5-Day Mount Kenya Climbing Expedition via the Chogoria Route: A Comprehensive Guide

Climbing Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, is a dream for many adventure seekers. With its breathtaking views and challenging terrain, the 5-day trekking expedition via the Chogoria Route stands out as the most scenic and rewarding way to reach the summit. This guide provides an in-depth look at what you can expect from this extraordinary climb, helping you plan your journey with detailed insights on every step of the expedition.

Why Choose the Chogoria Route for Your Mount Kenya Climb?

Mount Kenya, an ancient extinct volcano, is a majestic destination for trekkers. Standing tall at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), it is not only the highest peak in Kenya but also one of the most prominent mountains in the world. The Chogoria Route, situated on the eastern side of the mountain, is known for its rugged beauty and scenic vistas, making it the most recommended route for climbing Mount Kenya.

While other routes like the Naro Moru and Sirimon routes are more popular, the Chogoria Route is less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. This route takes trekkers through dense bamboo forests, scenic valleys, and lush alpine meadows, with views of waterfalls, lakes, and volcanic rock formations. The Chogoria Route also leads to Point Lenana, the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya, at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet). This climb is not technical, but it does require endurance and acclimatization due to the altitude.

Hiking via Chogoria Route Mount Kenya

The 5-Day Climbing Expedition

The 5-day Mount Kenya climbing expedition via the Chogoria Route offers a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. This itinerary provides enough time for acclimatization, allowing climbers to safely ascend the mountain and enjoy its stunning surroundings. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each day.

Day 1: Nairobi to Chogoria Town and Mount Meru Bandas (16 km, 4 hours)

Your adventure begins in Nairobi, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel early in the morning. From Nairobi, you’ll drive north to Chogoria Town, which serves as the starting point for the climb. After a hearty lunch in Chogoria, you’ll take a 4×4 vehicle to the Chogoria Park Gate, located 16 km from the town.

From here, the trek begins through a lush bamboo forest, which can be muddy during the rainy season. The path climbs gradually, and after about 4 hours, you’ll reach Mount Meru Bandas, located at an altitude of 2,950 meters. Here, you’ll spend the night in camping tents, with the option to stay in the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge for an additional fee. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation in the Bandas, preparing for the next day’s journey.

Day 2: Mount Meru Bandas to Lake Ellis (13 km, 5 hours, 700-meter ascent)

The second day begins with a delicious breakfast at the Meru Bandas. You’ll continue the trek through giant heather and forest, heading toward the Chogoria road head. Along the way, you’ll pass Nithi Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountain. The ascent continues to the Road Head Camp at an altitude of 3,300 meters, where you’ll rest for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll continue hiking for another hour, eventually reaching Lake Ellis, a serene alpine lake nestled amidst the Gorges Valley. As you ascend, you’ll pass through Mugi Hills, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Giant’s Billiard Table – a flat-topped volcanic rock formation that is one of Mount Kenya’s most unique features. The trek ends at Lake Ellis Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night at an altitude of 3,650 meters.

5-day Mt. Kenya Chogoria Route Hike

Day 3: Lake Ellis to Mintos Hut (12 km, 4–5 hours)

After breakfast, you’ll head out from Lake Ellis Camp and begin your ascent toward Mintos Hut. The hike takes you through a ridge, offering spectacular views of the Gorges Valley and the Hall Tarns, a series of beautiful alpine lakes. As you climb higher, the landscape transforms into Northern Moorlands, with vistas of Ithanguni Peak in the distance.

At approximately 4,100 meters, you’ll join the main Chogoria trail, which leads to Mintos Hut at 4,200 meters. This marks the highest point for the day. After checking in, you can take an optional afternoon hike to Lake Michaelson, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by rocky outcrops. The hike to Lake Michaelson takes about 2 hours uphill and 1.5 hours back. After your excursion, return to Mintos Hut for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Mintos Hut to Point Lenana (4,985 meters) and Old Moses Camp (13.5 km, 6.5 hours)

This is the most challenging day of the expedition, but it is also the most rewarding. You’ll wake up in the early hours of the morning, around 2:00 AM, and begin your ascent toward Point Lenana. This final stretch to the summit is demanding, but the anticipation of reaching the top keeps the energy high.

The climb takes approximately 4-5 hours, and as you approach Point Lenana, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountain’s glaciers and the surrounding valleys. Reaching the summit at 4,985 meters is an incredible achievement, and you’ll be able to capture stunning photographs of the sunrise over the vast African landscape.

After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin your descent via Shipton’s Camp. The descent to Shipton’s Camp, located at 4,200 meters, takes around 2 hours. From Shipton’s Camp, you’ll continue your descent to Old Moses Camp, located at 3,300 meters. This part of the trek takes another 4 hours, and you’ll pass through the scenic Mackinders Valley.

Day 5: Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate and Transfer to Nairobi (9 km, 2-3 hours)

On the final day of your trek, you’ll have breakfast at Old Moses Camp and begin the descent through the rainforest to Sirimon Gate. The hike takes around 2–3 hours, and as you descend, you’ll experience the changing landscapes of the lower mountain slopes. Once you reach Sirimon Gate, your transport will be waiting to take you to Nanyuki Town for lunch before heading back to Nairobi. You’ll arrive in Nairobi by 3:00 PM, where your Mount Kenya expedition will come to a close.

5-Day Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions Chogoria Route

What to Expect from the Chogoria Route Climbing Experience

Scenic Highlights:

• Lake Ellis: A beautiful high-altitude lake that offers a tranquil setting for camping and a great spot for wildlife viewing.
• Gorges Valley: A deep, lush valley that provides one of the most stunning views along the Chogoria Route.
• Nithi Falls: A picturesque waterfall cascading down the slopes of Mount Kenya, which can be viewed during the hike to Lake Ellis.
• Giant’s Billiard Table: A fascinating geological formation that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
• Hall Tarns and Mintos Hut: A beautiful location surrounded by tarns and high-altitude lakes, providing a scenic resting point before the summit.

Accommodation:

• Camping: The majority of the expedition is spent camping in high-altitude tents. You’ll be provided with a tent, mattress, and meals during the climb.
• Old Moses Camp: A comfortable camp located at a lower altitude where you’ll spend your last night before descending.
• Optional Hut Stay: An additional fee allows you to stay at the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge or Mount Kenya Bandas on Day 1.

Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Expedition Pricing

The cost of this 5-day climbing expedition is $910 USD per person, which includes:

• Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya and back
• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Camping accommodation and one night in a mountain hut
• Mount Kenya National Park entry fees
• Guide, cook, and porter services
• Boiled and treated drinking water
• Certificate of completion
• All local government taxes

The price excludes:

• Hiking gear, including sleeping bags
• Beverages or drinks
• Laundry services
• Pre- and post-trek accommodation
• International flights
• Visas to Kenya
• Personal items not specified in the itinerary

Conclusion

Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Route is an unforgettable adventure that combines challenging trekking with unparalleled natural beauty. From the serene Lake Ellis to the stunning summit views from Point Lenana, this expedition offers the perfect balance of physical challenge and scenic splendor. If you’re an experienced trekker looking for a unique and less-crowded route, the Chogoria Trail is undoubtedly the best choice for your Mount Kenya adventure. Book your expedition today and get ready to experience one of Africa’s most iconic peaks!