4-Day Chogoria–Sirimon Mount Kenya Traverse

A compact east-to-north crossing of Mount Kenya for fit trekkers: approach through Chogoria and Lake Ellis, climb past Gorges Valley to Minto’s, reach Point Lenana at sunrise, then descend through Shipton’s and Sirimon.

This four-day Chogoria–Sirimon itinerary carries the full contrast of a Mount Kenya traverse into a focused schedule. The first trekking day begins after the drive from Nairobi and continues from the Bandas to Lake Ellis. The next day climbs to Minto’s; summit day then combines Point Lenana with the long descent to Old Moses. It suits strong walkers who understand that the shorter programme brings faster altitude progression and less recovery time than the five-day version.

Trip at a glance

Four days or five?

The four-day journey reaches Lake Ellis on the arrival day and leaves less margin between the road transfer, altitude gain and the higher camp at Minto’s. The five-day version sleeps first at the Chogoria Bandas, giving the mountain a more gradual beginning. This shorter itinerary can work well for fit guests with suitable recent walking or altitude experience, but it should be chosen for the right traveller—not simply because it is faster.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Chogoria Bandas, then Lake Ellis (3,600 m)

Depart Nairobi at 7:00 am and drive approximately four to five hours to Chogoria town. After lunch, continue by 4×4 to the Mount Kenya Bandas at 2,950 metres. Begin the trek on riverside and forest paths before the landscape opens towards the upper moorland. Views may include Mugi Hill, Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table. Continue to Lake Ellis at 3,600 metres for dinner and the first mountain night. Meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 — Lake Ellis to Minto’s Camp (4,200 m)

Approximately 4–5 hours · 12 km · 600 m ascent. Trek up the ridge above Lake Ellis, looking across the cliffs and long contours of Gorges Valley. Join the main Chogoria trail near 4,100 metres after roughly three hours. A picnic lunch is served near a mountain stream before continuing to Minto’s Camp. Rest in the afternoon or, if conditions and the group allow, take a short walk towards the Temple viewpoint and its dramatic drop. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 — Minto’s to Point Lenana, then Old Moses (3,300 m)

Approximately 11–12 hours · 24 km · 785 m ascent / 1,685 m descent. Wake at 3:00 am, dress for cold high-altitude conditions and begin climbing by headtorch. The summit trail aims to reach Point Lenana at sunrise. At 4,985 metres, this is Mount Kenya’s principal trekking summit: demanding and exposed to rapidly changing weather, but not a technical rock climb.

Descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast, then continue through Mackinder Valley for roughly five hours to Old Moses Camp. The day is long, and the team manages it with measured pacing, food, water and regular observation of how each guest is responding. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 — Old Moses to Sirimon Gate and Nairobi

Approximately 2–3 hours · 9 km. Descend through the montane forest to Sirimon Gate at approximately 2,640 metres. Meet the vehicle and return to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or residence. Meals: breakfast.

Exact price per person

• One guest: USD 900
• Two guests: USD 850 per person
• Three or more guests: USD 790 per person

Equipment hire

Personal equipment is not included, but the following items can be arranged at the supplied daily rates. Availability and fit should be confirmed before departure.

Food and water on the mountain

Meals are freshly prepared by the mountain cook. Menus vary, but may include warm soup with bread, chicken casserole, beef stew and rice, pasta, vegetarian curry, salads and seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, cake, biscuits, popcorn, tea, coffee, herbal tea and hot chocolate. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements are catered for with advance notice.

Drinking water is collected from appropriate mountain sources and boiled or treated by the team. Bring reusable bottles or a hydration bladder for daily refills.

Route guides and preparation

• Chogoria Route
• Sirimon Route
• Point Lenana
• Mount Kenya planning guide

Plan this four-day traverse

Tell us your dates, group size, recent walking and altitude experience, dietary needs and any equipment you wish to hire. We will help you decide whether the four-day or five-day Chogoria–Sirimon programme is the better fit.

Email: info@wildernessalternativeexpedition.com · WhatsApp / phone: +254 743 789 655