Climbing Mount Kenya via the Sirimon – Chogoria route takes an average of 7 days from the base to the summit and heads back down to the base of Mount Kenya. The Sirimon – Chogoria may not be the fastest way to climb and descend Mount Kenya but it is the most scenic.  This route offers amazing panoramic vistas of the mountain and stunning views of the glasslike sheets of glaciers and a great consistently steady slope towards the summit of Mount Kenya.

For descending down the mountain, Chogoria is the recommended way to make a descent, for climbers that have extra time on their hands as it offers beautiful sceneries with the trail filled with dramatic gorges, waterfalls and mountain tarns. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness and its symptoms, we do recommend an additional day for acclimatization before heading for the summit of Mount Kenya using this Sirimon – Chogoria route.

Summiting Mount Kenya via the Sirimon – Chogoria route

The most challenging part of climbing Mount Kenya using this route has to be the mid-night push to the summit, Point Lenana in order to make sure that we make it by sunrise on time. The challenging summit attempt is worth it though as this entire route by both ascending and descending will reward you with outstanding scenery. Along the Sirimon – Chogoria trail you will encounter the astonishing U-shaped valley that meanders towards the Lenana Peak. This valley, covered with strange pre-historic plants that are synonymous with the high altitude mountainous, alpine region is called the Mackinder’s Valley.

Shipton’s Camp lying just beneath the twin peaks on Mount Kenya plays a great role in the acclimatization process especially when it is used as an add-on day on this Sirimon -Chogoria route to trek up to the Hausberg Col and two tarns.

Descending Mount Kenya via the Sirimon – Chogoria Route

Mount Kenya descent using the trail along the Sirimon _Chogoria route progresses along the ridge of the phenomenal Gorges Valley. You will definitely spend the final night of your climb on Mount Kenya in mountain cabins deep in the forest where you can spot free-roaming animals like elephant and buffalo.

Sirimon – Chogoria Route Overview

Route duration: 6 days on Mount Kenya
Total hiking distance: Approximately 77 Kms.

How to get to Mount Kenya

To get to Mount Kenya, you have to fly into Kenya first through the International Airports that serve as Kenya’s entry points like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and the Mombasa Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Many air companies fly into Kenya from all over the world e.g Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Kenya Airways fly regular direct flights to Nairobi. There are other airlines that offer competitive prices for air tickets that make a stop from Qatar Airways, Ethiopian and Emirates.

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr drive away from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi with a distance of about 16km.

This 7 days Sirimon – Chogoria route for climbing Mount Kenya includes pick up and drop off in the vicinity of Nairobi City by minibus, private car or 4wd Landcruiser.

Best time to climb Mount Kenya -Sirimon- Chogoria Route

The best time to climb Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Chogoria route is during the dry months of January to February. Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, any time of the month but of course, there are better months for climbing the mountain than others. There are least good times of the year than others depending on the weather on those particular months. The rainy seasons during the months of April and May are the long rain seasons and hence the least favourable time of the year to climb Mount Kenya. Summer months of July, August and September are also good for climbing the mountain via the Naro Moru Route. If you plan to climb Mount Kenya during the wet and rainy seasons, it would be wiser to carry along waterproof gear and garters.

Is the Sirimon – Chogoria Route suitable for me?

let us be real here, doing a 5, 000m trek to the peak of Mount Kenya should not be underrated at all, you will need to be prepared, both physically and mentally. Still, you will not need to in superhuman form to climb as this mountain does not demand a lot of skills and technicality, just a decent level of trekking fitness would do.

This 7 days Mount Kenya trek is manageable by first-timers and climbers that have little or no climbing experience as it utilizes fully the proper methods of acclimatization in a very gentle way as the main aim for a more enjoyable climb is to avoid altitude sickness while on the mountain. We do recommend that you follow the advice of your guide by climbing slowly, steadily and at a gentle pace and you should consider drinking as much water as possible, about 4 litres or more each day.

If you lead a decent lifestyle and you are able to do daily walks that can last for up to 6-8 hours comfortably, then this 7 days Mount Kenya trek via the Sirimon -Chogoria route is for you. As far as you are healthy and fit, age should not limit you, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed Mount Kenya before.

For gentle hygiene, consider carrying wet/baby wipes because you may go for days without taking a proper bath or a shower as the facilities on Mount Kenya are pretty basic from the toilets to the sleeping huts. As with most treks, the huts and facilities are basic. Please confirm that you have included the right mountaineering kit, a 4 season sleeping bag would be better. if you are wondering if this 7 days Mount Kenya climb is a good fit for you, it is, all you need is a positive attitude and stamina.

