Chogoria Route – The Best Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions

5 Days Climb Mount Kenya Expedition Chogoria Route

If you are an adventurous traveler, then you should consider going to Climb Mount Kenya hiking (highest mountain in Kenya). 5 days climbing expeditions via Mount Kenya Chogoria Route which is the most difficult and yet scenic route to reach Pt Lenana. Moreover, climbing mt Kenya expeditions to reach the top at Lenana Peak (trekking peak) is an achievement. But, a grueling task for the novice climber of mountains in Kenya to this extinct volcano.

Mt Kenya trek Chogoria map is our top recommended route. Certainly, the route is the most magnificent route to reach Point Lenana Peak, Mount Kenya’s trekking peak. It is located on the east ward side of the mountain. Mt Kenya Chogoria route is least used and so has less hikers than Naro Moru and Sirimon routes.

Ascent of the highest mountain in Kenya, an ancient extinct volcano, starts from Chogoria Town / Village. Ascent is through bamboo forest and is the most difficult route to hike Mt Kenya map. So, how difficult is it to Climb Mt Kenya hiking? While you hike on this route, it is possible to add an extra night at the top hut Kenya or Austrian hut. Please indicate if you need this night at Austrian hut or popularly called top hut Kenya as you plan your Mount Kenya climbing expeditions. Lastly, take note that Mt Kenya Chogoria route is more scenic than Naro Moru and Sirimon routes combined.

5-Day Climbing Mt Kenya Chogoria Route

Summary and reviews of climbing Mount Kenya Chogoria
Climbing Mount Kenya expedition through Chogoria route is the most recommended and undeniably the most magnificent ascent route. The ascent is more scenic than Naro Moru and Sirimon routes to the summit at Point Lenana Peak, 4985m (trekking peak). Of the mountains in Kenya, Mt Kenya on the map is located on the windward side of the mountain. The walk goes beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular – magnificent views of the Hall Tarns.

This 5-day hiking allows you a comfortable hiking pace, giving you time to ascend the peak in a safe pace. Also, while acclimatizing to avoid altitude sickness. Descent is recommended through Sirimon route Mount Kenya map or the  Naro Moru route. The descent walk takes you through Mackinders Valley and some of the beautiful bamboo forest tracks.

Climb Mt Kenya Chogoria route entirely on camping. On the last night which is at Old Moses Camp (Hut), aka Judmier Camp on Sirimon routes. As a result, accommodation on this Chogoria hiking route hike of Mount Kenya is 3 nights in high altitude camping tents. The package fully provide tents, mattresses and food and one night in the mountain hut. On the first night, you will camp at the Meru Bandas followed by road head camp.

While you take a climb Mount Kenya trip (Kenya trek ), of interest to see on this route is Lake Ellis, Nithi Falls, Gorges Valley, Nithi River, hall tarns and the Giant’s Billiard Table. These features are quite spectacular with magnificent views that wow every trekker. For instance, most of the Mt. Kenya trekkers use Chogoria trail as an option for descent route. Mainly, after climbing one of the other routes namely Naro Moru and Sirimon routes.

After the summit breakfast descend via Sirimon route through the beautiful Mackinders Valley.  So, how far is mount Kenya hiking from Nairobi? In conclusion, learn more as you book your Mount Kenya climbing expeditions, the second highest mountain in Africa here. On the last day, you will travel back to Nairobi arriving at 3pm for onward travels.

Climb Mt Kenya via Chogoria trail trek highlights
•    Trekking through the most stunning Chogoria route on Mount Kenya located on the eastern side of the mountain, an extinct volcano. 
•    The charming Gorges Valley with great scenic views of Lake Michaelson and hall tarns
•    A visit to The Nithi Falls on Mt. Kenya hike and giant billiard table
•    Camping on the beautiful Lake Ellis
•    Hiking on Mount Kenya Chogoria trail is dotted with hall tarns, giant billiard table and stunning wilderness environment.

Mt. Kenya Chogoria route trekking expeditions synopsis:
Day 1 Nairobi to Chogoria Town for lunch and Mt Kenya Bandas / Mount Kenya Bandas (Day 1 Nairobi transfer for Mount Kenya expeditions)
Day 2 Mount Meru Bandas via Road Head to Lake Ellis
Day 3 Lake Ellise to Mintos Hut with optional hike to Lake Michaelson
Day 4 Summit day!. Descend via Shipton Camp 4200m to Old Moses Camp
Day 5 Final day from Old Moses Camp 3300m via Nanyuki and transfer back to Nairobi arriving at 3pm.

Mount Kenya climbing expeditions package itinerary price:

Day one:  Nairobi – Chogoria Town – Mount Meru Bandas, 16km and 4hrs walk, 950m ascent
The Kenya trek day starts with pick up from your hotel on day 1 Nairobi at 7 am. Drive northwards to Chogoria Town for lunch, aptly at 2000m.  From this small Chogoria town, you will take a 4x4WD land rover to the rain forest clearance located 16km. Firstly, your Mount Kenya expeditions day hike starts from here for 16km.

