Journey from Kenya’s capital into the forested eastern slopes of Mount Kenya.

Your 5-day Mount Kenya trek via Chogoria and Sirimon begins with an early departure from Nairobi. Meet the Elegant Wild Safaris team, confirm your trekking equipment and travel north-east towards Chogoria, passing changing landscapes of farms, rural towns and the green foothills of Mount Kenya. The road journey generally takes several hours, depending on traffic, weather and the condition of the access road.

After arriving in the Chogoria area, continue towards the Mount Kenya National Park entrance and complete the required registration and park-entry arrangements. Depending on road conditions and authorised vehicle access, a 4WD transfer may take you farther along the forest track before the walking section begins. Your guide will confirm the exact starting point and walking distance on the day.

The approach leads through the mountain’s lush montane forest, where tall trees, moss-covered branches and the sounds of forest birds create a striking introduction to the trek. Walk at a comfortable pace, keep hydrated and follow your guide’s instructions as the trail gradually gains elevation. The forest environment provides a contrast to the open alpine landscapes you will encounter higher on the mountain.

Arrive at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas, situated at approximately 3,000 metres, subject to the confirmed camp location. Settle in, enjoy a warm meal and prepare your equipment for the next stage. Your guide will brief the group on the following day’s ascent to Road Head, discuss hydration and altitude awareness, and check that everyone is ready for the trek ahead.

Meals: Confirm according to your selected package. Overnight: Meru Mount Kenya Bandas, subject to availability and booking confirmation.

Climb beyond the forest into Mount Kenya’s rugged high-altitude landscape.

After breakfast at Meru Bandas, prepare for the next stage of your Mount Kenya Chogoria Route trek. Your guide will check the group’s pace, water supplies, warm clothing and daypacks before you leave camp. Today’s walk is relatively short compared with the following ascent, giving you time to appreciate the scenery while gradually moving into a higher environment.

Follow the mountain track as it climbs through forest and sections of giant heather. As the vegetation changes with altitude, the dense canopy begins to open, revealing more expansive views across the eastern slopes. Depending on the season, you may see distinctive highland plants, including giant groundsels and lobelias in suitable habitats farther up the mountain.

The route continues towards Road Head Camp, the traditional stopping point on the Chogoria approach before the trail climbs farther towards Mintos. The terrain may be uneven, muddy or rocky, so sturdy trekking boots and a steady walking rhythm are important. Take short breaks as needed, snack regularly and drink water throughout the hike.

On arrival, set up camp or settle into the confirmed accommodation arrangement. Your mountain crew will organise the evening meal and help prepare the group for the longer ascent to Mintos Camp. Use the afternoon to rest, keep warm and enjoy the surrounding landscape rather than undertaking strenuous extra activity.

Meals: Confirm according to your selected package. Overnight: Road Head Camp, subject to the final route and camp arrangements.

Ascend into the dramatic alpine scenery of the Chogoria side.

Enjoy breakfast at Road Head Camp before setting out for one of the most memorable sections of your 5-day Mount Kenya trek via Chogoria and Sirimon. Today’s ascent takes you farther from the forest and into the open alpine zone, where the views become wider and the landscape increasingly rugged. Walk at a measured pace, allowing your body time to adjust as the altitude increases.

Follow the established mountain trail through high moorland and rocky terrain, with views towards the ridges and peaks surrounding the Gorges Valley. The Chogoria side is known for its dramatic scenery, distinctive high-altitude vegetation and expansive mountain vistas. When conditions allow, your guide may identify notable viewpoints along the way and explain the landscape and ecology of this remarkable part of Mount Kenya.

As you approach Mintos Camp, the terrain becomes more exposed and the air noticeably thinner. The camp lies at roughly 4,200 metres, although recorded elevations vary slightly by map and campsite location. Lake Michaelson and the dramatic walls of Gorges Valley are among the best-known features of this side of the mountain; the precise views and any visit to the lake depend on the route taken, weather and available time.

