5-Day Sirimon to Chogoria Traverse (Scenic Route)

+3 Photos

Overview of 5-Day Sirimon to Chogoria Traverse (Scenic Route)

5 Days / 4 Nights Duration

Nairobi Location

£869.00 per person

A 5-day traverse of Mount Kenya planned for effective acclimatisation and varied scenery. The trek ascends via the gentler Sirimon route and descends the steeper, more scenic Chogoria route.

Highlights of this Tour

✓ Effective acclimatisation on the Sirimon route

✓ Panoramic descent via the Chogoria route

✓ Views of gorges, tarns, and waterfalls

✓ Unique high-altitude flora

Itinerary and Where to Stay

Day 1: Trek to Old Moses Camp

Your adventure begins with a 07:00 departure from Nairobi, driving north towards the Mount Kenya region and crossing the equator. After a brief stop in Nanyuki for supplies, you will proceed to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,650m) for registration and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, begin the 3-hour, 9km trek through lush montane forest, home to colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife. The steady ascent is perfect for acclimatisation. Arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) in the late afternoon, settling into your mountain hut for the evening, surrounded by the crisp alpine air.

Meals Day 1: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Hike to Shipton's Camp

After an early breakfast around 07:30, your trek continues towards Shipton's Camp. The route takes you across the challenging Mackinder's Valley, where the landscape transforms into a unique Afro-alpine moorland, dotted with giant lobelias and groundsel. Pause for a packed lunch amidst this otherworldly vegetation, taking in the increasingly dramatic scenery. The final push in the afternoon brings you to Shipton's Camp (4,200m), nestled directly beneath the towering rock spires of Batian and Nelion. Settle into your hut for dinner and an early night, resting for the summit attempt.

Meals Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Summit Point Lenana & Descend to Lake Michaelson

The ultimate challenge begins with a 03:00 wake-up call for the pre-dawn summit attempt. The demanding ascent up a steep scree slope is timed to reach Point Lenana (4,985m) for a spectacular sunrise over the African plains. After celebrating your achievement, begin the descent down the scenic Chogoria route, stopping for a rest and snacks. The afternoon trek leads you to the enchanting Lake Michaelson (4,000m), a glacial tarn nestled in a dramatic amphitheatre. Your fly camp will be set up on its shores for a truly memorable night under the stars.

Meals Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Descend to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas

Wake up to the serene beauty of your lakeside camp. Following breakfast, your descent continues through the magnificent Gorges Valley. The morning trail winds past crystal-clear streams and the impressive Nithi Falls, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this lush environment as the vegetation transitions from moorland back into dense forest. In the afternoon, the path widens as you arrive at the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m). Check into your comfortable log cabin, a welcome reward offering the simple luxury of a hot shower before a hearty dinner.

Meals Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Depart Mount Kenya for Nairobi

After a final mountain breakfast, you will complete the last 10km of your trek. This gentle morning walk takes you through a dense bamboo and rosewood forest, alive with the sounds of birds and unseen wildlife. You'll reach the Chogoria Park Gate around midday to meet your driver. A 4x4 transfer through the forest may be used to expedite this section. Enjoy a final lunch in a local town before commencing the drive back to Nairobi, filled with memories of your incredible adventure. Expect to be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch