5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route to Point Lenana (4,985m)
Chogoria–Sirimon Route | Scheduled Group Departures
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Route: Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse
Summit: Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping throughout
Group Size: 4 to 8, Maximum 12 participants
Summit Success Rate: 97%
Why Join This Group Trek?
The 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek via the Chogoria–Sirimon Route is Ahambi Tours’ most popular scheduled group departure and for good reason. The Chogoria Route on ascent is widely considered the most scenic approach on Mount Kenya, passing Lake Ellis, the Nithi Waterfall, the breathtaking Gorges Valley, and the viewpoint above the hidden Lake Michaelson before reaching Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise.
Group treks run throughout the year — with scheduled departures every month from January to December. Whether you are planning ahead for the dry season peak months or looking for a quieter rainy season departure, there is a guaranteed group departure available for your dates. View all upcoming departure dates visit our dedicated Mount Kenya Group Trek Scheduled Departures page for the full calendar and to reserve your place.
This is a guaranteed departure — your trek runs on its scheduled date whether you are the only person booked or part of a full group of twelve. Solo travellers, couples, and small groups are all welcome.
Our guides have been leading trekkers to Point Lenana for over 15 years. Our 97% summit success rate reflects the years of experience, certified guides trained in altitude awareness, and itineraries specifically designed for the mountain.
Trek Highlights
Trek the spectacular Chogoria Route — widely regarded as the most scenic ascent on Mount Kenya
Lake Ellis: a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by giant lobelias and moorland vegetation
Nithi Waterfall: one of the mountain’s most beautiful natural features .
Gorges Valley: towering cliffs, giant groundsels and giant lobelias.
Lake Michaelson: one of Mount Kenya’s most spectacular sights.
Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise — Kilimanjaro visible on clear mornings
Mackinder’s Valley and the Sirimon forest.
Equator Line stop in Nanyuki on the return to Nairobi
Pricing
| Category | Price Per Person |
| Non-Residents | USD 900 |
| Kenya Citizens & Residents | USD 700 |
Deposit: USD 100 per person confirms your place Balance: Due 5 days before departure Private tent option: USD 50 for the entire trek (sole occupancy)
→ View the full departure calendar and book your place directly on our Mount Kenya Group Trek Scheduled Departures page
Detailed 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route
Day 1 — Nairobi to Chogoria Gate Camp (2,960m)
Driving: 210 km / 3–3.5 hours | Trekking: 10–12 km / 3–4 hours | Altitude Gain: +800m
Pickup from your hotel or residence in Nairobi at 8:00 AM. Drive north through Kenya’s central highlands — coffee and tea plantations visible as you leave the city behind and approach the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya.
Arrive in Chogoria Town for lunch at Lenana Hotel before continuing by 4×4 vehicle along the forest road to Chogoria Forest Gate. After park registration, drive further into the forest to the trek start point.
Begin your 10–12 km trek through dense montane rainforest rich with wildlife — black-and-white colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys, buffalo, and numerous bird species are often encountered along this section.
Arrive at Chogoria Gate Camp (2,960m) in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Camping Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Chogoria Gate Camp to Chogoria Road Head (3,300m)
Trekking: 10 km / 4–5 hours | Altitude Gain: +340m
After breakfast, trek through the heath and bamboo forest zone as the vegetation gradually opens and Mount Kenya’s upper peaks begin to dominate the skyline. The trail follows the Nithi River valley — the sound of water a constant companion through the heather.
Take a scenic detour to Lake Ellis — a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by moorland vegetation and giant lobelias, ideal for photography and acclimatisation. Continue to Chogoria Road Head (3,300m) for lunch.
In the afternoon, walk to the Nithi Waterfall approximately 1 km from camp where cascading waters drop dramatically through the moorland. One of the most beautiful and least-visited natural features on Mount Kenya.
Dinner and overnight at Road Head Camp.
Day 3 — Chogoria Road Head to Mintos Hut Camp (4,200m)
Trekking: 12 km / 5–6 hours | Altitude Gain: +900m
Today’s trek enters the spectacular afroalpine zone. The trail climbs gradually through the dramatic Gorges Valley — sweeping cliffs, panoramic views of the mountain’s main peaks, and the extraordinary landscape of giant groundsels and giant lobelias that makes Mount Kenya’s upper mountain unlike anywhere else on earth.
As altitude increases, Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) come into full view — the twin technical peaks that define Mount Kenya’s skyline.
Arrive at Mintos Hut Camp (4,200m) in the afternoon. Before sunset, take a short walk to the viewpoint above Lake Michaelson — a hidden glacial lake deep in the valley below, one of the mountain’s most spectacular and least-visited sights.
Dinner and overnight at Mintos Hut Camp.
Day 4 — Summit Day: Mintos Hut to Point Lenana (4,985m) to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Trekking: 24 km / 10–12 hours | Altitude Gain: +785m | Altitude Loss: −1,685m
The alarm sounds at 3:00 AM.
The mountain is dark, cold, and extraordinary. Your headtorch illuminates the scree ahead. The air at 4,200 metres is thin and sharp. Above, the Milky Way is dense and brilliant in the clear night sky.
The trail climbs steadily through alpine scree slopes before reaching Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft) in time for sunrise. As the horizon shifts from black to indigo to gold, the view opens in every direction — Batian and Nelion above, the Kenyan highlands below, and on clear mornings, the distant outline of Mount Kilimanjaro to the south.
After celebrating your summit achievement, descend to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) for a well-earned breakfast, then continue down through the beautiful Mackinder’s Valley to Old Moses Camp (3,300m).
