5 Days Mt Kenya Hike: Sirimon Down Chogoria Route
Central & Mount Kenya Circuit
Ascend the dry Sirimon side, descend through bamboo and waterfalls on Chogoria.
The combination of the Sirimon and Chogoria routes offers the most varied experience on Mount Kenya. The ascent begins on the western Sirimon side, the driest approach, passing through giant trees, rocky terrain, and the charming Mackinders Valley. The descent via the Chogoria route reveals a completely different landscape: characteristic lush bamboo zones, highland forests, the magnificent Gorges Valley, waterfalls, and high-altitude tarns. Together, these two routes traverse the mountain from west to east and are widely considered the most scenic traverse on Africa's second-highest peak.
Safari Highlights
- Two-route traverse, ascend Sirimon, descend Chogoria for maximum scenery
- Mackinders Valley, Gorges Valley, waterfalls, and highland tarns
- Giant lobelia and senecio flora in the high-altitude moorlands
- Point Lenana summit (4,985 m), Africa's second-highest trekking peak
- All transport from Nairobi and back included
- Emergency evacuation cover and summit certificate included
5 Days Sirimon–Chogoria: Per Person Rates (Validity: 5th Jan – 20th Dec 2025)
| Group Size | Non-Resident (USD) | Resident (KSH) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Passenger | USD 1,170 | KSH 109,200 |
| 2–3 Passengers | USD 1,120 | KSH 85,800 |
| 4–6 Passengers | USD 1,070 | KSH 78,000 |
| 7–8 Passengers | USD 1,015 | KSH 73,400 |
Morning departure from Nairobi. Drive to Sirimon Gate on the northwest side of Mount Kenya National Park. Register at the gate and hike to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) through giant heath and open moorland. Approximately 4–5 hours of hiking. Overnight in tents.
Full day hike from Old Moses through the upper moorland and into Mackinders Valley, one of the most dramatic glaciated valleys on the mountain, to Shipton Camp (4,200 m). Giant groundsels and lobelia line the trail. Approximately 5–6 hours. Overnight in tents.
Acclimatisation hike from Shipton Camp up to Oblong Tarn and Hamburger Tarn at 4,600 m, higher than you will sleep, before returning to Shipton Camp. This classic "hike high, sleep low" day significantly improves summit success rates. Rest in the afternoon ahead of the early morning summit push.
Early pre-dawn start for the final climb to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya. Summit at sunrise for panoramic views across the Rift Valley and beyond. Descend the Chogoria route through the spectacular Gorges Valley, past waterfalls and the Hall Tarns, down through bamboo forest to Mt Kenya Bandas (2,800 m). A long but unforgettable day. Overnight in bandas.
Final descent from the bandas through the lower forest to Chogoria Gate and Chogoria Town. Transport back to Nairobi. Arrive in the afternoon.
What's Included
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation on the mountain in tents at a private campsite
- Emergency evacuation cover
- Summit certificate upon completion
- Services of porters, local guides, and cooks
- 3 meals a day
- Transport from Nairobi and back
What's Excluded
- Hiking gear
- Soft drinks, bottled water, and beers
- Medical, evacuation, and personal insurance
- Personal items
- Tips and gratuities for porters and guides
- Any item not listed in the inclusions