Catalogue package 035
5-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon to Chogoria Traverse
Journey overview
Traverse Mount Kenya from the gradual Sirimon side to the dramatic Chogoria side on this five-day trek via Point Lenana. The ascent follows Sirimon through Old Moses and Shipton’s Camp, includes a high-altitude acclimatisation day, then crosses Point Lenana before descending through the Chogoria landscape toward Mount Kenya Bandas.
This combination is widely regarded as one of the mountain’s strongest trekking routes because the ascent profile is comparatively steady while the descent opens into the striking eastern valleys and high moorland.
Safari Highlights
- Sirimon ascent and Chogoria descent
- Old Moses and Shipton’s Camp
- Acclimatisation day before summit
- Point Lenana at 4,985 metres
- Full west-to-east Mount Kenya traverse
The route
01
Nairobi
02
Sirimon Gate
03
Old Moses Camp
04
Shipton’s Camp
05
Point Lenana
06
Chogoria Route
07
Mount Kenya Bandas
08
Chogoria
09
Nairobi
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi to Sirimon Gate and Old Moses Camp
Travel from Nairobi toward Nanyuki and Sirimon Gate. Complete park formalities, meet the mountain crew and begin the steady walk to Old Moses Camp. Keep the pace easy and use the afternoon to rest and acclimatise.
Day 2
Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp
Continue through the moorland toward the Mackinder Valley and Shipton’s Camp beneath the main peaks. The altitude gain is substantial, so the day should be approached steadily with regular hydration and rest stops.
Day 3
Shipton’s Camp — Acclimatisation Day
Spend the day acclimatising at Shipton’s. Take a controlled hike selected by the guide to gain additional altitude before returning to sleep at camp. Prepare clothing, headlamp and equipment for the pre-dawn summit attempt.
Day 4
Shipton’s Camp to Point Lenana and Mount Kenya Bandas via Chogoria
Start before dawn and climb toward Point Lenana. Continue only if weather, altitude response and trail conditions are acceptable. After the summit attempt, descend onto the Chogoria side through the high alpine landscape and continue toward Mount Kenya Bandas for the final night on the mountain.
Day 5
Mount Kenya Bandas to Chogoria and Nairobi
Descend through the Chogoria side of the mountain and connect with the confirmed transfer to Chogoria town. Continue by road to Nairobi, where the traverse ends at the agreed drop-off point.
Safari FAQs
Why go up Sirimon and down Chogoria?
The combination offers a relatively gradual ascent profile and a visually dramatic descent through a different side of the mountain.
Is there an acclimatisation day?
Yes. This itinerary keeps Day 3 at Shipton’s Camp for controlled acclimatisation before the summit attempt.
Do I need ropes for this Point Lenana trek?
Not for the standard trekking route under normal conditions. Batian and Nelion are separate technical mountaineering objectives.
What happens if weather prevents the summit?
The guide may alter or stop the summit attempt. Safety takes priority over reaching Point Lenana.
Loading enquiry form…