On arrival, settle into camp, eat and rest. Your guide will assess how everyone is responding to the altitude and explain the plan for the summit attempt. Prepare your headlamp, gloves, warm layers, waterproof clothing, snacks and water before going to bed early. The following morning begins before sunrise, so getting as much rest as possible is important.

Meals: Confirm according to your selected package. Overnight: Mintos Camp.

Make an early summit attempt on Mount Kenya’s trekking peak before continuing towards the northern side.

Wake well before sunrise for the most demanding day of your Mount Kenya summit trek. After a light snack and a final equipment check, set out with your lead guide for the ascent towards Point Lenana (4,985 metres), the mountain’s highest trekking summit. The start time will be set by your guide according to the weather forecast, group readiness and the safest route conditions.

The pre-dawn climb follows steep, rocky mountain terrain where cold temperatures, wind and reduced oxygen can make progress challenging. Keep your headlamp on, place each step carefully and maintain a steady pace. Your guide will monitor the group and may adjust the plan if anyone develops altitude-related symptoms or if conditions deteriorate. Reaching the summit is the objective, but safety always takes priority.

If conditions permit, arrive at Point Lenana around sunrise and take time to appreciate the sweeping views across Mount Kenya’s rugged peaks and surrounding highlands. Capture photographs, celebrate the achievement and follow your guide’s instructions for the descent. The summit is exposed and cold, so keep stops brief and wear suitable layers, gloves and weather protection.

After the summit, the proposed itinerary continues across the high mountain terrain towards Shipton’s Camp, beneath the dramatic peaks of Batian and Nelion. This is a demanding traverse and is not simply a short descent: the exact route, distance and time depend on the chosen line, trail conditions and the group’s pace. Your guide must confirm in advance that this connection is appropriate and safe for the group. If conditions or fatigue make it unsuitable, the guide should use a safer alternative and adjust the schedule.

On arrival at Shipton’s Camp, rest, rehydrate and enjoy a meal. The camp is a classic base on the Sirimon side of Mount Kenya, surrounded by striking high-altitude scenery. Prepare for the following day’s long descent towards Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp, and the onward transfer from the mountain.

Meals: Confirm according to your selected package. Overnight: Shipton’s Camp only if the guide confirms the traverse is safe and achievable.

Descend through the northern moorlands before transferring to Nairobi or your preferred destination.

Enjoy an early breakfast at Shipton’s Camp before beginning the descent towards Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp. This section follows the Sirimon side of Mount Kenya, taking you through high-altitude valleys and open moorland. After several days on the mountain, the descent provides a final opportunity to appreciate the distinctive alpine vegetation and the changing landscape as you lose elevation.

Follow your guide along the established trail, taking care on loose stones and uneven ground. The route passes through the mountain’s open upper slopes, where giant groundsels and other high-altitude plants may be visible in suitable areas. As you descend, the air gradually becomes denser and breathing generally feels easier, although tired legs and the cumulative effort of summit day can make the walk demanding.

Continue to Old Moses Camp (Judmaier Camp), where you can take a short rest and have refreshments before proceeding towards Sirimon Gate. Old Moses and Judmaier are commonly used names for the same camp, rather than two separate overnight stops. The remaining descent to the gate adds significant walking time, so your guide will manage the pace and breaks carefully.

At Sirimon Gate, complete the required exit arrangements and meet your pre-arranged transfer vehicle. Depending on your booking, you can return to Nairobi or travel to another agreed destination. The drive to Nairobi takes several hours, and the overall day can be long after the summit effort and descent. Please avoid scheduling a tight onward flight or other time-sensitive connection for the same evening.

If the group is moving slowly, weather conditions are poor or the lead guide considers the full descent and transfer too demanding, the itinerary should be adjusted. An additional night or a revised exit plan may be the more responsible option. Your safety and a well-managed return take priority over keeping to a fixed arrival time.

Meals: Confirm according to your selected package. Trip ends: Sirimon Gate followed by a road transfer to Nairobi or another agreed destination.