This 5 days Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Sirimon Route takes you on an a mountain climbing adventure on Mount Kenya, following the Chogoria Sirimon Route, the most scenic and spectacular route to the summit.
The Sirimon Chigoria Trek combines the two most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kenya. We hike up through the dry side of the mountain, climbing up through forests until we get to a wide ridge, approaching the summit area.
Highlights of 5 days Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Sirimon Route
- Day 1: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 650m ascent
- Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m)
- Day 3: Lake Ellis – Minto`s Camp. (4,200m)
- Day 4: Minto`s – Pt Lenana (4,985m)- Old Moses camp.
- Day 5: Old Moses camp – Nairobi
Detailed itinerary of 5 days Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Sirimon Route
Day 1: Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 650m ascent
Depart from Nairobi City at 0800 hrs, driving through agricultural county up to Chogoria Town for lunch. After lunch, we drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
3hrs / 10km walk / 650m ascent
Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m)
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it is time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the other touristy areas.
3hrs / 9km / 700m ascent.

Day 3: Lake Ellis – Minto`s Camp. (4,200m)
Have an early start, again well of the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest.
Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 metres vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying. An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit next day.
4 hrs / 12km / 600m ascent
Day 4: Minto`s – Pt Lenana ( 4,985m)- Old Moses camp.
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 03:00 am. We hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4,985m), the hiker’s summit arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast, then begin a 5 hour descent via Mackinder’s valley to the Old Moses Camp (3,300m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
11-12 hrs / 785 ascent – 1,685 descent / 24km
Day 5: Old Moses camp – Nairobi
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park Gate to catch a vehicle and travel to Nairobi.
5 days Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Sirimon Route Inclusions
- Transfer to and from the Mountain
- Meals for the days of the climb
- Professional guide, cook and porters service
- All park entrance and camping fees
- Drinking water
- Basic rescue
5 days Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Sirimon Route Exclusions
- Hotels accommodation and meals out of the program
- Air rescue services
- Insurance cover
- Tipping and other gratituites.