Mount Kenya Hike via Sirimon Up - Chogoria Down

4 Days | 3 Nights

From $650 / person

Your trip overview

Join our a thrilling 4-day trek on Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, via the Sirimon-Chogoria Route, a perfect blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and ecological wonder. This cross-mountain journey takes you through dramatically diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows and glacial valleys to moorlands, rainforests, and volcanic ridges.

You’ll begin your ascent via the Sirimon Route, located on the drier, northwestern face of the mountain. Known for its gradual elevation gain and wildlife-rich trails, this route allows for better acclimatization while offering stunning views of the Mackinder’s Valley and the rugged peaks above

On summit day, you’ll conquer Point Lenana (4,985m), the most accessible of Mount Kenya’s peaks, reaching it just in time for a breathtaking sunrise that reveals the full majesty of the surrounding landscape. After the summit, descend through the Chogoria Route, often hailed as the most scenic trail on the mountain. This route offers an unforgettable walk past Gorges Valley, Lake Ellis, and lush bamboo forests, delivering a true “safari-on-foot” experience.

Throughout your hike, you’ll be guided by certified, experienced professionals committed to your safety and success. With proper acclimatization, hearty meals, porter support, and environmental insight, this 4-day Mount Kenya climb offers a short yet intense immersion into one of East Africa’s most awe-inspiring alpine environments.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Old Moses Camp

Mount Kenya

Shipton’s Camp

Mount Kenya

Mintos Hut

Mount Kenya

Mintos Hut

Mount Kenya

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

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Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Nairobi - Mount Kenya - Met Station (3,050m)

Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early pickup from your Nairobi hotel. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll travel north by road through Kenya’s beautiful central highlands to Sirimon Gate (2,650m), located on the mountain’s northwestern flank. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your porters and support crew, complete park registration, and gear up for the trek.

The hike begins through lush montane forest, teeming with birdlife and small mammals, before transitioning into the giant heather and moorland zone. As you steadily ascend, take in the fresh mountain air and stunning natural surroundings.

By early afternoon, you’ll reach Old Moses Camp (Judmaier Camp), perched at 3,300 meters in a scenic alpine valley. After a warm lunch prepared by your crew, you may take a short acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the altitude.

In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner and a briefing by your guide on the next day’s route. As the sun sets behind the peaks, settle into your mountain hut for your first night on the slopes of Mount Kenya.

Accommodation: Judmaier Campsite (Budget Mountain Hut on Mt Kenya)

Elevation (m):
2,440m-3,300

Distance:
9km,

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest.

Where to stay

Judmaier Campsite

Day 2: Old Moses Camp - Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)

After an early mountain breakfast at Old Moses Camp, you’ll begin your ascent through the moorland zone, following the well-established Sirimon Trail. The trek offers ever-changing scenery, from rolling tussock grasslands to dramatic ridgelines, with expansive views of the valleys and distant ridges.

Midway through the hike, you’ll cross the Ontulili River, then contour through the Liki North Valley, where alpine flora like giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the landscape. As you gain altitude, the trail winds up into the spectacular Mackinder’s Valley, where the jagged peaks of Batian, Nelion, and Lenana come into full view, an awe-inspiring welcome to the heart of the mountain.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m), nestled beneath the towering spires of Mount Kenya’s highest peaks. After a warm lunch and time to rest and acclimatize, you can explore the surrounding area or simply enjoy the surreal alpine views.

In the evening, gather for a briefing by your guide, who will outline the summit day plan via the Chogoria Route. After dinner, it’s early to bed in preparation for the predawn summit push.

Accommodation: Shipton Campsite (Mountain Camp on Mt Kenya)

Elevation (m):
3,050m-4,200m

Distance:
14km,

Time:
6-7 hours

Habitat:
Moorland

Where to stay

Shipton Campsite

Day 3:Shipton’s Camp - Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) - Mintos Hut (4,250m)

Your summit day begins in the pre-dawn darkness, as you set off from Shipton’s Camp under the glow of headlamps. The air is crisp and thin, and the ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m) is steep and challenging, but incredibly rewarding. You’ll navigate scree slopes and rocky terrain, pushing upward in time to witness an unforgettable sunrise from the summit.

At Point Lenana, the third-highest peak on Mount Kenya, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views stretching across the Kenyan highlands, and on a clear day, even as far as Mount Kilimanjaro to the south. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate your achievement and capture breathtaking photos.

After a short time at the summit, you’ll descend to Shipton’s Camp for a hot breakfast and a brief rest before continuing your descent on the Chogoria Route, often regarded as the most scenic path down the mountain.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Mintos Hut, perched above the dramatic Gorges Valley with sweeping views of alpine lakes, cliffs, and wild moorlands. After lunch, spend the rest of the day resting and enjoying the tranquil scenery.

In the evening, your guide will conduct a briefing on the final leg of your descent. You’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner and retreat for the night, surrounded by the serene beauty of Mount Kenya’s highlands.

Accommodation: Budget Camping at Mintos Hut

Elevation (m):
4,200m-4,985m-3,050m

Distance:
11km

Time:
6-7 hours

Habitat:
Alpine desert – mountane forest

Where to stay

Mintos Hut

Day 4: Mintos Hut - Meru Bandas - Exit via Chogoria Gate - Transfer to Nairobi

After breakfast, your final descent begins through the breathtaking Gorges Valley, a stretch known for its sheer cliffs, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and lush green plateaus. This part of the Chogoria Route offers some of the most dramatic scenery on Mount Kenya, making it a true highlight of your trek.

As you wind down through moorlands into montane and bamboo forests, keep your eyes open for forest buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds. You’ll arrive at Meru Bandas, a forested clearing that marks the transition from alpine highlands to the tropical lowlands. Here you’ll enjoy a hot lunch and a moment to relax and reflect on your incredible journey.

After lunch, continue your descent through the rainforest canopy, eventually arriving at Chogoria Gate. Once park exit formalities are complete, you’ll say goodbye to your guide and porter team, sharing final group photos and well-earned congratulations.

In the late afternoon, begin your transfer back to Nairobi (or your next destination), with a heart full of accomplishment and memories of four extraordinary days hiking across one of Africa’s most iconic mountains.

Accommodation: None (End of Tour)

Elevation (m):
4,250m – 3000m

Distance:
22km,

Time:
6-7 hours,

Habitat:
Moorland – mountane forest

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Single 1 room	2+ people sharing rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$705	$650
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$705	$650

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Porterage

Rescue fee

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

Camping equipment

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

Climbing gear

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Sleeping bag

Bath towels

Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

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Mount Kenya Hike via Sirimon Up - Chogoria Down

4 Days | 3 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Old Moses Camp

Shipton’s Camp

Mintos Hut

Mintos Hut

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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