Kenya · Guided climb · Mountain trek
Up the north side, down the east
The shortest traverse of Mount Kenya: up the Sirimon route to Shipton's Camp, Point Lenana at sunrise and down the Chogoria side.
From USD 560 pp
The journey in brief
The experience
This traverse climbs the drier northern Sirimon route and descends the Chogoria route, which many trekkers consider the most scenic side of the mountain. Seeing both sides shows how the vegetation changes between the windward and leeward slopes.
At four days it is a fast itinerary with no separate acclimatisation day, so it suits fit trekkers who are comfortable with long days at altitude.
Traverse from Sirimon to Chogoria
Point Lenana (4,985 m) at sunrise
Shipton's Camp beneath the main peaks
No minimum group size; solo trekkers welcome
The route
Nairobi
Nanyuki
Sirimon Gate
Old Moses (Judmaier) Camp
Shipton's Camp
Point Lenana
Chogoria
Nairobi
Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses (Judmaier) Camp → Shipton's Camp → Point Lenana → Chogoria → Nairobi
Day by day
Walking times and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and conditions on the mountain.
Day 1 / Nairobi → Nanyuki → Old Moses Camp
Travel about four hours by shuttle to Nanyuki, meet the mountain crew and continue to Sirimon Gate. Walk through indigenous forest and bamboo to Old Moses (Judmaier) Camp.
Day 2 / Old Moses Camp → Shipton's Camp
Leave before 7am with a packed lunch and follow the trail across the moorland and up the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp, directly below the main peaks.
Day 3 / Shipton's Camp → Point Lenana → Chogoria Gate
Start at about 2am to reach Point Lenana for sunrise. On a clear day you may see Kilimanjaro on the horizon. Descend to Mintos Hut for breakfast and continue the long walk down to the Chogoria gate campsite.
Day 4 / Chogoria Gate → Chogoria → Nairobi
Walk about 9 km through dense bamboo forest to meet a 4×4 transfer to Chogoria town, then travel back to Nairobi.
Where you stay
Nights are spent in the huts or campsites on the route, with your crew preparing meals.
Mount Kenya · 1 night
Mount Kenya · 1 night
Mount Kenya · 1 night
Prices are in US dollars per person. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
Before you travel
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Speak to a doctor before booking a high-altitude trek.
Questions travellers ask
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Yes. Prices are in US dollars per person, as published in our catalogue. Your written quote confirms the final price for your dates and party size.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
No technical climbing experience is needed on this route, but you should be fit and prepared for long days at altitude. Speak to a doctor before booking.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
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4 days · Kenya
From USD 560 pp
