A five-day wilderness traverse from the remote Burguret Valley to Shipton’s Camp and Point Lenana, finishing through Hall Tarn, Gorges Valley and the Chogoria side.
Burguret is Mount Kenya’s wild western approach: a quiet line through forest, giant bamboo, high moorland and volcanic formations before joining the upper mountain. It suits fit trekkers who value solitude and a strong expedition feel. The route also carries historic associations with the 1943 escape and ascent recounted by Felice Benuzzi in No Picnic on Mount Kenya; today’s programme is a non-technical Point Lenana trek, not a recreation of the technical Nelion climb.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Route: Burguret ascent, Chogoria descent
- High point: Point Lenana, 4,985 m
- Style: Remote supported camping traverse
- Start and finish: Nairobi
Why choose this journey?
This is the choice for trekkers who want a quieter, more adventurous ascent and a complete west-to-east crossing of Mount Kenya. The route contrasts the forests and solitude of Burguret with the cliffs and waterfalls of the Chogoria Route, with a sunrise visit to Point Lenana between them.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Nairobi to Giant Bamboo Camp (2,600 m)
Drive to the western slopes and continue about 15 km into Gathiuru Forest. Trek approximately 10 km through montane forest, hagenia woodland and giant bamboo to camp. Approx. 4 hours.
Day 2 — Giant Bamboo to Highland Castle Camp (3,700 m)
Climb as bamboo gives way to cedar, podocarpus and hagenia, then emerge onto open moorland among giant lobelias and groundsels. Reach Highland Castle beneath fortress-like lava cliffs. Approx. 5 hours.
Day 3 — Highland Castle to Shipton’s Camp (4,235 m)
Enter the alpine zone and cross Hausberg Col at about 4,600 m, with views towards volcanic peaks and high tarns. Descend to Shipton’s Camp below Batian and Nelion. Approx. 10 km, 6 hours.
Day 4 — Point Lenana to Nithi Camp (3,300 m)
Begin around 4:00 am and climb to Point Lenana for sunrise. Descend past Hall Tarn into Gorges Valley for breakfast, then continue through cliffs, waterfalls and ancient lava formations to Nithi Camp. Approx. 10 km, 10 hours.
Day 5 — Nithi Camp to Chogoria and Nairobi
Walk approximately 7 km through moorland and giant heather to Meru Bandas. Continue by 4×4 through the forest to Chogoria town, then transfer by road to Nairobi. Approx. 2 hours walking before the drive.
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 guest | USD 1,500 |
| 2–4 guests | USD 1,200 per person |
| 5+ guests | USD 1,000 per person |
Included
- Guaranteed departure upon confirmation
- Private Nairobi–Mount Kenya return transport
- 4×4 transfers required by the route
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Camping and 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 meals are prepared by our mountain cook, with vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs catered for when advised in advance. Your guide, cook and porter team support the full traverse with responsible loads, organised camps and treated drinking water. See the Mount Kenya planning guide for equipment and altitude preparation.
Plan your Burguret traverse
Send us your preferred dates, group size and trekking background. We check current remote-route access before every departure.
Start a conversation
Enquire about 5-Day Burguret–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.
