5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking via Sirimon – Chogoria Route to Point Lenana.
About This 5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking via Sirimon – Chogoria Route to Point Lenana
The 5-Day Mount Kenya Private Trek via the Sirimon–Chogoria Route is the most popular and highly recommended combination trek on Mount Kenya — and for good reason. It pairs the most gradual and beginner-friendly ascent on the mountain with one of the most spectacular descents in East Africa, all in five well-paced days that include a dedicated acclimatisation day.
The Sirimon Route ascent is open, dry, and gradual — building altitude steadily over two days before the critical acclimatisation hike on Day 3. The dedicated climb to Hausburg Col (4,560m) on Day 3 applies the climb-high sleep-low principle — returning to sleep at 4,200m after reaching 4,560m — and is the single most important factor in this itinerary’s high summit success rate. The Chogoria Route descent then delivers Mount Kenya’s finest scenery as a reward after the summit: the Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson, Lake Ellis, and Nithi Falls, all revealed one after another on the way down.
This is a private trek — your group, your guide, your pace. Your dedicated mountain team of guide, cook, and porters are with your group exclusively from the first day to the last.
5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking via Sirimon – Chogoria Route to Point Lenana Highlights
Ascend via the Sirimon Route — Mount Kenya’s most gradual northern approach, ideal for steady altitude gain
Dedicated acclimatisation day to Hausberg Col (4,560m) — improving acclimatisation and contributing to the itinerary’s 98% summit success rate
Walk through the spectacular afroalpine zone, home to giant lobelias, giant groundsels, and colourful Malachite Sunbirds
Camp beneath Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) at the iconic Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)
Summit Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft) at sunrise, with panoramic views of Batian, Nelion, and, on clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro
Experience the breathtaking Mackinder’s Valley, one of Mount Kenya’s most spectacular glacial valleys
Descend through the dramatic Gorges Valley, one of the mountain’s most iconic alpine landscapes
Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michaelson, a hidden glacial lake surrounded by towering cliffs
Stop at the Equator Line in Nanyuki for photos and the unique experience of standing in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Detailed 5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking via Sirimon – Chogoria Route to Point Lenana Itinerary
Nairobi to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Your adventure begins with a 9:30 AM pickup from your hotel or residence in Nairobi. Drive north through Kenya’s beautiful central highlands toward Nanyuki, the gateway to the Sirimon Route.
On the way, stop at the Equator Line for photographs and enjoy the fascinating Coriolis water demonstration, where your guide explains the unique effects of crossing the Equator.
Continue to Sirimon Gate (2,650m), where you will complete park registration and meet your experienced mountain crew. Before setting off, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by our mountain chef while taking in the first views of Mount Kenya and completing a final gear check.
After lunch, begin your 9 km trek along the Sirimon Route. The trail climbs gradually through the mountain’s open northern forest, which is drier and less dense than the Chogoria side. Along the way, keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, zebras, and a rich variety of mountain birdlife before emerging into the giant heath zone.
Arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300m), where you can relax, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner, and settle in for your first night on Mount Kenya.
Accommodation: Camping | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Old Moses Camp (3,300m) to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)
After an early breakfast, begin the long trek through heath, moorland, and afroalpine zones — the most visually rewarding day of the ascent.
The trail climbs steadily with increasingly dramatic landscape. Giant lobelias and groundsels line the path as the vegetation transitions from heath into open moorland. Tussock grass, mountain birds including Malachite Sunbirds and Verreaux’s Eagles, and occasional rock hyrax accompany the ascent.
Cross the scenic valleys of Mackinder’s Valley with dramatic, increasingly close views of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) — Mount Kenya’s twin technical peaks — towering above the valley ahead.
Arrive at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) — set dramatically beneath the rock faces of the upper mountain. Rest well, hydrate, and eat a full dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s acclimatisation hike.
Accommodation: Camping | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatisation Day: Hausburg Col (4,560m) and Return
Today is one of the most important days of the entire trek — and one of the key reasons this itinerary achieves its high summit success rate.
After breakfast, hike to Hausburg Col (4,560m) — a high pass above Shipton’s Camp offering panoramic views of Mount Kenya’s western peaks and the stunning Hausburg Valley lakes below. By reaching 4,560 metres today and returning to sleep at 4,200 metres, you apply the fundamental acclimatisation principle of climbing high and sleeping low — giving your body a measured exposure to a higher altitude before the summit push.
Return to Shipton’s Camp for lunch and a genuine rest afternoon. Hydrate well, eat a full dinner, and sleep early. Tomorrow’s summit start is 3:00 AM.
Prepare your summit layers, fill your water bottles, and ensure your headtorch and batteries are ready before you sleep.