Secondly, this walking is through the bamboo forest in a dusty path which can sometimes become muddy during the rainy season.  Thirdly, the hike will last 4hrs reaching Mount Meru Bandas on 2950m where dinner and first night will be. Access the park through the Chogoria Park Gate (Meru Mount Kenya Lodge or the Mt Kenya bandas). Subsequently, accommodation here is based on camping in high altitude camping tents with dinner and overnight. If you wish to stay at the comfortable Meru Bandas (Mt Kenya bandas or Meru Mount Kenya Lodge), there is an extra fee of $30 per person, L, D

Day two: Mount Meru Bandas – Road Head – Lake Ellis, 5hrs, 13km, 700m ascent
Wake up to breakfast here at Meru Bandas or Mount Kenya Bandas. You then follow the path through the giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head,  from where you detour with a descent from the route crossing a stream (stemming from Lake Ellis) on to Nithi Falls. Meanwhile, a short ascent to get to Road Head Camp at an altitude of 3300m walking for approximately 3-4hrs.

You now, continue hiking from Road Head Camp for 1hr, following the track in the forest and giant heather to arrive at Lake Ellis, through Mugi Hills (if you hike to the top of Mugi Hills you are able to have a view of the Giant’s Billiard table) between the Gorges Valley, up through the Nithi River. Therefore, when you climb to the top of Mugi Hills, you will be lucky to have an aerial view of the nearby flat-topped giant billiard table. You will then reach Lake Ellis Camp for dinner and overnight, 3650m, B, L, D

Day three: Lake Ellis Camp – Mintos Hut – hike of 12km in 4-5 hrs
An early start with hiking through the track following a ridge up the mountain for approximately 3 hours. At an altitude of 4100m, join the mainly used track on the normal Chogoria trail. Most importantly, you will be amazed at the breathtaking views over the scenic Gorges Valley and the Hall Tarn that have magnificent views, Northern Moorlands and towards Ithanguni. Your lunch is served at a small stream crossing. A further one hour hike will lead you to Mintos Hut at 4200m for dinner and overnight.

In the afternoon, you can take a short 10 minutes guided walk to the “Temple” which a 150 meters vertical cliff. Alternatively, take an afternoon walk from Mintos hut to the most scenic Lake Michaelson Kenya. This hiking to Lake Michaelson Kenya, take a 2hrs ascent and 1hr 30 minutes descent back. Return for dinner and overnight at Mintos Hut camping on the shores of the hall tarns, B, L, D.

Note: It is possible to take an afternoon hike to Lake Michaelson Kenya on this day. The climbing Mount Kenya hiking to Lake Michaelson, take a 1hr descent to the lake and 1hr 30 minutes ascent back to Mintos Hut.

Climb Mount Kenya Chogoria Route - mount kenya hike climbing expeditions

Day four: Mintos Hut – Point Lenana (Pt lenana 4,685m) – Old Moses Hut, hiking 13.5km, 6hrs 30mins (via shipton s camp)
You will wake up just slightly after midnight and take biscuits, coffee, tea etc. You will start your climb mount Kenya final journey at 2 am hiking towards the main mountain peaks to climb to the top. After an hour of walking divide above a flat green area at the head of the valley.

From the commonly known ‘Temple Fields’, you arrive at Point Lenana (pt lenana 4,985m – trekking peak) by approximately 6:30 am to catch sunrise over Kenya climaxing your climb to the top. Lenana Peak is the highest trekking peak on the mountain and does not require previous technical experience.

Meanwhile, Lenana Peak (Pt Lenana 4,985m) is the third highest mountain summit in Kenya after Nelion and Batian. Above all, there will be a photographic opportunity followed by a 2hrs descend via Sirimon route to Shipton Camp 4200m (Shiptons Camp) taking 2hrs. At Shipton Camp 4200m, you will be served a well-deserved breakfast. After breakfast descend another 4hrs from Shiptons Hut through the Mackinders Valley (Mackinder Valley) will see you arrive Old Moses Camp, located at 3300m for the night, B, L, D

Note: As an option, after breakfast it is also possible to descend via Naro Moru route, Mackinder Valley and Mackinders Camp to overnight at Met Station Camp, 3300m

Day five: Old Moses Camp (Judmier Camp) – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi, hike 9km, 2-3hrs
Firstly, enjoy your last breakfast at your camp. After that, you hike down for 2-3hrs through the rainforest to reach Sirimon Gate, 2650m. Here, you now connect with your transport vehicle to Nanyuki Town (Nanyuki Mount Kenya) for lunch and continue with a transfer back to Nairobi arriving at approximately 3 pm. You can conveniently combine this climbing Mt Kenya hike with a Kenya safari.  In addition, if you have the adventurous spirit , continue to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, B.

Mt. Kenya package price: US$ 910 per person

Climb Mt Kenya Chogoria route price includes:
• Guarantee hike departure upon confirmation
• Transfer from/to Nairobi  (to the mountain Chogoria Park Gate and return from Sirimon Gate)
• All meals during hiking (Meals as described: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)
• All mountain accommodation in tents and one night in a hut as shown in the trekking schedule
• All Mount Kenya National Park entry permits/fees and all local government taxes
• Experienced mountain guide, cook, and porters
• Boiled and treated drinking water during the hike
• Upon completion, Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions successful African Sermon Safaris climb Certificate
• All services start in Nairobi and end in Nairobi for this Kenya trek

Climbing Mount Kenya price excludes:
• Laundry service
• Hiking gear to include sleeping bags
• Beverages/Drinks
• Accommodation before the start and after the hike
• International flights
• Visas to Kenya
• Any other items of personal nature and extras not mentioned in the included