Safety for climbing Mount Kenya

For the latest and official travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office please check www.gov.uk/travelaware

Day1

Mountain Rock Lodge -1950m

Nairobi – Mountain Rock lodge by car (200kms /3.5hrs).
Acclimatisation Nature hike. (12kms /3hrs).
Habitat: Montane Forest / farmlands

After early morning breakfast, begin your 7 days Mount Kenya trek via the Sirimon -Chogoria route by traversing diverse farmlands and landscapes approaching the mountain slopes. After having a break and lunch at the base lodge you participate in some easy hikes, exploring local farms, cultivated lands, some villages and local schools around the base lodge inhabited by the Kikuyu people that live around Mount Kenya where you can learn a thing or two about their way of life.

Come evening, you will continue with hikes through the forest that will give you the opportunity to learn a rich natural history of the native medicinal plants, bird species and animals that inhabit the forest zone of Mount Kenya with the help of local natural history expert. Shortly afterwards, you will meet and get to know your mountain crew that includes your guide, cook and porters. These are members of the amazing team that will guide and assist you through the entire 7-day climb to Mount Kenya via the Sirimon -Chogoria route.

Day 2

Old Moses Hut/Camp 3,340M

Base lodge – Sirimon Gate (2,600m) by car (45kms / 1.5hrs).
PM. Trek, Sirimon gate (2,600m) – Oldmoses (3,340m) (Span, 10kms/2.5hrs).
Ascent: +740m.
Habitat: Montane Forest / Bamboo / Hagenia zones.

The second day of your 7-day trek begins with early breakfast before you go through your mountain equipment just to make sure you are on the right track. A full briefing comes shortly before you embark on your trekking experience. A personal porter will be assigned to each climber while the other porters carry on with their other responsibilities of setting up next camp and carrying mountain equipment for camping and food supplies.

You will be driven from the equator to the Sirimon park gate where the hiking will begin via the Sirimon route which also happens to be a gentle slope and long trail towards the summit of Mount Kenya. Sirimon trail might be the longest route, it is also the gentlest slope. Our first hut is a 2-3 hours walk away and at an altitude of approximately 3,340m and we will be gaining an ascent of 740m. The Sirimon trail goes through different vegetation zones among them, rainforest zone, bamboo then an open field away from the closed canopies of the dense forest to an open field of heath and moorland.

Duration:  3-4 hours. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Shiptons Hut / Camp (4,236m)

Trek, Oldmoses – Shipton’s Camp (3340m – 4236m).
Span, approx.14Kms. / 7-8hrs.
Ascent: +896m.
Habitat: Moorland zone.

Start the day off with a hearty breakfast before you proceed to the amazing Mackinder Valley  which is synonymous with the unusual vegetation of giant lobelia and groundsel a unique occurrence on equatorial African mountains. Shipton’s Camp (4236m), nestled beneath the glaciers and jagged peaks of bare rock that can be seen around the summits of Mount Kenya will be the accommodation campsite for the day.

Duration: 7-8 hours, 896m of ascent. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Shipton’s Mountain Hut / Camp – 4236m.

Acclimatisation to Hausberg Col. (4,600m).
Span, approx. 7Kms. / 4-5h.
Ascent 364m then descent back 364m.
Habitat: Alpine desert

For two nights Shipton’s will be our accommodation site with one day for resting because of acclimatization purposes. This will prove to be very beneficial as it will minimize and avoid the chances of catching altitude sickness thus making our trek the summit more enjoyable. As we follow the proper acclimatization rule of “climb high, sleep low”, we hike on the summit circuit trail leading to the Hausberg col (4,600m) OR go farther, proceeding between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns to Nanyuki and Two Tarns with offer stunning panoramic views of the two Mount Kenya peaks, Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m). This climb takes us to an altitude of over 4600m high before heading back to camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5

Nithi Camp - 3,300m.

