4-Day Mount Kenya Trek: Chogoria to Sirimon Traverse

Chogoria Route ยท 3 Nights 4 Days

4-Day Mount Kenya Trek: Chogoria to Sirimon Traverse 3 Nights 4 Days โ€” Chogoria Route

3 Nights 4 Days From $1,350 Per Person Sharing
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Route
Chogoria Route
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Duration
3 Nights 4 Days
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Price Guide
$1,350

Safari Overview

Africa’s Most Beautiful Mountain, Mt Kenya, Crossing in Four Days

There is a version of Mount Kenya that most trekkers never see. The western routes, Naro Moru and Sirimon, are well-worn for good reason, but the eastern approach via Chogoria is something else entirely. This 4-day Mount Kenya trek combines the Chogoria ascent with the Sirimon descent in a complete traverse of the mountain, and it is consistently rated among the most scenic trekking experiences in all of Africa. Not East Africa. All of Africa.

The difference is in the terrain. The Chogoria route climbs from the east through ancient bamboo forest and open highland moorland before entering the Gorges Valley โ€” a deep, cliff-flanked corridor that funnels you directly towards the main peaks. Along the way, you camp on the shores of Lake Ellis, spend a night at Minto’s Camp within reach of the Temple, and stand at Point Lenana (4,985m) in time for sunrise before the world below has had its morning coffee. The descent drops you through Mackinder’s Valley and the open northwest moorland โ€” a gentler, golden contrast to the drama of the ascent.

Kwezi Safaris runs this traverse with a fully supported team: experienced mountain guide, dedicated cook, and porters who handle the loads so you can focus entirely on the mountain. With over 20 years guiding guests through East Africa’s most demanding and rewarding landscapes, we know this terrain in every season and at every pace. Whether this trek stands alone or sits at the beginning of a broader Kenya or Tanzania safari, the Chogoriaโ€“Sirimon crossing is the kind of experience that resets your sense of what a mountain can be.

Tour Highlights

  • Cross Mount Kenya from east to northwest

    ascending Chogoria, descending Sirimon โ€” for maximum scenic variety across a single itinerary

  • Camp overnight on the secluded shores of Lake Ellis

    one of the most peaceful and beautiful campsites on the mountain

  • Visit the Temple

    a sheer 150-metre cliff at the head of the Gorges Valley that earns its name every time someone first peers over the edge

  • Summit Point Lenana

    before dawn and watch the African sunrise from the rooftop of Kenya

  • Experience five distinct ecological zones

    bamboo forest, giant heather moorland, open alpine meadow, the Gorges Valley, and high alpine terrain

  • Strong wildlife sightings on the lower Chogoria sections

    elephants, buffaloes, and rare highland bird species regularly encountered

Day-by-Day Summary

Destination Overview
Day Destination & Accommodation
Start Point:  Lake Ellis A kenyan flag. Kenya
Day 1 Nairobi โ†’ Lake Ellis Campsite (3,450m) A kenyan flag.
Day 2 Lake Ellis โ†’ Minto's Camp (4,200m) A kenyan flag.
Day 3 Minto's Camp โ†’ Point Lenana (4,985m) โ†’ Old Moses Camp (3,300m) A kenyan flag.
Day 4 Old Moses Camp โ†’ Nairobi A kenyan flag.
End Point Nairobi A kenyan flag. Kenya

Day-by-Day Itinerary

4-Day Chogoria to Sirimon Traverse, Day by Day

The Chogoriaโ€“Sirimon traverse is one of the classic mountain crossings in East Africa, and the four-day format is its most efficient expression. You ascend from the east โ€” the quieter, greener, and more dramatically scenic side of the mountain โ€” spending two nights gaining altitude before a pre-dawn summit push on Day 3. The descent follows the Sirimon route’s Mackinder’s Valley, with a final overnight at Old Moses Camp before the drive back to Nairobi on Day 4.

Total distance is approximately 50 kilometres. Day 3 is the longest and most demanding โ€” roughly 10 to 11 hours from the 3am departure at Minto’s to arrival at Old Moses Camp in the afternoon โ€” but the terrain after the summit is gradual and the views through Mackinder’s Valley make the hours pass. Days 1 and 2 are manageable acclimatisation days, and the itinerary is designed to bring you to the summit well-rested.

Start
Lake Ellis A kenyan flag. Kenya
Day
Destination
Main Activities
Meal Plan
Day
Day 1
A kenyan flag.

Nairobi โ†’ Lake Ellis Campsite (3,450m)

  • Depart Nairobi in the morning, driving through the agricultural highlands to the Mt Kenya Bandas for lunch
  • After lunch, begin the afternoon trek towards Lake Ellis on foot
  • The route passes with scenic views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the Giant’s Billiards Table โ€” unusual volcanic formations unique to this side of the mountain
  • For the botanically inclined: follow the river from the road-head upstream for approximately 3km where the foreground flora and highland scenery is particularly striking
  • Trek duration: approximately 3 hours | Elevation gain: 550m | Arrival altitude: 3,450m
  • Dinner and overnight at the secluded campsite on the shores of Lake Ellis
  • Lake Ellis is one of the great overnight spots on Mount Kenya โ€” quiet, remote, and properly beautiful. Drink water, move slowly, and let the altitude begin to settle
Lunch, Dinner
Day
Day 2
A kenyan flag.

Lake Ellis โ†’ Minto's Camp (4,200m)

  • After breakfast, leave the main track and follow a ridge up the mountain for approximately 3 hours
  • At around 4,100m, rejoin the main Chogoria tourist track โ€” the Gorges Valley opens up on the left and the views back across the Northern Moorlands towards Ithanguni are expansive
  • Lunch at a small stream crossing on the main track
  • Continue for a further hour to Minto’s Camp at 4,200m
  • Trek duration: 4โ€“5 hours | Elevation gain: 750m
  • Afternoon at leisure โ€” a 10-minute walk to the Temple is not optional in spirit: a 150-metre vertical cliff at the head of the Gorges Valley where the full scale of the mountain announces itself
  • Early dinner and an early night โ€” the summit push begins at 03:00
  • At 4,200m, headaches and mild nausea are normal. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and don’t underestimate how much a full night’s rest will matter at 3am
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
Day 3
A kenyan flag.

Minto's Camp โ†’ Point Lenana (4,985m) โ†’ Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

  • Depart Minto’s Camp at 03:00 for the pre-dawn summit push
  • Hike approximately 3 hours to Point Lenana (4,985m), arriving at the summit in time for the African sunrise
  • On a clear morning, Mount Kilimanjaro is visible to the south โ€” 340km away, floating above the cloud line
  • Descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast, then begin a 4โ€“5 hour descent via the iconic Mackinder’s Valley to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
  • The descent is gradual and open, moving through the northwest moorland with the main peaks receding behind you
  • Total day: 10โ€“11 hours | 785m ascent, 1,685m descent
  • Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
  • This is the big day. The summit in the dark, the sunrise, Mackinder’s Valley in the afternoon light โ€” it earns every hour. Take your time on the descent. The mountain isn’t going anywhere
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
Day 4
A kenyan flag.

Old Moses Camp โ†’ Nairobi

  • Early breakfast at Old Moses Camp
  • Descend to Sirimon Park Gate and board your waiting vehicle
  • Transfer back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon
Breakfast
End
Nairobi A kenyan flag. Kenya

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Optional Activities

Beyond the daily game drives, East Africa rewards the curious. These optional experiences can be added to any package and add meaningful depth to your safari.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

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