A compact Chogoria-side climb linking Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and Austrian Hut with Point Lenana, followed by a descent to the Chogoria Bandas.
This programme follows a beautiful but demanding line through the lakes and cliffs of the Chogoria side. It climbs from Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson, moves higher to Austrian Hut and reaches Point Lenana before descending back towards Chogoria. It is a Chogoria ascent and Chogoria finish, not a Sirimon descent.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Route: Chogoria lakes and Austrian Hut to Point Lenana
- High point: Point Lenana, 4,985 m
- Style: Fast-paced, fully supported mountain climb
- Start and finish: Nairobi
Why choose this journey?
This compact itinerary links some of the most dramatic scenery on the Chogoria Route: Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, the upper alpine zone and Point Lenana. It is designed for fit trekkers who want a short, demanding programme and can manage consecutive long days at altitude. See the guide to Mount Kenya’s lakes and tarns for more context.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Lake Ellis
Depart Nairobi early for Chogoria, continue by 4×4 through the forest and enter Mount Kenya National Park. Begin the trek through open moorland to Lake Ellis, where the crew sets camp and prepares dinner.
Day 2 — Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson
Climb from Lake Ellis towards Lake Michaelson beneath the cliffs of Gorges Valley. The trail gains height through open alpine country before dropping into the lake basin for camp.
Day 3 — Lake Michaelson to Austrian Hut
Leave the lake and move into Mount Kenya’s high alpine zone towards Austrian Hut beneath the central peaks. This is a demanding ascent, and the team maintains a measured pace before the very early summit departure.
Day 4 — Austrian Hut to Point Lenana and Chogoria Bandas
Leave Austrian Hut very early and climb to Point Lenana for sunrise. After time on the trekking summit, begin the long descent across the Chogoria side to the Bandas area. Meet the vehicle for the mountain-road transfer and continue to Nairobi. This is the longest day of the itinerary.
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 guest | USD 1,000 |
| 2+ guests | USD 950 per person |
Included
- Guaranteed departure upon confirmation
- Private Nairobi–Mount Kenya return transport
- 4×4 transfers inside the park
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Camping and Austrian Hut 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
Fresh, substantial meals are prepared by our mountain cook, with dietary requirements catered for when advised in advance. Your guide, cook and porter team manage a demanding schedule with responsible loads, organised camps and treated drinking water. Review the Mount Kenya planning guide carefully before choosing this fast-paced route.
Plan this climb
Tell us your dates, group size, fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience so we can confirm that this compact programme is appropriate for you.
Start a conversation
Enquire about 4-Day Chogoria Lakes, Austrian Hut & Point Lenana
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.
