6 DAYS MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING ADVENTURE – SIRIMON ROUTE DOWN CHOGORIA ROUTE

DAY 1: NAIROBI TO NANYUKI / SIRIMON GATE TO OLD MOSES CAMP (JUDMIER CAMP)

• Morning (approx. 07:00 – 08:00 AM): Depart from Nairobi (hotel or airport) and drive north to Nanyuki town. This journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
• Lunch: Have lunch in Nanyuki. This is often where you meet your mountain crew (guide, porters, cook) and sort out gear.
• Afternoon: Drive to Sirimon Park Gate (approx. 2,650m / 8,700ft). After park formalities, begin your trek.
• Trek: Hike through the magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zones. The trail is generally gentle.
• Destination: Old Moses Camp (also known as Judmier Camp) at 3,300m / 10,827ft.
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 9 km
• Ascent: 650m – 680m
• Accommodation: Mountain hut (Old Moses Camp)
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: OLD MOSES CAMP TO SHIPTON’S CAMP

• Morning: After breakfast, continue your ascent, leaving the forest behind and entering the high-altitude moorland.
• Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views of the main peaks, especially as you enter Mackinder’s Valley. You’ll pass giant groundsels and lobelia plants.
• Destination: Shipton’s Camp at 4,200m / 13,780ft. This camp is nestled beneath the towering peaks of Batian and Nelion.
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Distance: 14 km
• Ascent: 900m
• Accommodation: Mountain hut (Shipton’s Camp)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: SHIPTON’S CAMP (ACCLIMATIZATION DAY)

• Purpose: This day is crucial for acclimatization to the altitude.
• Activities: Take short walks or day hikes to higher elevations (e.g., to Kami Hut, Hausberg Col at 4,700m, or Oblong and Hausberg Tarns) and then return to Shipton’s Camp to “climb high, sleep low.” This helps your body adjust to the thinner air.
• Rest: Spend the afternoon relaxing at the camp.
• Accommodation: Mountain hut (Shipton’s Camp)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: SHIPTON’S CAMP TO POINT LENANA (SUMMIT) TO MINTOS HUT

• Early Start: Begin your summit push very early in the morning (around 02:00 – 03:00 AM) to reach Point Lenana for sunrise.
• Ascent: Climb a steep, stony quarry that cuts through a cliff towards Point Lenana. The terrain can be rocky and involve scree slopes.
• Summit: Reach Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft), the trekkers’ summit. On a clear day, you might see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
• Sunrise: Witness a spectacular African sunrise from the summit.
• Descent: Descend from Point Lenana to Mintos Hut.
• Breakfast: Have a well-deserved breakfast at Mintos Hut.
• Further Descent: Continue descending through the stunning Gorges Valley, known for its breathtaking views, waterfalls, and unique flora.
• Destination: Mintos Hut (4,200m / 13,780ft) or potentially further down to Lake Ellis Campsite depending on the specific itinerary.
• Hiking Time: 11-12 hours (including summit ascent and descent)
• Distance: 14 km (summit section) + 6 km (to Mintos Hut)
• Ascent: 785m (to Lenana)
• Descent: 785m (from Lenana to Mintos Hut)
• Accommodation: Mountain hut or camping (Mintos Hut)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: MINTOS HUT TO MOUNT KENYA BANDAS (CHOGORIA)

• Morning: After breakfast, continue your descent down the Chogoria Route. This route is renowned for its exceptional beauty, featuring waterfalls, streams, and lakes like Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis.
• Scenery: Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Gorges Valley. You might have the option to visit Lake Michaelson.
• Destination: Mount Kenya Bandas (also known as Chogoria Bandas) at 2,950m / 9,678ft. These bandas typically offer more comfortable accommodation with hot showers and log fires.
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours (from Mintos Hut)
• Distance: 15-20 km (depending on exact route variation and starting point from previous day)
• Descent: Approximately 1,250m
• Accommodation: Mount Kenya Bandas
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: MOUNT KENYA BANDAS TO CHOGORIA GATE TO NAIROBI

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain.
• Descent: Descend through the bamboo forest and pristine rainforest to Chogoria Gate.
• Transfer: A 4×4 vehicle will meet you at Chogoria Gate to transfer you to Chogoria town.
• Lunch: Have lunch in Chogoria town.
• Return to Nairobi: Board a shuttle or vehicle for the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 10-15 km (trek)
• Descent: 350m
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.