Accommodation: Camping at Old Moses Camp
Day 5 — Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate to Nairobi
Trekking: 9 km / 3–4 hours | Altitude Loss: −740m | Driving: 195 km / 4–5 hours
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the Sirimon montane forest a gentle, scenic walk with excellent birdwatching and occasional wildlife sightings including colobus monkeys and bushbuck.
At Sirimon Gate (2,650m), your transfer vehicle is waiting. Drive south through Nanyuki with a stop at the Equator Line for photographs standing between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres after four days on Africa’s second-highest mountain.
Expected arrival in Nairobi: Between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM depending on traffic.
Meals: Breakfast
What Is Included in the 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Mount Kenya and back
- Certified English-speaking Mount Kenya trekking guide
- Experienced mountain cook — all dietary requirements catered for
- Professional porter support team (up to 12 kg per person)
- All meals during the trek as indicated
- Safe drinking water throughout
- 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
- 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)
- Airport transfers (available on request)
- Personal medication including Diamox
5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route Information
Guaranteed departure — the trek runs on its scheduled date regardless of group size.
Maximum group size: 12 participants.
Solo travellers welcome — join fellow adventurers from around the world.
Accommodation: Camping (2 people sharing per tent, same gender pairing for solo travellers).
Couples and friends sharing: Available on request at no extra cost.
Private tent option: USD 50 for the entire trek
Gear Rental
All essential trekking gear available to rent. Reserve at time of booking.
| Gear | Cost (USD) | Gear | Cost (USD) |
| Rain poncho | 15 | 65–75 litre rucksack | 40 |
| Warm jacket (puffer) | 20 | 35–45 litre daypack | 30 |
| Trekking trousers | 20 | 3–4 season sleeping bag | 40 |
| Warm hat | 15 | Waterproof trekking boots | 50 |
| Warm gloves | 15 | Trekking socks (two pairs) | 15 |
| Thin liner gloves | 15 | Waterproof jacket | 30 |
| Walking poles | 30 | Waterproof trousers | 30 |
| Head torch | 20 | Waterproof gaiters | 15 |
Packing List for the 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route
Bags: 65–75L rucksack (carried by porters) · 35–45L daypack for daily use
Sleeping: 3–4 season sleeping bag rated −5°C or below · Optional sleeping bag liner
Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support · Camp sandals or trainers · Several pairs of trekking socks
Warm layers: Insulated jacket · Trekking trousers · Thermal base layers · Warm hat · Neck gaiter · Warm gloves · Liner gloves
Weather protection: Waterproof jacket · Waterproof trousers · Gaiters · Rain poncho
Essentials: Sunglasses · Head torch with spare batteries · Walking poles · Sunscreen SPF 50+ · Lip balm · Wet wipes · Reusable water bottle (2–3 litres) · Personal medications · Optional snacks and energy bars
Best Time for the 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route
Best months: January to March and June to October
These dry season windows offer the clearest skies, firmest trail conditions, and the highest probability of a clear sunrise view from Point Lenana.
Group departures run every month of the year. For April, May, and November departures — the rainy season months — contact us for current trail conditions and we will advise honestly on what to expect.
Why Climb with Ahambi Tours
Based in Nanyuki directly at the foot of the mountain. Operating since 2013. TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. 97% summit success rate.
Our guides know this mountain in every season. The mountain cooks are consistently praised in our reviews. Our operations team responds to every enquiry promptly and honestly. And our treks run as scheduled — no cancellations, no surprises.
“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
“Patrick was an outstanding guide. His knowledge of Mt Kenya, the surrounding environment, and Kenya’s history added so much to the experience.” — Verified guest review, June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions a bout the 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek
Is the USD 100 deposit refundable if I cancel?
The deposit is non-refundable but fully transferable. If your plans change, your deposit can be moved to any future Ahambi Tours departure date within 12 months of the original booking.
Do I need to arrive in Nairobi the night before Day 1?
Yes — we strongly recommend spending the night before the trek in Nairobi so you are ready for the 8:00 AM pickup. Arriving on the morning of Day 1 from an overnight international flight is not recommended as it significantly increases fatigue on the first trekking day. Hotel bookings in Nairobi can be arranged on request.
Is altitude sickness likely on this route?
Some mild altitude effects — a slight headache or fatigue — are common above 3,500 metres and are entirely normal. Serious altitude sickness is uncommon on a well-paced 5-day itinerary. We always ascend slowly and no one is pushed beyond their comfortable pace. Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure and drink a minimum of three litres of water per day on the mountain.
Can the porter carry my main rucksack the entire way?
Yes — your porter carries your main rucksack from camp to camp every day including summit day. You carry only your daypack with your personal items for the day — water, snacks, camera, layers, and summit essentials. This is included in the trek price.
What if I am unable to reach the summit?
Our 97% summit success rate means the vast majority of trekkers reach Point Lenana. However altitude affects people differently and no outcome is guaranteed. If you develop symptoms that make it unsafe to continue, your guide will make the call to descend — your safety always takes priority over the summit. No refund is available for incomplete treks due to altitude sickness or personal fitness.
Book Your 5-Day Mount Kenya Group Trek Chogoria–Sirimon Route
Ready to join the next departure? Contact us to confirm your preferred date and reserve your place with a USD 100 deposit.
WhatsApp: +254 725 727 167 Email: [email protected]
USD 100 deposit confirms your booking · Balance due 5 days before departure · Guaranteed departure
Want a private trek? Mount Kenya Private Treks Looking for more time on the mountain? 7-Day Premium Chogoria–Sirimon Trek — From USD 1,500 per person
