5-day trek to Mount Kenya
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAfrica / Kenya
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions147.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the vertical landscapes of Mount Kenya on a legendary traverse linking the Chogoria route to the Sirimon side. This five-day trek immerses you in exceptional biodiversity, where dense bamboo forests give way to high-altitude moors and spectacular glacial valleys .
The ascent, designed for gradual acclimatization , guides you towards magnificent natural sites such as Gorges Valley and its sparkling alpine lakes. Each stage of this wild route reveals a new facet of the mountain, from rocky ridges to endless panoramas. The highlight of your adventure is reaching Point Lenana , which rises to 4,985 meters . From this unique vantage point, you will overlook the peaks of Africa in an atmosphere of profound serenity.
This unforgettable experience is for hikers eager to discover one of the continent's most iconic mountain ranges, combining a sporting challenge with total immersion in unspoiled nature. A journey rich in emotions to conquer Africa's second highest mountain.
The highlights
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The most spectacular route of Mount Kenya
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Exceptional views of Lake Michaelson
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A more authentic and less crowded experience
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A 5-day trek on Mount Kenya via the ascent from Chogoria and the descent from Sirimon is considered moderately difficult to demanding, offering both a wide variety of scenery and good acclimatization. The Chogoria route is widely regarded as the most spectacular, with stunning panoramas including waterfalls, alpine lakes, and vast valleys, although some stages can be long and progressively challenging.
As the altitude increases, hikers encounter thinner air and colder temperatures, especially near Point Lenana (4,985 m), where the final ascent typically takes place early in the morning. While no technical mountaineering skills are required, the final climb is physically demanding due to the steepness and altitude.
The descent via Sirimon offers a gentler, more gradual route, making the return easier after the exertion of the summit. Overall, this combination of routes is suitable for hikers in good physical condition, offering a rewarding experience for both motivated beginners and experienced trekkers.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 607 m
- Average daily descent: 337 m
Management
Edwin is a highly experienced professional trekking guide on Mount Kenya, with over 20 years of experience. Renowned for his in-depth knowledge of the routes, weather conditions, and unique mountain ecosystems, he ensures that every climb is both safe and rewarding. His calm leadership, attention to detail, and passion for nature make him a trusted guide for trekkers of all levels seeking an authentic and memorable adventure.
Program
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Arrival — Nairobi (before departure)
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 10km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Your first night will be spent at the PrideInn Azure Hotel (or similar), on a bed and breakfast basis. Located in a quiet and pleasant area of Nairobi, the hotel provides an ideal setting to relax, gather your gear, and soak up the excitement before your adventure.
Day 1 -
Nairobi to Chogoria Gate Camp | 2,900 m
- Transportation Car - 04h - 190km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departing from Nairobi at 6:30 a.m., you'll travel through Kenya's fertile farmlands to the town of Chogoria, where your mountain team—guide, cook, and porters—will be waiting. From town, the vehicle continues to the edge of the bamboo forest, the starting point of your trek. You'll then hike 10 kilometers through one of East Africa's most beautiful bamboo forests, the canopy gradually thinning as you gain altitude, until you reach the gate of Mount Kenya National Park and your first campsite.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Chogoria Gate Camp.
Day 2 -
Chogoria Gate to Ellis Lake | 3,600 m
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast and the distribution of loads among the porters, the group sets off at a pleasant, relaxed pace. The highlight of the morning is a visit to the magnificent Nithi Falls, before the trail traverses scenic moorland offering spectacular views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the famous Giant's Billiard Table. It's also possible to walk upstream along the river for about three kilometers from the trailhead, discovering captivating alpine landscapes and flora. Lunch is served by a mountain stream before the final ascent to camp at approximately 3,600 meters, well away from the more frequented areas of the mountain.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Ellis Lake Camp.
Day 3 -
Lake Ellis towards Minto Camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This is the longest day of the trek, so an early start is essential. The trail follows a remote ridge, far from the tourist routes, for about three hours before joining the main Chogoria trail at around 4,100 m. The reward is well worth the effort: breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorges Valley and beyond, towards Ithanguni and the vast Northern Highlands.
Lunch is served by a stream before the final hour's hike to the Minto Refuge at 4,200 m. The afternoon is ideal for resting, although a short ten-minute walk to the "Temple" is worthwhile: a 150-meter vertical cliff that owes its name to the instinctive reverence visitors feel when leaning over its edge. An early bedtime is strongly advised—tomorrow is summit day.
