MOUNT KENYA 4 DAYS SIRIMON-CHOGORIA ROUTE
Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breath-taking. It is pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game and unique montane and alpine vegetation. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, camping and caving with the mountain’s rugged glacier-clad peaks providing the perfect backdrop.
The park is accessible via Nanyuki - Isiolo road via sirimon Track, Nyeri-Nanyuki near Naro Moru or Chogoria route. It is about 175 Kms from CBD Nairobi
This creative climb joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.
The final night time ascent of Point Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Nairobi - Sirimon gate- Old Moses camp. (3,300m) 3-4hrs, 9km walk, 680m ascent.
After pick up in Nairobi, drive to Nanyuki town crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate for lunch (2660m). From the gate, we trek up through magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp 3,300m) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 - 4hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2: Old Moses - Shipton camp (4200m). 7hrs, 14km, 900m ascent.
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp. This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glacier. Resident population is of Rock hyrax and sun birds.
Day 3: Shipton - Pt Lenana (4985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2800m) 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785 ascent, 2,085m descent.
Kick off at 3 am to reach pt Lenana in time for the African sunrise.
The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon, then the pollution free sky bangs on the ground, giving you a good view of the stars as almost anywhere on in Earth.
The climb takes 4hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon.
Descend to Minto's hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas along the gorges valley where you can enjoy good views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks and Giant billiards table. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas. You can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the Bandas!
Day 4: Meru Bandas - Chogoria town - Nairobi. 3hrs, 10km walk.
After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi arriving by 17:00hrs
Charge/ Cost
Non-resident USD 770 per person (Min. 2 Pax).
Citizen/Resident Ksh 56,000 per person (Min. 2 Pax)
Cost Includes:
- Transport
- Park fees
- 3 meals a day
- Guide fees
- Porter fees
Cost Excludes:
- Government imposed increase of taxes /Park fees
- Personal items
- Insurance
The following is the list of equipment you have to bring with you or hire locally:
Sleeping bags, rucksack, hiking boots and a light trainers shoes, flashlight (torch), warm jacket, Balaclava (woolen hat), several pairs of warm socks, a pair of gloves, Rain jacket and a pair of water proof trousers, freezer or warm sweater(s), 2 water-bottle 1.5 liters each, walking sticks, gaiters, light toiletry articles (personal items)
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
