Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure that traverses the scenic slopes of Mount Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Africa’s second-highest peak. This unique tour combines the thrill of high-altitude trekking with the tranquil beauty of its alpine lakes.
Following the magnificent Chogoria-Sirimon route, you’ll witness breathtaking Gorges Valley views and discover pristine glacial tarns like Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. Ascend to Point Lenana (4,985m) for a stunning African sunrise before descending through varied ecosystems, from bamboo forests to moorland. Experience the best of Mount Kenya’s diverse landscapes, supported by expert guides for a safe and rewarding experience.
Climbing Highlights
- Ascend Mount Kenya: Africa’s second-highest peak and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Trek to the world-famous Mount Kenya, Africa's second tallest
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Mount Kenya lakes: Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson
- Glacier Moraine: Camp at high-altitude locations like Simba Tarn, close to the main peaks.
- Summit Point Lenana: Achieve the trekking summit at Point Lenana (4,985m) for a spectacular African sunrise
- Chogoria Route Beauty: Experience the most picturesque trail, featuring landscapes, Gorges Valley and Vivienne Falls.
Day by Day
This meticulously planned 5-day itinerary offers the ultimate Mount Kenya experience. We expertly blend the challenge of high-altitude trekking with the spectacular scenery of the Chogoria route. Discover the remote beauty of glacial lakes while scaling Mount Kenya. Your adventure culminates with a sunrise summit bid on Point Lenana, making this Mount Kenya journey a true highlight.
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with a 6:00 AM at your Naiorobi hotel pickup, driving to Chogoria town for an early lunch. Afterward, a transfer vehicle takes you to the Chogoria Gate, the starting point of your trek. The initial 9 km hike traverses a dirt (and often muddy) forest road, taking approximately 3 hours. This scenic route leads you directly to the beautiful Lake Ellis Camp. Here, you'll be captivated by the lake's pristine setting, offering a truly rewarding start to your journey up Mount Kenya. Dinner and your first overnight stay are at the camp, preparing you for the days ahead.
After breakfast, your scenic trek continues, ascending away from Lake Ellis on its western side. You'll follow the trail up through montane forest glades and across vast moorland, eventually joining the main Chogoria route. The path offers beautiful views of Vivienne Falls and the dramatic Gorges Valley as you descend to the breathtaking Lake Michaelson. Thanks to our efficient crew, lunch will be ready upon your arrival at this picturesque campsite, ensuring you are well-rested to appreciate the splendor of Mount Kenya. Dinner and overnight stay are right next to the pristine lake, deep within Mount Kenya National Park.
Today's shorter hike allows for a slightly later breakfast at 7:30 AM. Leaving the beautiful Lake Michaelson, you'll climb into the alpine zone—a fascinating world of rock and ice.The journey takes you higher towards the main peaks of Mount Kenya, leaving behind the giant groundsel and lobelia plants for glacial moraine. A final, steep scree slope leads to Simba Tarn, where you'll camp overnight. Prepare for a cold night, as you are just meters from the summit of Mount Kenya; extra warm layers are essential for comfort at this altitude. Dinner is served at the camp.
Your Mount Kenya summit day starts early with a cup of tea or coffee around 5:00 AM. A relatively easy two-hour climb takes you to the trekking summit, Point Lenana (4,985m). From here, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise, with the main peaks of Nelion and Batian shimmering, and potentially even the distant summit of Kilimanjaro on a clear day. After capturing pictures and celebrating this achievement for about 30 to 45 minutes, you descend to Shipton Camp for a well-deserved breakfast. The journey continues with a final long descent to Old Moses Camp, marking the end of your high-altitude challenge on Mount Kenya. Dinner is served here.
After breakfast, your final descent takes you 9 km through the picturesque rainforest to the Sirimon Park Gate 2,600m. At 3000m of elevations, its a small hike, you'll walk through moorland and giant heather before meeting your transport at the end. From the gate, you'll transfer directly back to Nairobi. This marks the conclusion of your incredible Mount Kenya lake tour. You can expect to arrive in Nairobi by approximately 1:00 PM, carrying unforgettable memories of Mount Kenya’s breathtaking alpine beauty.
Includes/Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
The Cost Excludes
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Safari Map
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
