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Sunlit snow and rock on Mount Kenya's summit ridge

Kenya · 5 days · Budget

5 Days Mount Kenya - Sirimon to Chogoria Route

A traverse of Mount Kenya combining two of its most scenic routes: up through the forest and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon, over Point Lenana, and down past the tarns and gorges of the Chogoria side.

Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Countries
Kenya
Starts
Nanyuki
Ends
Nairobi
Tier
Budget
Format
Guided climb

Per personUSD 750 pp

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01 / Overview

The journey in brief.

A traverse of Mount Kenya combining two of its most scenic routes: up through the forest and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon, over Point Lenana, and down past the tarns and gorges of the Chogoria side.

This 5-day budget itinerary starts in Nanyuki and ends in Nairobi. Accommodation: Mountain hut/camp.

Ideal for
Scenic trekking · Experienced walkers
Safari style
Budget · Climbing & Trekking

Destination guides: Mount Kenya

Route

  1. Nanyuki

    Start

  2. Sirimon Gate

    Stop 1

  3. Old Moses Camp

    Stop 2

  4. Shipton's Camp

    Stop 3

  5. Point Lenana

    Stop 4

  6. Chogoria

    Stop 5

  7. Nairobi

    Finish

02 / Highlights

What stays with you.

  1. 01

    Traverse from Sirimon to Chogoria

  2. 02

    Acclimatisation day around Shipton's Camp

  3. 03

    Sunrise on Point Lenana, 4,985 m

  4. 04

    Gorges, tarns and the Temple on the descent

03 / Day by day

Travel it day by day.

5 days · driving times are approximate

  1. Day 1 · Approx. 3–4 hours walking · 9 km · 860 m ascent

    Nanyuki to Old Moses Camp

    Leave Nanyuki at about 8:00 am for the Sirimon Gate (2,440 m), around an hour away. The track winds up through forest into heathland, reaching Old Moses Camp (also known as Judmaier Camp, 3,300 m) in the afternoon.

    Meals
    Lunch · Dinner
    Overnight
    Old Moses Camp
    Giraffes silhouetted against Mount Kenya at dusk in Laikipia

  2. Day 2 · Approx. 6–7 hours walking · 14 km · 900 m ascent

    Old Moses Camp to Shipton's Camp

    Follow the track uphill, crossing the Ontulili River after about an hour, then contour across the moorland and the Liki North valley. Climb into the Mackinder Valley for panoramic views of the main peaks and continue to Shipton's Camp (4,200 m).

    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Overnight
    Shipton's Camp
    Rock hyrax on a boulder below Mount Kenya's peaks

  3. Day 3

    Acclimatisation day around Shipton's Camp

    A day to help your body adjust to the altitude. Walk up towards Kami Hut and down to the Hausburg and Nanyuki tarns, returning to Shipton's Camp for dinner and an early night.

    • Acclimatisation walk to the tarns
    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Overnight
    Shipton's Camp
    Mount Kenya's summit rising above a sea of cloud

  4. Day 4 · Approx. 6+ hours walking · 14 km · 785 m ascent

    Summit Point Lenana and descend the Chogoria side

    Set off at around 3:00 am to climb the steep, rocky path past the Hall Tarns to Point Lenana, arriving at about sunrise. Descend to Minto's Hut for breakfast and continue down the Chogoria route to the bandas near the Chogoria gate (about 2,950 m).

    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
    Overnight
    Chogoria bandas
    Giant lobelia in the foreground of Mount Kenya's peaks

  5. Day 5 · Approx. 2 hours walking · 15 km, then road transfer

    Chogoria to Nairobi

    Walk down for about two hours through the forest to meet a shuttle to Chogoria village, where you connect with your transfer back to Nairobi.

    Meals
    Breakfast · Lunch
    Overnight
    End of safari
    Jagged peaks of Mount Kenya under a clear blue sky

04 / Where you stay

Budget camps and hotels.

Named properties are the budget stays we use on this route. Where the itinerary says “overnight at the camp/lodge”, your quotation confirms the exact stay.

  • On the mountain1 night

    Old Moses Camp

  • On the mountain2 nights

    Shipton's Camp

  • On the mountain1 night

    Chogoria bandas

Quick planning facts

Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Countries
Kenya
Starts
Nanyuki
Ends
Nairobi
Tier
Budget
Format
Guided climb
Accommodation
Mountain hut/camp
Best for
Scenic trekking · Experienced walkers

05 / What’s included

Clear from the start.

Included

  • Transfer on the Chogoria descent and return to Nairobi
  • Mountain accommodation in huts/camps as listed
  • Full board on the mountain as listed day by day
  • Mount Kenya National Park fees, including government taxes
  • English-speaking mountain guide, porters and cook
  • Treated drinking water on the trek
  • Summit certificate on successful completion

Not included

  • Transfer from Nairobi to Nanyuki before the trek
  • Sleeping bags, laundry, drinks and personal climbing gear
  • Tips for your guide, porters and cook
  • Items of a personal nature
  • International flights, visas and travel insurance

06 / Pricing

Honest, complete pricing.

Prices are per person, in US dollars, for the complete 5-day package — not per day.

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Package price per person in US dollars
OptionComplete package
Per personUSD 750

Optional extras (not included)

  • Transfer from Nairobi to NanyukiQuoted on request.

07 / Good to know

Questions, answered.

Important notes

  • Total distance is approximately 90 km. Difficulty: moderate to demanding.
  • The Chogoria side is usually wetter than Sirimon; bring good waterproofs.
  • Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Your guide may turn back if conditions or your health make continuing unsafe.
How much does this safari cost?

USD 750 pp for the complete 5-day package (per person, complete package). Prices are per person in US dollars. The pricing section lists exactly what is included.

Where does the safari start and finish?

It starts in Nanyuki and finishes in Nairobi.

Is this a private or shared climb?

Your climb is supported by a dedicated guide, porters and cook. Joining other climbers on the same dates can reduce costs — ask when you enquire.

What accommodation is used?

The accommodation pattern is: Mountain hut/camp. Each night is listed in the day-by-day itinerary.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Yes. Dates, pace, accommodation level and the order of stops can usually be adjusted. Tell us what you have in mind when you enquire.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable walking for six to eight hours a day on rough ground for several days in a row. Altitude affects people regardless of fitness, so ask us about adding acclimatisation days.

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5 days · Kenya

USD 750 pp

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