Day 4 -
Summit Day: Point Lenana (4,985 m) — Old Moses Camp | 3,300 m
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 11h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 785 m
- Negative elevation 1685 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The alarm rings at 3:00 a.m. By the light of your headlamp, the ascent to the summit begins in the crisp, clear pre-dawn air. Three hours of steady climbing bring you to Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters. Your arrival at the summit coincides with one of the most breathtaking moments this mountain has to offer: the African sunrise, displaying its spectacular colors above the clouds. Take the time to fully absorb it.
A descent to Shipton Camp for a well-deserved breakfast precedes the long descent through Mackinder Valley to Old Moses Camp at 3,300m. The gentle descent allows for full appreciation of the vast moorland landscapes characteristic of this part of the mountain range. Arrival at camp as the afternoon light softens—a fitting end to the most memorable day of the trek.
Dinner and overnight stay at Camp Old Moses.
Day 5 -
Camp Old Moses towards Nairobi
- Transportation Car - 04h - 190km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After an early breakfast, the trail descends for about two hours to the Sirimon Park Gate, where a vehicle awaits to take the group back to Nairobi. It's time to say goodbye to your guide, porters, and cook—the dedicated team who made every step of this journey possible. Arrival in Nairobi is in the late afternoon, with memories to last a lifetime.
Upon your return to Nairobi, enjoy a final night at the PrideInn Azure Hotel (or similar), with bed and breakfast included. Airport transfer is included on the morning of your departure.
Day 6 -
Transfer to the airport
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 10km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A smooth transfer to the airport at your convenience
Day 7
Note
Accommodation before and after the hike is subject to availability. If the accommodation indicated is unavailable, we will offer you an equivalent solution at no extra cost, provided we notify you sufficiently in advance.
Accommodation
Azure PrideInn Hotel is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the heart of Nairobi's vibrant Westlands district. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel combines modern comfort with warm Kenyan hospitality, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Its prime location provides easy access to major business centers, shopping malls, and entertainment venues, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
- Double room
- Single room
- Twin room
The hotel offers a range of carefully designed facilities to ensure comfort and convenience for guests. You can enjoy a fully equipped gym, high-speed Wi-Fi, well-appointed meeting and conference spaces, and secure parking. The serene atmosphere, combined with attentive service, guarantees a smooth and pleasant experience, whether you're working or relaxing.
The Azure PrideInn Hotel offers a refined dining experience showcasing fresh and diverse flavors. Guests can savor a selection of local and international dishes prepared by talented chefs in an elegant and inviting setting. From a hearty breakfast to a relaxed dinner or a business lunch, every meal is designed to satisfy every palate while complementing the hotel's distinguished atmosphere.
Access
Guests can arrive at any time of day; however, check-in is from 2:00 PM. Early check-in may be arranged subject to availability. Check-out is at 10:00 AM, but guests are welcome to continue enjoying the hotel facilities after their departure.
A pre-hike briefing will be provided by the guide either on the evening of arrival or early in the morning before departure for the hike.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Airport transfer upon arrival in Nairobi
- Accommodation in Nairobi before and after the trek (room and breakfast)
- All land transfers between Nairobi and Mount Kenya
- National park entrance fees and camping fees
- All meals in the mountains (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Drinking water throughout the trek
- Professional mountain guide(s), experienced cook, and porters
- Mountain accommodation in bandas, tents and mountain huts, subject to availability
The price does not include
- Flights
- Personal hiking and camping equipment
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (greatly appreciated)
- Personal items and drinks
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Camping equipment
- Sleeping mattress
Equipment to bring
Personal belongings / Hygiene
- Toiletries: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.
- First aid kit and medications
- Towel
- Water bottles
- Water treatment tablets
- Hiking poles
- Snacks (optional)
- Camera
Sleeping equipment
- Four-season sleeping bag with lining
- Earplugs
Carrying/storage equipment
- Daypack
- Large backpack
- Medium travel bag (duffel)
- Luggage tags
- Plastic bags
Clothing to bring
Head & Face
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection
- Warm hat or beanie for cold conditions (covering the ears)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
Upper body
- T-shirts
- Thermal underwear (top)
- Fleece or softshell jacket
- parka jacket
- Puffer jacket or synthetic jacket
- Fleece gloves
- Waterproof (shell) gloves
Lower body
- Underwear
- hiking shorts
- Thermal underwear or tights
- Softshell trousers
- Gore-Tex trousers
Feet
- Hiking shoes
- Thin socks
- Thick socks
- gaiters
- Sandals (to wear at camp)
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