5 Days Mount Kenya Climb | Chogoria Route – Sirimon Descent
Route: Chogoria – Sirimon
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Highest Point: Point Lenana (4,985m)
Trek Level: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping
Best Time to Climb: January–March & June–October
This 5 Days Mount Kenya Climb via Chogoria Route with Sirimon Descent is one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking experiences in East Africa. The route combination offers dramatic landscapes, excellent acclimatization, and a quieter trekking environment, making it ideal for hikers seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
The ascent through the Chogoria Route is famous for its untouched wilderness, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wide valleys, while the descent via the Sirimon Route provides a gentler, well-maintained trail with expansive views of Mount Kenya’s northern slopes.
Why Choose the Chogoria–Sirimon Route?
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Most scenic route on Mount Kenya
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Fewer crowds compared to Naro Moru
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Excellent acclimatization profile Naro
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Combination of dramatic ascent and gradual descent
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Ideal for trekkers aiming to summit Point Lenana (4,985m)
5-Day Mount Kenya Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi – Chogoria Gate – Chogoria Bandas
Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Chogoria Town, located on the eastern side of Mount Kenya. After completing park formalities, begin the trek through montane forest and bamboo zones, home to diverse birdlife and wildlife.
The trail gradually opens into moorland as you approach the Chogoria Bandas, where you will set up camp for the night.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Chogoria Bandas – Lake Ellis
After breakfast, continue trekking through open moorland toward Lake Ellis, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes on Mount Kenya. The route offers stunning views of waterfalls, valleys, and rugged peaks.
Arrive at Lake Ellis in the afternoon and spend time acclimatizing while enjoying panoramic mountain scenery.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Camping at Lake Ellis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Ellis – Mintos Hut
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the alpine zone as you ascend toward Mintos Hut, located near the spectacular Temple and Lake Michaelson. The landscape becomes more dramatic, with towering rock formations and glacial valleys.
This day is key for acclimatization as you gain altitude steadily while enjoying some of the most iconic views on Mount Kenya.
Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Overnight: Camping near Mintos Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Mintos Hut – Point Lenana – Sirimon Route (Old Moses Camp)
An early alpine start begins around midnight for the summit attempt. Ascend toward Point Lenana (4,985m), reaching the summit at sunrise. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of Batian and Nelion peaks, glaciers, and the surrounding plains.
After celebrating the summit, descend via the Sirimon Route, stopping for rest and lunch before continuing to Old Moses Camp, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Trekking Time: 8–10 hours
Overnight: Camping at Old Moses Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Old Moses Camp – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi
After breakfast, descend gradually through moorland and forest zones to Sirimon Gate, where your trek officially ends. You will then be transferred back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Best Time to Climb Mount Kenya
The best conditions for this Mount Kenya trekking route are during the dry seasons:
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January to March
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June to October
These months offer clearer skies, stable weather, and better summit success rates.
Who Is This Trek Best For?
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Adventure travelers seeking scenic routes
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Hikers aiming to summit Point Lenana
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Trekkers wanting fewer crowds
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Photographers and nature lovers
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Moderately fit hikers with some trekking experience
