4 Days Mt Kenya Climbing Sirimon – Chogoria Route

This creative climb joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.

The Sirimon route allows you to ascend more steadily and gives you a stunning approach to the final peak. For this track, you’ll need a minimum of two days but it’s better to take an extra day to really adjust to the altitude. This is one of the most popular routes to the summit. There are a few good things about this route, one is that it’s somewhat protected from the rainfall so the track stays drier. The other is that there are two camps along the way, Old Moses at 3300 m and Shipton’s camp 4200 m. This allows you to recharge on your way up and take the walk at your own pace.

The Chogoria route is an awesome option for your descent. It takes a bit longer so you’ll need more time. It’s well worth it though. The scenery is spectacular and you’ll be able to take in views of waterfalls and an amazing gorge. This descent takes around three days.

Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton camp (4200m). 7 hrs, 14km, 900m ascent.

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp.

This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers. The resident population is of Rock hyrax and sunbirds.

Day 3: Shipton – Pt Lenana (4985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2800m) 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785 ascent, 2,085m descent.

Kick-off at 3.am to reach pt Lenana in time for the African sunrise.
The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon, you barely need a torch. Without a Moon, then the pollution-free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth.
The climb takes 3 – 4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon.
Descend to Minto’s hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas along the gorges valley where you can enjoy good views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks and Giant billiards table. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas. You can enjoy log fires, hot showers, and bed at the Bandas!

Day 4: Meru Bandas – Chogoria town – Nairobi. 3 hrs, 10km walk. 2 hrs.

After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi arriving by 17:00hrs.