5 Day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Traverse: Stunning Trek

This 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse climbs the Sirimon route, adds an acclimatisation day at Shipton Camp, summits Point Lenana at sunrise and descends the Chogoria route. Want wildlife too? Add a safari after the climb from our Kenya safaris.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

Safari Map

FAQs

Overview

This 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse climbs the Sirimon route via Judmaier Camp (3,300 m), spends two nights at Shipton Camp (4,200 m) with an acclimatisation day, reaches Point Lenana (4,985 m) at sunrise on day 4 and descends the Chogoria route to Nairobi. Price on request; it suits fit first-time Mount Kenya trekkers who want a better chance of summiting.

The trek is graded Expert on the page, with porters, a guide and full board in camps and bandas. The extra day at Shipton Camp is what sets it apart from our four-day version. You need your own sleeping bag and climbing gear, which are not included.

Why choose a 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse?

The Sirimon to Chogoria traverse pairs the gradual, drier northern approach with the dramatic eastern descent past the Gorges Valley, so you see two sides of Mount Kenya. The acclimatisation day at 4,200 m gives your body time to adjust before the 3:00 a.m. summit start, which makes the climb more comfortable and the summit more likely.

First time at altitude: a rest and acclimatisation walk at Shipton Camp before summit day.
Scenery: Mackinder’s Valley, the Hausburg tarns and the Gorges Valley.
Kilimanjaro training: a high-altitude trek above 4,900 m that is shorter than a Kilimanjaro climb.

What to expect on the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse

Day 1 leaves Nairobi at 8:00 a.m. for about four hours to Nanyuki for lunch, then an hour to Sirimon Gate (2,440 m) and a walk of 3 to 4 hours through forest and heathland to Judmaier Camp (3,300 m). Day 2 crosses the Ontulili River and Liki North and climbs Mackinder’s Valley, with views of the main peaks, to Shipton Camp (4,200 m). Day 3 is an acclimatisation day of about 6 hours, walking to Kami Hut and the Hausburg and Nanyuki tarns before returning to Shipton Camp.

Day 4 starts at 3:00 a.m. with a steep climb through the cliff band to Point Lenana by about 6:30 a.m. for sunrise. You descend 6 km to Mintos Hut for breakfast, then about 20 km down the Chogoria route to Mount Meru Bandas (2,950 m), 11 to 12 hours and 32 km in total. On day 5 you walk down through moorland and giant heather to the forest clearing, ride a 4×4 for 21 km to Chogoria and arrive back in Nairobi by late afternoon or early evening.

Why does an acclimatisation day matter on Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya rises quickly from the road head, and altitude sickness is the main reason trekkers turn back before Point Lenana. A day spent walking higher and sleeping again at 4,200 m helps your body adjust before the summit push. If you are short on time and already used to altitude, the 4 Days Mt Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria Route skips this day. Thinking about Kilimanjaro next? Our Kilimanjaro routes guide compares the options, and the Kenya packing list covers warm layers.

What is included in this Mount Kenya climb?

The price includes porterage, the rescue fee, non-resident park fees, camping equipment, a professional guide, all transport and the round-trip transfer, meals as listed in the day-by-day plan, drinking water every day, all activities and accommodation in the itinerary, and all taxes and VAT.

Not included are climbing gear, a sleeping bag, bath towels, international flights, extra nights before or after the trek, travel insurance, visa fees, souvenirs and any government increase in taxes or park fees. Tips are extra, with a guideline of about USD 10 per person per day; our guide to tipping in Kenya explains how to tip a Mount Kenya crew.

How much does the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size and the season, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Want a different route? Compare our other mountain climbing packages.

Some gallery photos by Will Shelley, Tourite Safaris and David Clode on Unsplash.

Highlights

Sirimon route through forest and heathland to Judmaier Camp
Mackinder's Valley views of the main peaks
Acclimatisation walk to Kami Hut and the Hausburg tarns
Sunrise on Point Lenana (4,985 m) on day 4
Descent by the Chogoria route to Mount Meru Bandas
Porters, camping equipment and park fees included

Day 01 :

Starting the Mount Kenya Trek (Sirimon Gate - Jumaier Camp)

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

Day 02 :

Ascent to Mackinders Valley (Jumaier Camp - Shimpton Camp)

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 03 :

Acclamatization on Mt Kenya (Shimpton Camp)

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

Day 04 :

Summit Attempt and Descent (Shimpton - Point Lenana - Chogoria Gate)

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

Day 05 :

Final Descent and Departure from Mt Kenya (Chogoria Gate - Nairobi)

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.

FAQs

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Which route does the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse follow?

The 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse goes up the Sirimon route and down the Chogoria route. You sleep at Judmaier Camp, spend two nights at Shipton Camp with an acclimatisation walk to the Hausburg tarns, reach Point Lenana at sunrise on day 4, then descend to Mount Meru Bandas and walk out to Chogoria on day 5.

How high do you climb on the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse?

The highest point on the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse is Point Lenana at 4,985 m. You sleep at 3,300 m and then two nights at 4,200 m, and the acclimatisation day in between helps your body adjust. Altitude symptoms are still possible, so walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early.

How fit do I need to be for the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse?

The 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse is graded Expert on the page. No climbing skills are needed, but summit day is 11 to 12 hours and about 32 km, starting at 3:00 a.m. Regular long hill walks for six to eight weeks are the best preparation, and tell us the ages of any younger trekkers so we can advise.

When is the best time for the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse?

The best time for the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse is in the drier months, usually January to February and July to October, when trails are firmer and sunrise views from Point Lenana are clearer. The rains around April to May and November make the forest sections muddy, so ask us before booking in those months.

How do I book the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse?

To book the 5 day Mount Kenya Sirimon Chogoria traverse, send the enquiry form on this page, WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888 or email [email protected] with your dates and group size. The price is on request, so we reply with a written quote and a kit list, including the sleeping bag you need to bring or hire.