5-Day Chogoria–Sirimon Mount Kenya Traverse

Climb through the lakes, escarpments and open moorlands of Chogoria, then cross the high mountain at Point Lenana and descend through Mackinder Valley on Sirimon. Five days gives this classic traverse a more considered start, with a night at the Chogoria Bandas before the first full trekking day.

The Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse is the journey we most often recommend to travellers who want Mount Kenya’s strongest landscapes without treating the mountain as a race. The eastern approach unfolds through forest, high moorland and Lake Ellis before climbing above Gorges Valley to Minto’s Camp. Summit morning reaches Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, then the route changes character completely as it descends by Shipton’s Camp, Mackinder Valley and the northern Sirimon Route.

Trip at a glance

Why choose the five-day traverse?

The first night at the Chogoria Bandas separates the road journey from the main ascent. Day two can begin after breakfast, giving more time for a steady walk to Lake Ellis, camp life and recovery. That difference matters: the four-day itinerary reaches Lake Ellis on the arrival day, while this five-day plan allows the eastern side to develop in a calmer sequence before the higher night at Minto’s.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Chogoria Bandas (2,950 m)

Depart Nairobi at 7:00 am in a private vehicle 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. A gentle introductory walk follows riverside and forest paths, with views towards Mugi Hill, Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table when conditions are clear. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas. Meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 — Chogoria Bandas to Lake Ellis Camp (3,600 m)

After breakfast, begin trekking at a steady pace as the forest gives way to heath and open moorland. The expanding views make the change in altitude tangible, while the day remains deliberately controlled before the higher camp. Reach Lake Ellis at 3,600 metres, where the expedition team establishes sleeping tents and a dedicated mess tent with table and seating. The lakeside setting gives time to eat, rest and settle into the rhythm of the mountain. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 — Lake Ellis to Minto’s Camp (4,200 m)

Approximately 4–5 hours · 12 km · 600 m ascent. Climb the ridge above Lake Ellis with long views across the Gorges Valley. After roughly three hours, join the main Chogoria trail near 4,100 metres. A picnic lunch is served beside a mountain stream before the final approach to Minto’s Camp. In the afternoon, rest or take a short acclimatisation walk towards the Temple, where a dramatic cliff drops into the upper valley. Distances and walking times are approximate and depend on weather, trail conditions and group pace. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 — Minto’s to Point Lenana (4,985 m), then Old Moses (3,300 m)

Approximately 11–12 hours · 24 km · 785 m ascent / 1,685 m descent. Wake at 3:00 am for the summit journey. In cold pre-dawn conditions, headtorches trace the high trail towards Point Lenana. The goal is to arrive around sunrise, with views towards Batian and Nelion and, when the atmosphere is clear, far across the plains beyond Mount Kenya. This is a demanding trekking summit rather than a technical climb.

After photographs and a short pause, descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast. Continue through Mackinder Valley and the broad northern moorlands on the long descent to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 metres. The full day demands endurance, warm layers and patient pacing from beginning to end. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 — Old Moses to Sirimon Gate and Nairobi

Approximately 2–3 hours · 9 km. After breakfast, make the final descent through 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 1,100
• Two guests: USD 1,000 per person
• Three or more guests: USD 900 per person
• Kenyan residents: KES 70,000 per person

This is a professionally staffed and ethically managed expedition. The price reflects experienced guides, careful logistics, porter welfare, fresh meals, reliable camp equipment and the dedicated mess tent—not a stripped-back race to the summit.

Food, water and the expedition team

Mountain meals are freshly prepared and designed to support long days at altitude. Menus vary, but may include soup and bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, salads, stews or vegetarian curries, fruit, cakes, biscuits, popcorn and hot drinks. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for when confirmed in advance.

The team collects water from appropriate mountain sources and boils or treats it for drinking. Guests carry reusable bottles and receive refills; disposable bottled water is not the normal mountain system. Guides, cooks and porters are the expedition team. Wilderness Alternative prioritises experienced local staff, responsible loads, strong crew welfare and the morale that makes a well-run camp possible.

Explore the route before you book

• Chogoria Route guide
• Sirimon Route guide
• Point Lenana guide
• Mount Kenya planning guide
• Lakes, tarns and valleys

Plan this five-day traverse

Tell us your preferred dates, group size, recent hiking experience and any dietary or equipment requirements. We will confirm availability, current access conditions and the right preparation for your group.

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