Experience the best of Mount Kenya on our 5-Day Mount Kenya Hike – Sirimon Up, Chogoria Down. This well-paced trekking adventure combines good acclimatisation with some of the mountain’s most spectacular scenery.
Follow the scenic Sirimon Route up through forests, bamboo, alpine moorlands and rocky landscapes before reaching Point Lenana (4,985m) for a breathtaking sunrise. Descend via the beautiful Chogoria Route, known for its dramatic valleys, lakes and panoramic mountain views.
With an extra day for acclimatisation, experienced local guides, porters and freshly prepared meals, this trek offers a rewarding experience for both first-time and experienced hikers.
Need help preparing for the climb? Read our Mount Kenya Hiking Guide for everything you need to know before your adventure.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Travel north through the fertile highlands of central Kenya, passing coffee and tea plantations before arriving at Sirimon Gate (2,650m) on the northwestern side of Mount Kenya National Park.
After meeting your experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook, complete the park registration before beginning your hike through beautiful montane forest. As you gain altitude, the dense forest gradually opens into bamboo and heathland, offering your first panoramic views of the mountain.
Arrive at Old Moses Camp (Judmaier Camp) in the afternoon, where you can relax, acclimatise, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner while taking in the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Driving Time: 4–5 Hours
Hiking Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the spectacular Mackinder’s Valley, one of Mount Kenya’s most scenic hiking trails. The landscape changes dramatically as giant lobelias, groundsels, rocky ridges, and alpine vegetation replace the lower forest.
The gradual climb provides excellent acclimatisation while offering stunning views of Batian, Nelion, and the surrounding valleys. Keep your camera ready as every turn reveals another breathtaking mountain panorama.
Arrive at Shipton’s Camp, your base for the summit attempt, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an early night’s rest.
Hiking Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, one of the keys to a successful summit. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed hike to Kami Hut or Hausberg Col, depending on weather conditions and your guide’s recommendation.
This shorter hike helps your body adjust to the altitude while rewarding you with magnificent views of Mount Kenya’s rugged peaks, glaciers, and alpine valleys. After spending time at higher elevation, descend back to Shipton’s Camp for lunch and an afternoon of rest before the summit climb.
This extra acclimatisation day greatly improves your chances of comfortably reaching Point Lenana the following morning. However if you dont need an extra day for acclimatisation then we recommend a 4 Day Mt Kenya hike.
Hiking Time: 3–5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your summit day begins around 3:00 a.m. Under a blanket of stars, begin the final ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m), the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya.
Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Watch as the first golden light illuminates the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion while the plains of Kenya stretch endlessly below.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photographs, descend via the breathtaking Chogoria Route, widely regarded as the most scenic route on Mount Kenya. Pass dramatic cliffs, alpine lakes, and the spectacular Gorges Valley before arriving at Mintos Camp for your overnight stay.
Hiking Distance: Approximately 18 km
Hiking Time: 8–9 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up to one final morning in the mountains before beginning your descent through the beautiful Chogoria Route. The trail passes the stunning Lake Michaelson, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, making it one of Mount Kenya’s most photographed locations.
Continue through bamboo forests and indigenous rainforest before reaching Chogoria Gate, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon with unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s second-highest mountain and experiencing two of Mount Kenya’s finest trekking routes.
For those wishing to extend their holiday, we can arrange a Masai Mara Safari, Amboseli National Park Tour, Samburu National Reserve Adventure, or a relaxing beach escape to Diani Beach.
Hiking Distance: Approximately 16–18 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Driving Time to Nairobi: 4–5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast
