunrise view of Kilimanjaro.
Dual-Route Experience: Ascend the north and descend the east for ever-changing landscapes.
Gorges Valley: Witness the most spectacular glacial valleys and cliffs in East Africa.
Wildlife & Flora: Spot rock hyrax, unique giant lobelias, and high-altitude senecios.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1: Nairobi to Sirimon Gate – The Journey Begins
Altitude: 2,600m to 3,300m
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Distance: 9km | We depart Nairobi early for a scenic drive through the Central Highlands to Nanyuki. After a briefing and final gear check, we proceed to the Sirimon Gate. Your trek begins with a steady climb through towering yellowwood forests and bamboo zones. As the canopy thins, we arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) for dinner and sunset over the Laikipia Plateau.
Day 2: Old Moses to Shipton’s Camp – Into the High Moorlands
Altitude: 3,300m to 4,200m
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Distance: 14km Today is a true mountain day. We cross the Ontulili River and trek through the sprawling moorlands, characterized by giant lobelias and senecios. We navigate the Liki and Mackinder Valleys, with the dramatic jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion looming larger with every step. We settle into Shipton’s Camp, perched directly beneath the towering rock spires.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day – Walk High, Sleep Low
Focus: Recovery and Altitude Adjustment
Activities: Exploration of Kami Hut or Hausberg Tarns Acclimatization is the secret to a successful summit. Today, we take a “pressure-free” hike to Kami Hut or the turquoise Oblong and Hausberg Tarns. These short, steep bursts help your body produce more red blood cells before the summit push. We return to Shipton’s for a high-carb dinner and an early night.
Day 4: The Summit Push – Shipton’s to Point Lenana & Mintos/Lake Michaelson
Summit Altitude: 4,985m (Point Lenana)
Hiking Time: 8 – 10 hours (Total) The big day! An alpine start at 3:00 AM takes us up the frozen scree slopes toward Point Lenana. We aim to reach the summit exactly as the sun rises over the African horizon.
After celebrating at the top, we descend the stunning Chogoria side. You have two world-class overnight options depending on the group’s pace:
Mintos Hut (4,300m): Set near the famous “Temple” cliffs.
Lake Michaelson (4,200m): Widely called the most beautiful campsite in Kenya, nestled in a deep glacial cirque.
Day 5: The Gorges Valley Descent – Chogoria to Nairobi
Altitude: 4,200m down to 2,950m
Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours Our final morning is a visual feast. We descend through the Gorges Valley, passing Vivienne Falls and overlooking the sheer drops of the “Temple.” We trek through the lush bamboo forest to reach the Chogoria Gate, where our 4WD vehicles await. After a celebratory lunch, we drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sirimon-Chogoria Trek
1. How difficult is the Sirimon-Chogoria route?
This trek is classified as moderate to challenging. While you don’t need technical climbing skills to reach Point Lenana, you do need a good level of cardiovascular fitness. The Sirimon side offers a gradual ascent, but the summit day is long (8–10 hours of walking) and the descent into the Gorges Valley is steep on the knees.
2. Do I need professional mountaineering gear?
You don’t need ropes or ice axes, but specialized trekking gear is essential. The most important items are:
Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots (to prevent blisters).
A high-quality 4-season sleeping bag (temperatures at Shipton’s and Mintos can drop below 0 Degree Celsius.
Layered clothing: Base layers, a fleece, and a waterproof outer shell.
Trekking poles: Highly recommended for the steep descent on the Chogoria side.
3. What is the success rate for reaching Point Lenana?
With our 5-day itinerary, which includes a dedicated acclimatization day at Shipton’s Camp, our success rate is over 95%. Taking that extra day to “walk high and sleep low” is the best way to prevent Altitude Sickness (AMS).
4. Is the water on the mountain safe to drink?
While the mountain streams look crystal clear, we recommend caution. Our crew provides boiled or filtered water for drinking and tooth-brushing throughout the trek. We suggest bringing a reusable 2-liter bladder (like a CamelBak) to stay hydrated on the trail.
5. What kind of food is served?
We believe you “climb on your stomach.” Our mountain chefs prepare fresh, high-energy meals including:
Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, sausages, toast, and fruit.
Lunch: Hot soup and sandwiches or pasta.
Dinner: Carbohydrate-rich meals like rice, stew, Kenyan ugali, or pasta, followed by dessert.
We easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets—just let us know in advance!
6. Where do we sleep?
On the Sirimon Route, we stay in mountain huts (Old Moses and Shipton’s) which offer bunk beds and communal areas. On the Chogoria descent, we stay at Mintos Hut or camp by the breathtaking Lake Michaelson in high-quality, weather-proof tents provided by Sunup Adventures.
7. What happens if I get Altitude Sickness?
Our guides are trained to recognize the early signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). We carry pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen saturation. If symptoms persist, the golden rule of mountaineering is followed: Descend, descend, descend. We have evacuation protocols in place with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
8. When is the best time to trek Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya can be climbed year-round, but the best windows are:
Dry Seasons: January to March and June to October. These months offer the clearest skies and best summit views.
Note: April, May, and November are the rainy seasons, making the trails muddier and more challenging.