7-Day Mount Kenya Trek — The Complete Chogoria Experience
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Route: Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse Summit: Point Lenana (4,985m) Difficulty: Moderate — suitable for beginners, experienced trekkers, photographers, and nature lovers Trek Type: Private · Premium · Fully Supported Summit Success Rate: 99%
About the 7-Day Mount Kenya Trek
Most Mount Kenya treks take five days. This one takes seven — and those two extra days change everything.
The 7-Day Chogoria–Sirimon trek is Mount Kenya’s most complete and rewarding itinerary. The Chogoria Route on ascent is widely regarded as the most scenic approach on the mountain — passing Lake Ellis, the Nithi Waterfall, the breathtaking Gorges Valley, the hidden Lake Michaelson, and Simba Tarn at 4,550 metres before the summit push on Day 5.
Unlike shorter itineraries that pass these highlights at pace, this trek camps at each one — giving you sunrise photography at Lake Ellis, a night beside the remote Lake Michaelson, and a full rest afternoon at Simba Tarn before the 3:30 AM summit start. The result is a 99% summit success rate — the highest of any Mount Kenya itinerary we offer — and a relationship with the mountain that five days simply cannot build.
This is a private and premium trek — your group, your guides, your mountain. A private mess tent and private toilet are provided at every camp throughout the seven days.
Why Choose the 7-Day Mount Kenya Trek ?
Better acclimatisation — the gradual ascent and extra nights at altitude give your body the time it needs. You arrive at the summit attempt rested rather than exhausted.
Richer experience — you camp at Lake Michaelson (4,000m) and Simba Tarn (4,550m) rather than passing through. These are two of the most extraordinary locations on the entire mountain.
Higher success rate — 99% of trekkers on this itinerary reach Point Lenana. The extra days make the difference.
Perfect for photographers and nature lovers — sunrise and golden hour at three alpine lakes. The Gorges Valley giant flora. Wildlife from forest to high alpine. Time to observe, wait, and absorb.
7-Day Mount Kenya Trek Itinerary Overview
| Day | Route | Distance | Altitude | Overnight |
| 1 | Nairobi → Chogoria Gate Camp | 8–10 km trek | 2,960m | Chogoria Gate Camp |
| 2 | Chogoria Gate → Lake Ellis | 10 km | 3,350m | Lake Ellis Camp |
| 3 | Lake Ellis → Lake Michaelson | 14 km | 4,000m | Lake Michaelson Camp |
| 4 | Lake Michaelson → Simba Tarn | 6 km | 4,550m | Simba Tarn Camp |
| 5 | Summit Day → Shipton’s Camp | 8 km | 4,985m summit / 4,200m sleep | Shipton’s Camp |
| 6 | Shipton’s → Old Moses Camp | 17 km | 3,300m | Old Moses Camp |
| 7 | Old Moses → Sirimon Gate → Nairobi | 9 km trek + 195 km drive | — | Nairobi |
7-Day Mount Kenya Trek Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Chogoria Gate Camp (2,960m)
Driving: 210 km / 3–3.5 hours | Trekking: 8–10 km | Altitude Gain: +800m
Pickup from Nairobi at 8:00 AM. Drive north to Chogoria Town for lunch, then continue by 4×4 to the forest trek start point. Trek through dense montane rainforest — colobus monkeys, Sykes monkeys, buffalo, and rich birdlife throughout.
Accommodation: Chogoria Gate Camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Chogoria Gate Camp to Lake Ellis Camp (3,350m)
Trekking: 10 km | Altitude Gain: +390m
Trek through bamboo and heath zones alongside the Nithi River valley. Detour to the spectacular Nithi Waterfall before continuing to Lake Ellis — a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by giant lobelias. Spend the afternoon at the lake with optional acclimatisation hike toward Mugi Hill (3,541m) and optional fishing.
Accommodation: Lake Ellis Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Lake Ellis Camp to Lake Michaelson Camp (4,000m)
Trekking: 14 km | Altitude Gain: +650m
The most dramatic day of the ascent. Trek through the breathtaking Gorges Valley — sweeping cliffs, giant groundsels, and giant lobelias with Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) coming into full view. Descend to the hidden Lake Michaelson — one of Mount Kenya’s most remote and spectacular glacial lakes. Camp beside it tonight.
Accommodation: Lake Michaelson Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Lake Michaelson Camp to Simba Tarn Camp (4,550m)
Trekking: 6 km | Altitude Gain: +550m
A deliberately short day — designed for acclimatisation, not distance. Ascend through the upper Gorges Valley to Simba Tarn (4,550m) with panoramic views of Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana directly ahead. Arrive early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, eat well, and prepare for the 3:30 AM summit start. This afternoon is one of the most important investments in your summit success.
Accommodation: Simba Tarn Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Summit Day: Simba Tarn to Point Lenana (4,985m) to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)
Trekking: 8 km | Altitude Gain: +435m | Altitude Loss: −785m
The alarm sounds at 3:30 AM. Headtorches on, the mountain dark and cold, the Milky Way overhead. The trail climbs steadily through alpine scree to Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise — Batian and Nelion above, the Kenyan highlands below, and on clear mornings, Kilimanjaro visible to the south.
After the summit, descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast and a well-earned rest afternoon beneath the north faces of Batian and Nelion.
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Shipton’s Camp to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Trekking: 17 km | Altitude Loss: −900m
Descend through the beautiful Mackinder’s Valley on the Sirimon Route — a completely different landscape from the Chogoria ascent. Giant groundsels, rock hyrax, Verreaux’s Eagle, and the Malachite Sunbird accompany the descent through the afroalpine moorland and heath toward Old Moses Camp.
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 — Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate to Nairobi
Trekking: 9 km | Driving: 195 km / 3.5–4 hours
Final descent through Sirimon’s montane forest with birdwatching and wildlife along the way. Transfer vehicle at Sirimon Gate. Stop at the Equator Line in Nanyuki for photographs before the drive to Nairobi.
Expected arrival in Nairobi: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Meals: Breakfast
Trek Pricing for the 7-Day Mount Kenya Trek
This is a private trek — your group exclusively, with your own dedicated guide, cook, and porter team.
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
| 1 Person (Solo Traveller) | USD 2,300 |
| 2 People | USD 1,700 per person |
| 3 People or More | USD 1,500 per person |
Prices in USD · Valid for current season · USD 100 deposit confirms booking · Balance due 5 days before departure
What Is Included
- 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
- Safe drinking water throughout
- Spacious camping tents and sleeping mats
- Private mess tent at every camp throughout the seven days
- Private toilet tent at every camp throughout the seven days
- Emergency medical evacuation cover — included as standard
- Mount Kenya National Park and camping fees
- Comprehensive first aid kit including emergency medication
- Certificate of achievement upon reaching the summit
- Equator Line stop on the return to Nairobi
- All government levies and service charges
What Is Not Included
- Personal trekking gear (rental available — contact us for list and pricing)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Nairobi accommodation before/after trek (can be arranged on request)
- Airport transfers (available on request)
Best Time for the 7-Day Mount Kenya Trek
January to March and June to October — dry conditions, clear skies, best summit views and photography.
April, May, and November — rainy seasons, lush landscapes, fewer trekkers. Trail conditions are wetter but the route remains achievable with proper preparation.
Why Book with Ahambi Tours
Based in Nanyuki — at the foot of Mount Kenya. Trekking since 2013. TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2022, 2023,2024, 2025 & 2026. 99% summit success rate on this itinerary.
Book Your 7-Day Mount Kenya Trek
WhatsApp: +254 725 727 167 Email: [email protected] Website: ahambitours.co.ke