The Chogoria–Sirimon traverse is one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kenya. You ascend through the dramatic gorges on the mountain’s eastern side and descend the gentler northern slopes, crossing afro-alpine moorland and sheer cliffs along the way.
Many trekkers consider it the best route on the mountain, with a sunrise summit on Point Lenana (4,985m).
Before you book, read our kit list and climbing requirements.
| Destination | Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya |
|---|---|
| Route | Up the Chogoria Route, down the Sirimon Route |
| Highest point | Point Lenana, 4,985m |
| Rates | From $1,250 per person |
| Departure | Nairobi |
| Included |
|
| Excluded |
|
Leave Nairobi early (08:00) and drive via Embu to the town of Chogoria (about 4 hours). After a short stop for lunch and supplies, transfer up the rough road to the park gate, then hike through montane forest to Meru Mt Kenya Camp (3,050m), about 2–3 hours. The first day is kept short to help you acclimatise. Overnight camping.
Leave the forest and climb at an easy pace into the moorland. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table, and the scenery and flora along the river near Road Head are especially beautiful.
Lunch is on the bank of a stream, followed by a visit to the Nithi Waterfall. Overnight at Road Head Camp to help with acclimatisation.
Another early start, heading well off the beaten track to follow the Gorges Valley up the mountain for about 3 hours before joining the main Chogoria trail at around 4,100m. Looking back, there are wide views over the Gorges Valley, Ithanguni and the northern moorland.
After a picnic lunch, continue for another hour to Minto’s Camp (4,200m). Spend the afternoon resting at camp, though the 10-minute walk to the Temple is well worth it: a 150-metre vertical cliff named after the way visitors look as if they are praying when they peer over the edge.
Wake at 02:00 for a hot drink and light snack, and start the summit climb at 03:00, scrambling over rocky ground past the Austrian Hut area. The final push involves some easy but exposed scrambling before you reach Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise. On a clear day you can see Kilimanjaro.
After celebrating on the summit, descend via the Sirimon Route to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) for a second breakfast, then continue down to Old Moses Camp (3,300m), stopping for lunch on the way. The descent is long but rewarding. Overnight at Old Moses Camp.
After breakfast, hike down to Sirimon Gate (about 2 hours), where your vehicle will be waiting for the drive back to Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon (around 16:00) with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
