5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking Through Sirimoni-Chogoria Route

This creative climb joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.

The final night time ascent of Point  Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris, and this is the most likely climb for actually seeing big game.

Accommodation on this hike is in mountain huts.  Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so on all nights on the mountain.

This creative climb joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.

The final night time ascent of Point  Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris, and this is the most likely climb for actually seeing big game.

Accommodation on this hike is in mountain huts.  Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so on all nights on the mountain.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Judmaier Camp

Stop At: Sirimon, Park Rd, Nanyuki, Kenya
Leave Nairobi at 7.30am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmaier Camp,
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Judmaier Camp or similar

Day 2: Judmier Camp to Shipton Camp

Stop At: Shipton Reserve, 18 Eleanor Place, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600, New Zealand
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shipton Camp or similar

Day 3: Full day at Shipton Camp

Stop At: Shipton Reserve, 18 Eleanor Place, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600, New Zealand
Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn).
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shipton Camp or similar

Day 4: Shipton to Lenana

Stop At: Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel, Ralph Bunche Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving Mount Kenya point Lenana (6km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut (6km), 2hrs, for breakfast and 20km, 4-5hrs further down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for dinner and overnight.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Mount Kenya or similar

Day 5: Chogoria to Nairobi

Stop At: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Embakasi, Nairobi, Kenya
Descend 2hr, 15km to forest clearance to catch a 4×4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.