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Day: Shipton’s Camp to Point Lenana (4,985m) to Meru Bandas (2,950m)
The alarm sounds at 3:00 AM.
Headtorches on, layers on — the mountain cold and dark around you. The trail climbs steadily from Shipton’s through the upper alpine zone as the sky shifts from black to the deep purple of a high-altitude dawn.
Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft) — the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya — arrives at sunrise. The view opens in every direction: Batian and Nelion above, the Kenyan highlands spread below, and on clear mornings the distant outline of Mount Kilimanjaro to the south.
After celebrating your achievement, begin the Chogoria descent — Mount Kenya’s most scenically rewarding descent. The route drops through the dramatic Gorges Valley, past the viewpoint above the hidden Lake Michaelson, stopping at Mintos Hut for a well-earned breakfast.
Continue the descent past Lake Ellis and Mugi Hill through increasingly lush moorland and heath terrain before arriving at Meru Bandas (2,950m) for camping for dinner and overnight.
Meru Bandas to Chogoria Gate to Nairobi
After breakfast, begin your final 8 km descent through the lush bamboo forest and montane rainforest of the Chogoria Route. This gentle walk offers excellent birdwatching opportunities and, with a little luck, sightings of forest wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and other animals that inhabit Mount Kenya’s lower slopes.
At the end of the trek, your 4×4 transfer vehicle will be waiting to meet you. From here, enjoy a scenic drive to Chogoria Town, where you will connect with your main transfer vehicle for the journey back to Nairobi.
Expected arrival in Nairobi is between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Trek Pricing
This is a private trek — your group exclusively with your own dedicated guide, cook, and porter team throughout.
Hut Accommodation Option: This itinerary is priced based on camping — spacious tents and sleeping mats provided as standard. Mountain huts at Old Moses Camp and Shipton’s Camp are available at an additional USD 100 per person for the full trek. Please request at the time of booking to ensure availability.
Payment: A reservation deposit of USD 100 per person confirms your booking. Balance due at least 5 days before departure. Deposit valid for 12 months in case of rescheduling.
✅ What Is Included
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Mount Kenya and back
- Certified English-speaking Mount Kenya trekking guide throughout
- Experienced mountain cook — all dietary requirements catered for
- Porter support team (up to 12 kg per person)
- All meals during the trek as indicated
- Safe drinking water throughout the trek
- Spacious camping tents and sleeping mats
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees
- Mount Kenya camping fees
- Comprehensive first aid kit including emergency medication
- Certificate of achievement upon reaching the summit
- Equator Line stop in Nanyuki on Day 1
- All government levies and service charges
❌ What Is Not Included
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent — see gear rental table below)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Emergency medical evacuation cover — available at USD 30 per person (strongly recommended)
- Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek (available on request)
- Airport transfers (available on request)
Gear Rental
All essential trekking gear available to rent. Reserve at the time of booking.
Packing List
Best Time for This Trek
Best months: January to March and June to October
These dry season windows offer the clearest skies, firmest trail conditions, and the best summit views. The acclimatisation day on Day 3 is most effective when temperatures are stable — dry season conditions maximise its benefit.
Private treks depart on your chosen date year-round. Contact us for current conditions during April, May, and November.
Yes — the 5-day itinerary is one of the most beginner-friendly options on Mount Kenya due to its gradual Sirimon ascent and dedicated acclimatisation day. Fit beginners in good physical condition regularly complete this route successfully.
The hike to Hausburg Col (4,560m) and return to sleep at Shipton’s (4,200m) applies the climb-high sleep-low principle proven to help the body adapt to altitude. This single day is the primary reason this itinerary achieves a 98% summit success rate — trekkers who skip or shorten this day consistently have lower summit success rates.
Some mild altitude effects above 3,500 metres are common and normal. The acclimatisation day on this route specifically reduces the risk. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor every trekker throughout. Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure and drink a minimum of three litres of water per day.
Yes — Ahambi Tours provides a full gear rental service in Nanyuki covering all essential items. Reserve at the time of booking.
Based in Nanyuki — at the foot of the Sirimon Route. Trekking since 2013. TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026. 98% summit success rate.
“The team were incredibly responsive and organised. Food was great. Guides were excellent and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to do another trip with them.” — Jack P, TripAdvisor · April 2024
With Ahambi Tours, you are never a stranger — on the mountain or anywhere else.
Book Your 5 Days Mount Kenya Trekking via Sirimon – Chogoria Route to Point Lenana
WhatsApp: +254 725 727 167 Email: [email protected]
Private trek · Year-round availability USD 100 deposit per person confirms booking · Balance due at least 5 days before departure
Want the scenic Chogoria ascent? 5-Day Chogoria–Sirimon Private Trek — From USD 900 per person