(Summit attempt) Shipton’s camp – Pt. Lenana (4,985m) – Nithi Camp (4236m – 3,300m).
Span, approx. 3kms / 4h to Pt. Lenana and 14 km / 6h to Nithi Camp.
Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: -1,685m to Nithi Camp.
Habitat: Scree / Rocky summit / Moorland

The fifth day of your 7-day trek to Mount Kenya’s summit is set aside for summit attempt. It is a challenging but rewarding nevertheless. After a much-needed rest, we make a push to the summit point Lenana at around 4 am. The summiting journey to Point Lenana also referred to as “trekkers summit” is done early morning so that we make it just in time for sunrise before it becomes cloudy in the mid-morning at the summit of Mount Kenya at an altitude of 5,199 m above sea level. The journey for our camp to the peak covers a distance of about 800m and a duration of about 3-4 hours. After spending some time at the summit taking pictures and beautiful memories we descend to Gorges Valley near Hall Tarns for breakfast then afterwards spend about 3 hours traversing amazing chasms, with trail proceeding along waterfalls and unusually eroded lava flows then get to camp near the track-head where we retire and call it a day within this heather land. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Meru Bandas - 3,000m. .

Trek Nithi Camp – Meru Bandas (3,300m – 3,000m).
Span, approx. 7Kms / 2-3h.
Descent: -300m.
Habitats: Moorland / Giant heather/ Hagenia zones

Briefly after breakfast, we continue descending Mount Kenya traversing the forest zone to the mountain cabins for an afternoon break and to relax as we take a long-needed bath, hot showers, log fires, a few drinks here and there before we retire to bed after dinner. This camp has free-roaming animals which gives you a chance for wildlife viewing in the evening even though your windows, you can spot elephants and buffaloes roaming and grazing around the camp. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Nairobi (1965m.)

Hike, Meru Banda’s – Pick up point (3,000m – 2600m).
Span, approx.10kms / 2h.
Descent: -400m.
Habitats: Bamboo / Montane Forest zones
P.M. Pick up point – Nairobi by car. (230kms / 4-5hrs).

This marks the end of your 7-day Mount Kenya trek via the Sirimon – Chogoria route as you follow the descent that traverses the giant bamboo forest where our vehicle awaits for a return transfer back to Nairobi. You will be dropped to your hotel withing Nairobi town or at the airport in the evening.

The cost for the whole 7 days Mount Kenya Sirimon – Chogoria route trek includes and excludes the following items

7 Days Mount Kenya Trek Price includes

All National Park fees

Camping & mountain Huts fees where applicable

Camping equipment EXCEPT sleeping bags, mattresses

English speaking guide(s)

Porters & Cook(s).

Meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Transfers from and back to base hotel/lodge.

Pick up and drop off at either Nairobi airport, hotel or residence

Government taxes and local levies

Price Excludes

Tips & Gratuities

Meals/drinks not mentioned as included

Insurances.

Visa

Any increase in National Park fees or other fees/taxes charged by National Park and/or other government authorities.

Sleeping bag / mattress and other personal equipment (a limited selection of hire equipment is available – please pre-order).

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya climbing costs depend on a few factors. These are the number of days you will spend on the mountain, the number of people in your group among other factors. Currently, the entrance fees into the Mount Kenya National Park are $150 per adult for a three-day itinerary, $220 per adult for four days or $300 per adult for 5 days. This includes the entrance fee plus camping fees. 

Can you climb Mount Kenya?

Yes, you can climb Mount Kenya with the help of guides and porters. There are designated routes to the summits of Mount Kenya and each route can be accessed by all types of people, from first-timers to experienced mountain climbers.

What animals live on Mount Kenya?

There are many wild animals roaming around Mount Kenya and the Mount Kenya national park. They include, elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, duikers etc.

Can you see Mount Kenya from Nairobi?

At an altitude of about 17,057 feet and being the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya can be seen from Nairobi, on a clear sky but from the top of a tall building in Nairobi which is about 85 miles away.

How hard is it to climb Mt Kenya?

By comparison, MtKenya is easier to climb than Kilimanjaro because it is lower and you get to spend much less time in the cold, thin-air zone.

How many days does it take to climb Mt Kenya?

It would take you between 4 to 8 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depending on the route that you choose and your mountain climbing expertise.


How high is Mount Kenya?

The Elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,199 m above sea level from the base of the mountain to the peak.

Does Mt Kenya have snow?
Due to the high altitudes, the peak of Mount Kenya that lies on the alpine zone is constantly covered with snow and ice. This is mainly because of the sub-zero temperatures at the top that can fall to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). 

How much higher is Mount Kilimanjaro than Mount Kenya?
Mount Kilimanjaro measuring 5,895 meters above sea level is about 695m higher than Mount Kenya, standing at 5,199 meters above sea.
7 days Mount kenya Sirimon - Chogoria route
Mount kenya trek
7 days Mount kenya Sirimon - Chogoria route