A four-day Mount Kenya traverse ascending by Sirimon and descending through the scenic Chogoria side.
Duration:
4 Days / 3 Nights Route:
Sirimon Gate – Old Moses – Shipton’s Camp – Point Lenana – Mintos/Chogoria – Chogoria Gate Difficulty:
Moderate
The Experience
Overview
Experience Mount Kenya by ascending the Sirimon route and descending via Chogoria. This four-day trek features forest, high-altitude moorland, Shipton’s Camp, Mackinder’s Valley, the Point Lenana trekking summit and the dramatic eastern valleys. It is best suited to hikers with reasonable fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience. The summit and descent schedule depend on weather, trail conditions and the guide’s assessment.
The Journey
Trek Gallery
Mt Kenya GoMt Kenya Expedition (10)
Why This Expedition
Tour Highlights
Ascend through Sirimon Gate and Old Moses Camp.
Stay at Shipton’s Camp beneath the main peaks.
Summit Point Lenana at approximately 4,984–4,985 m.
Descend through Mintos/Hall Tarns and the Chogoria side.
Experience two different Mount Kenya routes in one trek.
Drive via Nanyuki to Sirimon Gate and complete park formalities. Trek through montane forest and bamboo toward Old Moses Camp at approximately 3,300 m. Distance about 9 km; 3–4 hours. Afternoon for rest and acclimatization. Meals: lunch and dinner. Overnight at Old Moses Camp.
Day
2
Old Moses – Shipton’s Camp
Climb through moorland and alpine terrain toward Shipton’s Camp at approximately 4,200 m, passing the Likii North/Mackinder Valley area. Distance about 14 km; 6–8 hours. Maintain a steady pace to support acclimatization. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at Shipton’s Camp.
Day
3
Shipton’s Camp – Point Lenana – Mintos/Chogoria
Start before sunrise and ascend to Point Lenana at approximately 4,984–4,985 m. After the summit, descend toward the Chogoria side and continue toward Mintos or the designated high-altitude camp, approximately 4,300 m, according to arrangements and conditions. Distance about 12–14 km; 8–10 hours. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight at mountain camp.
Day
4
Chogoria High Camp – Chogoria Gate – Nairobi
Descend through alpine moorland and forest to Chogoria Gate/roadhead. Meet the vehicle for onward transfer toward Nairobi or another agreed destination. Distance about 15–20 km depending on camp location; 5–7 hours. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Included
What's Included
Transport from Nairobi and return.
Transport to Sirimon Gate and from Chogoria Gate.
Mount Kenya National Park entry fees.
Professional English-speaking mountain guide, porters and cook.
Three nights of mountain accommodation/camping.
Camping equipment, sleeping tents and sleeping mats.
Meals while on the mountain and drinking/cooking water.
Point Lenana summit attempt.
Applicable government taxes and service charges.
Not Included
What's Not Included
Personal climbing equipment and sleeping bag.
Travel insurance and personal expenses.
Tips for guides, porters and cook.
Drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Nairobi hotel accommodation before or after the trek.
Items not specifically listed as included.
When To Go
Best Time to Trek
January–March and July–October are often preferred for drier trekking conditions on Mount Kenya. A four-day itinerary is relatively fast, and conditions may affect the pace or summit plan. Confirm suitability with the guide, particularly if you have limited experience at altitude.
Prepare For The Mountain
What to Pack
PACKING CHECKLIST
Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or insulated jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, trekking trousers, thermal layer for the summit night, warm hat, sun hat and gloves.
Footwear: broken-in trekking boots, camp shoes and warm trekking socks.
Equipment: daypack, rain cover, headlamp with spare batteries, trekking poles, water bottles or hydration system, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
Personal items: toiletries, quick-drying towel, personal medication, blister plasters, basic first-aid items, travel insurance details and identification.
This is a shorter itinerary, but summit conditions can still be cold and windy. Confirm sleeping arrangements and supplied equipment with the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Is four days enough to climb Mount Kenya?
This is a condensed itinerary and involves a faster ascent than longer options. Whether it is appropriate depends on your fitness, prior altitude experience, acclimatisation and the guide’s safety assessment.
Is Point Lenana a technical climb?
Point Lenana is a trekking summit rather than a technical rock-climbing summit, but the route is high altitude and can be exposed or icy in poor conditions.
Which sides of the mountain does the route use?
The trek ascends via Sirimon and descends via Chogoria, subject to the final confirmed itinerary and trail conditions.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The guide may adjust timing, camps or the summit attempt because of weather, altitude symptoms, park requirements or trail conditions.
Interested in This Trek?
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