mount kenya climbing chogoria up down siromon 6 days

Out of the three popular routes for climbing Mt Kenya, Chogoria Route is without question the most scenic and rewarding for hikers interested in seeing beautiful landscapes and the exotic flora on Mt Kenya.

Exploration of contrasting and remarkably spectacular scenery of Mount Kenya. The ascent is gentle along the edge of Gorges Valley, with an overnight at an acclimatizing altitude. The highlight of the trip is a challenging but exhilarating pre-dawn hike through starlight to the summit which is immediately followed by a two-day descent along the Mackinder Valley and later through dense forest to Sirimon park gate.

Day 1. Arrival in Kenya

Depending on the flight; some arrive today while others arrive tomorrow morning. If you arrive to day, You will be met by our staff on arrival at Nairobi Airport. Mostly it will be at night and you will have had dinner in the flight. You will be transferred to the reserved hotel for overnight stay, which is booked on Bed and Breakfast and it is at extra cost. The airport is approximately 30-40 minutes drive to Most of the hotels.

Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya. Founded in 1899 as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda, the town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907 and eventually the capital of a free Kenyan republic in 1963.At 1,795 metres (5,889 ft) above sea level, Nairobi enjoys a moderate climate. Nairobi has a Subtropical Highland climate. Nairobi is nicknamed the Safari Capital of the World, and has many spectacular hotels to cater for safari-bound tourists.

Dinner & Over Night at Rock Guest House

Day 2. Nairobi – Chogoria - Mount Kenya Bandas (3000Mts)

Depart from Nairobi by 07.00hrs headed for Chogoria. The drive will take you approximately 4 hrs and pass through agricultural country. You will arrive in time for lunch (picnic). Chogoria is a small urban settlement on the slopes of mount Kenya and it is the start of the Chogoria route. It is here you will meet with the mountain crew (Guide, Porters and Cook). After lunch there will be a short briefing and checking the Luggage. The road from Chogoria village to the Bandas is rugged and you will change vehicle to the customed 4X4 landrovers that are more suited for the drive up. Chogoria Bandas is 30 km from the village but the vehicle will take for only 20km and walk up the other 10km. This walk helps with the much needed acclimatization. This will a 2 hours walk through forest and bamboo zone.

Dinner & Over Night at Meru Mt Kenya Bandas

Day 3. Chogoria Bandas – Nithi Camp (3200mts)

Leaving after breakfast. The wet forest landscape opens abruptly above the bamboo zone, presenting a vista of parkland laced with magnificent stands of East African Rosewood (Hagenia abbysinica) - massive trees that are centuries old with broad trunks and a spreading umbrella shaped crown. Divert from the main track and trek to the base of Mugi hill (3500m). For better acclimatization, climb the hill then descend and walk to our camp beside the Nithi River for dinner and overnight.

Dinner & Over Night at Nithi Camp 3200Mts (Road Head)

Day 4. Nithi Camp – Mintos Camp (4300Mts)

Leave Nithii camp after breakfast and cross the Nithi River to reach the moorlands from where you can enjoy good views of the picturesque Gorges Valley, the Temple, lakes, mushroom rocks, billiards table and the high peaks. Hike for 5-6 hours to Mintos campsite, picnic, dinner and overnight at Minto's (4300m).

Dinner & Over Night at Mintos Camp

Day 5. Mintos Camp– Point Lenana peak (4985Mts) – Old Moses Hut (3340Mts)

Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 03.00 or 04.00hrs and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana - 4985mts. (the hikers summit) It is planned that you arrive in time to witness the African Sun rise as it reflect its golden glow on the Majestic peaks of Batian and Nelion over the equator. On a clear day you can see the snow capped summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro miles away to the south. After celebrating the acheivment descend to Shipton's camp for breakfast and a bit of relaxing before you begin a 4-5 hour descent to Old Moses (3340mts). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands, Heather and Rosewood zones. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses hut (3340mts).

Dinner & Over Night at Old Moses Hut

Day 6. Old Moses - Back to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, begin a 2.5 hour descent to Sermon park Gate (2600mts). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery. At Sirimon gate you connect the transfer vehicle that will take you via a hotel at the base of Mount Kenya for lunch and a quick shower to freshen up before driving back to Nairobi. After the refreshing break you proceed on to Nairobi arriving in the late afternoon. You will be dropped at Nairobi airport to connect with your flight back home.