Sirimon – Chogoria Traverse 5 Days

Trip Overview Who should go News & Articles itinerary includes & Excludes Special notes book Starting from
$1320

Trip Overview

Nairobi • Mount Kenya • Sirimon • Chogoria

Nairobi
Your expedition begins in Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital and gateway to Mount Kenya. Here, you will meet your guides, organize your gear, and receive a briefing on the upcoming traverse. Nairobi blends urban energy with the anticipation of adventure, making it the perfect starting point for your journey to Africa’s second-highest peak.

Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, standing at 5,199 meters, is Africa’s second-highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its dramatic alpine landscapes feature peaks, glaciers, moorlands, and forests, while its slopes are home to elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and endemic birds. Trekking from the northern Sirimon route to the eastern Chogoria route offers a complete cross-mountain experience, showcasing rugged valleys, pristine forests, and sweeping highland vistas.

Sirimon Route
The trek begins on the northern side via the Sirimon Route, known for gentle gradients, open moorlands, and beautiful montane forests. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of the Mackinder Valley and the rugged Batian and Nelion peaks. Sirimon provides excellent acclimatization opportunities while immersing you in remote wilderness away from heavy crowds.

Chogoria Route
The descent via the Chogoria Route takes you through some of Mount Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes. Highlights include the Gorges Valley, Ithanguni, Mugi Hill, and the Giant’s Billiards Table, unique geological formations found nowhere else in Africa. Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine lakes punctuate the trail, while camps like Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis offer serene resting spots amid high-altitude scenery.

Point Lenana
Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters, is the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya and the centerpiece of this traverse. A pre-dawn summit allows you to witness a stunning sunrise over glacial valleys, the jagged Batian and Nelion peaks, and the plains beyond. This non-technical summit is achievable for physically fit trekkers and offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

What to Expect
This five-day trek is physically demanding, requiring stamina, endurance, and determination. Trekking days vary from moderate to long, with early starts for the summit push and plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery. You will be accompanied by professional guides and supported by porters who manage your gear and meals. Nights are spent in high-altitude huts or camps, providing comfort while allowing full immersion in the mountain environment.

Preparing for Your Trek
The Sirimon–Chogoria traverse requires good physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and mental readiness. Essential items include layered clothing, waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, a warm hat, trekking poles, sunscreen, and sufficient water. Weather can change rapidly, so preparation is crucial. Teamwork, pacing, and guidance from your expert team are key to safely completing this rewarding expedition.

Itinerary

Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive through scenic highland landscapes to Sirimon Gate.

After registration and a short briefing, begin a gentle trek through lush montane forest, taking in the sights and sounds of the highland ecosystem.

The gradual ascent allows for proper acclimatization as you make your way toward Old Moses Camp.

Arrive at camp in the late afternoon, settle in, enjoy a warm dinner, and relax overnight in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Continue your ascent into the open moorlands, weaving between giant groundsels and rocky ridges as the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic.

The trail offers sweeping views of the vast Mackinder Valley and the jagged peaks towering above it.

Arrive at Shipton Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay beneath the towering spires of Batian and Nelion.

Begin your summit push before dawn, climbing under a sky full of stars toward Point Lenana.

Reach the top in time to watch the sun rise over the glaciers and distant plains, a breathtaking reward for the early start.

After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, begin your descent through the Mintos and Lake Michaelson area, where the landscape opens into dramatic valleys and alpine lakes.

Settle in for dinner and a well-earned overnight rest.

Spend the day trekking through the dramatic Gorges Valley, moving past cliffs, ridges, and beautiful highland scenery.

The trail offers wide, open views of waterfalls, deep valleys, and the rugged landscape that makes this side of the mountain so striking.

By late afternoon you will arrive at Lake Ellis, a peaceful alpine campsite surrounded by sweeping moorlands. Settle in for dinner and an overnight stay beside the lake.

Complete your descent through the Chogoria side of the mountain, enjoying the final views of forests, moorlands, and rolling highland terrain. At the trail’s end, meet your vehicle and begin the drive back to Nairobi.

Expect to arrive in the late afternoon, marking the close of a memorable Mount Kenya adventure.

Max. Altitude
4,985m Trip Grade
Strenuous Best Seasons
Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct Group Size
1–15 trekkers
Who Should Go

The Sirimon–Chogoria 5-Day Traverse is perfect for adventurous and physically fit travelers who want a complete high-altitude experience on Mount Kenya. This route suits:

Travelers Seeking Scenic and Quiet Trails
Sirimon on the ascent and Chogoria on the descent offer some of the mountain’s best viewpoints with far fewer crowds.

Active Trekkers
Ideal for people who enjoy long hiking days, changing terrain, and rewarding climbs.

First-Time High-Altitude Climbers
Point Lenana provides an achievable summit without technical climbing skills.

Nature Lovers
Experience everything from lush montane forests to wide moorlands and dramatic glacial valleys.

Photographers and Outdoor Creatives
Capture breathtaking shots of alpine lakes, rugged ridges, morning light, and vast highland panoramas.

Solo Travelers, Couples, and Small Groups
A professionally guided environment ensures safety, companionship, and a supportive trekking atmosphere.

News & Articles
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Includes
Private return transfers from Nairobi to Mount Kenya. All park and conservation fees are fully included. All meals while on the mountain. Accommodation in mountain huts or camps (as applicable). Professional guiding services with experienced local guides. Full porter support provided throughout the climb Trek briefing and route planning. Emergency first aid and communication support.
Excludes
Personal clothing and climbing equipment .
Tips for guides and porters (10–15% recommended).
Beverages are available when not on the mountain Travel or medical insurance. Optional activities outside the standard itinerary.
Trip Notes

Mountain Weather & Trail Conditions
Mount Kenya’s weather can change quickly, shifting from warm sunshine to cold winds, rain, or fog. Your guide may adjust the schedule or route when needed to keep the experience safe and comfortable.

Altitude & Acclimatization
Although Point Lenana is a trekking summit, altitude affects everyone differently. Your guide will monitor your pace, hydration, and rest, making adjustments to support safe and steady acclimatization.

Route Characteristics
Expect long walking days, steady climbs, gentle valleys, and striking alpine scenery. The Sirimon ascent is gradual and forested, while the Chogoria descent showcases dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful high-altitude lakes.

Possible Delays
Weather, altitude, or natural conditions may cause delays or route changes. Any additional costs that arise outside the planned itinerary are the traveler’s responsibility, but full support will be provided throughout.

Accommodation & Facilities
Camps are simple yet comfortable and designed for high-altitude trekking. Porters handle gear, equipment, and meals so you can focus on the hike.

Wildlife & Environmental Care
You may encounter unique wildlife and plant species along the way. Follow your guide’s instructions and practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect the mountain environment.

Travel Timing
Keeping a flexible schedule before and after the trek is recommended in case modifications are necessary.

Despite the challenges that come with high-altitude trekking, you can expect professional guidance, strong support, and a memorable cross-mountain journey from Sirimon to Chogoria.

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