5 Days Mt Kenya Climbing: Chogoria-Sirimon Route
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular.
The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain.
Accommodation on this hike is 2 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights camping. Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so on all nights on the mountain
The following items are included in the above prices:
• All transportation to/from the mountain
• All Park fees.
• All food while on the Mountain.
• Accommodation in mountain huts/ camping where applicable.
• All guiding services
• Porter support for the climb.
Not included are:
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Tips and gratuities for guides and porter (recommended to be 10 – 15% of climb costs)
• Beverages while not on the mountain
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent.
After pick up in Nairobi, we drive through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4×4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trek through the dense bamboo forest for distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas. (3000m)
Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Minto`s campsite ( 4,200m) 8-9 hrs, 17km, 1,400 ascent.
Today you commence early for a long trek on a wide track through the forest, with occasional sightings of elephant, bushbuck, buffalo and impala. Emerging from the forest, you walk through heather before crossing the Nithi River to reach the moorlands from where you can enjoy good views of the picturesque Gorges Valley, the Temple, lakes, mushroom rocks, billiards table and the high peaks. Total walking time approx. 8 hours, picnic lunch en route.
Day 3: Minto`s – Pt Lenana ( 4,985m) Judmiere Camp (3,300m) 11-12 hrs, 785m ascent, 24km walk, 1,685m descent
Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to point Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit, arriving there for the African sunrise. Descend Shipton`s camp for breafast. After breakfast, begin a 5 hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Judmiere camp. ( 3,300m) The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp. Dinner and overnight at judmiere camp.
Day 4: Judmiere Camp – Nairobi. 2 hrs walk.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park gate to catch a vehicle for the return journey to Nanyuki for lunch. Later transfer back to Nairobi arriving by 1700hrs