5-Day Mt Kenya Sirimon to Chogoria Traverse: The Ultimate Trek

Your Mt Kenya adventure begins with an early 8:00 AM departure from Nairobi, traveling approximately 4 hours to Nanyuki for lunch. After the meal, a short one-hour drive brings you to the Sirimon Gate (2,440m), the official starting point. The trek immediately ascends through lush forest, transitioning into open heathland after about three hours. Following the track for roughly three and a half hours, you'll reach Judmaier Camp (3,300m). Here, you'll settle in for dinner and your first overnight stay on Mt Kenya.

• Accommodation: Jumaier Camp
• Altitude: 3,300masl
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Start your day with breakfast before continuing the ascent. Leaving Old Moses Camp (Judmaier), the track heads uphill, forking left. After about an hour, you'll cross the Ontulili River. The path then contours right through the moorland, crossing Liki North, leading you into the spectacular Mackinder's Valley. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views towards the main peaks of Mt Kenya. Your trek ends at Shipton Camp (4,200m) for dinner and overnight, preparing you for the summit attempt on Mt Kenya.

• Accommodation: Shimpton Camp
• Altitude: 4,200masl
• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day three is dedicated to acclimatization, a crucial step for summit success on Mt Kenya. To help your body adjust to the high altitude, you’ll take a recommended, light trek from Shipton Camp. The walk includes visiting Kami Hut and descending to the beautiful Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). This gentle activity allows you to familiarize yourself with the altitude, significantly increasing your chances of reaching Point Lenana. You’ll return to Shipton Camp (4,200m) for dinner and overnight rest on Mt Kenya.

• Accommodation: Shimpton Camp
• Altitude: 4,200masl
• Trekking Time: 6 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The pivotal day begins early with a 3:00 AM start. You'll tackle a steep, challenging quarry that cuts through the cliff face, aiming for the sunrise. After roughly three hours of climbing (6km from Shipton Camp), you'll reach Mt Kenya's Point Lenana (4,985m) around 6:30 AM, just in time to witness the spectacular high-altitude sunrise. After celebrating your summit achievement, the long descent begins. You’ll hike down 6km to Mintos Hut for a well-deserved breakfast. Following the meal, the trek continues down the scenic Chogoria route for another 20km (4–5 hours) to Mount Meru Bandas (2,950m). This final destination on Mt Kenya for the day offers dinner and an overnight rest after your demanding effort.

• Accommodation: Mount Meru Bandas
• Altitude: 2,950masl
• Trekking Time: 11-12 hours, 32 kms
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The final day involves descending approximately 15km over two hours from Mount Meru Bandas. You will hike back into the beautiful moorland and giant heather zone, briefly. From the forest clearance point, a 4x4 vehicle will meet you to handle the remaining 21km rugged drive down to Chogoria Village. This off-road transfer is necessary to navigate the lower sections of the route quickly. In Chogoria, you will then connect with your pre-arranged transfer vehicle for the return journey to Nairobi, concluding your memorable 5-day Sirimon to Chogoria Traverse of Mt Kenya. You should arrive back in Nairobi by late afternoon or early evening.