A five-day Mount Kenya traverse climbing through Sirimon and Mackinder Valley to Point Lenana, then descending via Minto’s, Gorges Valley and the Chogoria side.
This north-to-east crossing combines a progressive Sirimon approach with the dramatic landscapes of Chogoria. A night in Nanyuki begins the acclimatisation process before the mountain, followed by Old Moses and Shipton’s Camp. Summit morning crosses Point Lenana at sunrise and continues through the upper Chogoria country.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Route: Sirimon ascent, Chogoria descent
- High point: Point Lenana, 4,985 m
- Style: Fully supported traverse with an acclimatisation night in Nanyuki
- Start and finish: Nairobi
Why take five days?
The Nanyuki acclimatisation night gives you time to prepare before moving from Sirimon to Old Moses and Shipton’s Camp. After Point Lenana, the descent follows the contrasting Chogoria Route through Minto’s and Gorges Valley. It is a complete crossing for travellers who want a measured approach and two very different sides of the mountain.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Nanyuki
Depart Nairobi in the morning and arrive in Nanyuki for lunch. Spend the afternoon acclimatising and preparing equipment. Dinner and overnight in a budget hotel.
Day 2 — Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m)
Drive to Sirimon Gate and complete park check-in. Hike approximately 9 km through montane forest to Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 — Old Moses to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m)
Depart around 7:30 am and trek through Mackinder Valley to Shipton’s Camp. The day normally takes 6–7 hours. Dinner and overnight beneath the central peaks.
Day 4 — Point Lenana to Chogoria Bandas
Leave at about 3:00 am and climb for approximately three hours to Point Lenana, aiming to arrive around sunrise. Descend to Minto’s for a full breakfast, then continue through Gorges Valley to the Chogoria Bandas area for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 — Chogoria to Nairobi
After breakfast, begin the descent towards Chogoria. Walk approximately 15 km, meet the 4×4 vehicle for the remaining mountain road, then transfer to Nairobi for a late-afternoon arrival.
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 guest | USD 1,200 |
| 2 guests | USD 1,000 per person |
| 3+ guests | USD 950 per person |
Included
- Guaranteed departure upon confirmation
- Nanyuki hotel accommodation shown on Day 1
- Private Nairobi–Mount Kenya return transport
- 4×4 transfer on the Chogoria side
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Mountain hut and camping accommodation shown
- Mount Kenya park fees and government taxes
- Professional English-speaking guide, mountain cook and porter team
- Boiled, safe drinking water daily
- Dining mess tent with table and seating
Not included
- Nairobi accommodation before or after the trek
- Sleeping bag and personal trekking equipment; hire can be arranged
- Laundry, beverages and personal expenses
- International flights and visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Food, team and expedition support
Our cook prepares fresh, substantial mountain meals, with vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements catered for when advised in advance. Your guide, cook and porter team manage camp, water and trail logistics as one expedition unit. Read the Mount Kenya planning guide before travel.
Plan your traverse
Send us your preferred dates, group size and previous high-altitude walking experience.
Start a conversation
Enquire about 5-Day Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse
Dates, group size and a rough idea are enough. Tell us where you would like to go and what matters most; we will reply with honest advice and a clear next step.
