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Absolute Holiday Safaris
Snow-dusted ridges of Mount Kenya against a blue sky

Kenya · Guided climb · Mountain trek

5 Days Mount Kenya – Sirimon to Chogoria

A traverse with time to acclimatise

A five-day Mount Kenya traverse with an acclimatisation day around the peaks before a sunrise ascent of Point Lenana and the descent down the Chogoria side.

  • 5 days
  • Kenya
  • Mountain trek

USD 750 pp

The journey in brief

Duration
5 days
Destinations
Mount Kenya
Start
Nairobi
End
Nairobi
Travel type
Guided climb
Accommodation
Mountain huts and camps
Transport
Shuttle or private transfer to Nanyuki; 4×4 transfer on the Chogoria side; shuttle back to Nairobi.
Price
USD 750 pp

The experience

At a glance.

The extra day on this traverse makes a real difference. After reaching Shipton's Camp you walk a high circuit via Kami Hut and the Hausburg lakes to Austrian Hut, which helps your body adjust before the summit.

From Point Lenana you descend the Chogoria route, past tarns and gorges, to the Mount Meru Bandas and out through the bamboo forest.

Highlights

  • 01

    Acclimatisation circuit around the main peaks

  • 02

    Point Lenana (4,985 m) at sunrise

  • 03

    Descent through the Chogoria side's lakes and gorges

  • 04

    Guide, porters and cook throughout

The route

Your journey.

  1. Stop 01

    Nairobi

  2. Stop 02

    Sirimon Gate

  3. Stop 03

    Old Moses Camp

  4. Stop 04

    Shipton's Camp

  5. Stop 05

    Austrian Hut

  6. Stop 06

    Point Lenana

  7. Stop 07

    Meru Bandas

  8. Stop 08

    Chogoria

  9. Stop 09

    Nairobi

Nairobi → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp → Shipton's Camp → Austrian Hut → Point Lenana → Meru Bandas → Chogoria → Nairobi

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Day by day

The journey, in detail.

Walking times and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and conditions on the mountain.

  1. Giant groundsels along a trail through Mount Kenya's high moorland

    Day 1 / Nairobi → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp

    To Sirimon Gate

    Travel to Nanyuki, meet your porters and cook and continue to Sirimon Gate, then walk up to Old Moses Camp.

    On the trail
    Approx. 9 km · 3–4 hours · approx. 3,300 m
    Meals
    Lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Old Moses Camp · Mount Kenya
  2. Snow-patched rocky ridges near Mount Kenya's summit

    Day 2 / Old Moses → Shipton's Camp

    Into the Mackinder Valley

    Cross the Ontulili River and Liki North valley, then climb to a viewpoint over the Mackinder Valley before reaching Shipton's Camp.

    On the trail
    Approx. 14 km · 6–7 hours · approx. 4,200 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Shipton's Camp · Mount Kenya
  3. Clouds drifting around Mount Kenya's peaks

    Day 3 / Shipton's Camp → Kami Hut → Austrian Hut

    Acclimatisation circuit

    A guided acclimatisation walk past Kami Hut and down to the Hausburg lakes, then on to Austrian Hut below Point Lenana.

    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Austrian Hut · Mount Kenya
  4. Lake Michaelson beneath the volcanic cliffs of Mount Kenya

    Day 4 / Austrian Hut → Point Lenana → Meru Bandas

    Summit and Chogoria

    Start at 3am to reach Point Lenana around 6:30am for sunrise. Descend about two hours to Mintos Hut for breakfast, then continue down to the Mount Meru Bandas.

    On the trail
    Approx. 14 km · about 6 hours · up to 4,985 m, down to 2,950 m
    Meals
    Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    Overnight
    Mount Meru Bandas · Mount Kenya
  5. Mount Kenya's main peaks under a blue sky

    Day 5 / Meru Bandas → Chogoria Gate → Nairobi

    Out through the forest

    Walk down to Chogoria Gate to meet a 4×4 transfer to Chogoria town, then travel back to Nairobi.

    Meals
    Breakfast and lunch
    Overnight
    Journey ends · Nairobi

Where you stay

Huts and camps.

Nights are spent in the huts or campsites on the route, with your crew preparing meals.

  • Mount Kenya · 1 night

    Old Moses Camp

  • Mount Kenya · 1 night

    Shipton's Camp

  • Mount Kenya · 1 night

    Austrian Hut

  • Mount Kenya · 1 night

    Mount Meru Bandas

Pricing

A clear way forward.

USD 750 per person

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

What is included.

Included

  • Transport to and from the base of the mountain
  • Park entrance, camping or hut fees
  • Services of a mountain guide, porters and a cook
  • Accommodation in mountain huts or tents as listed
  • Meals on the mountain
  • 4×4 transfer from the Chogoria side

Not included

  • Personal trekking gear and a mountain-grade sleeping bag (some items can be hired)
  • Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook
  • Accommodation before and after the climb unless stated
  • Items of a personal nature

Before you travel

Good to know.

  • Travel documents

    Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.

  • Health and insurance

    Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.

  • Altitude and fitness

    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

A few useful answers.

Can this itinerary be changed?

Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.

Is the price per person?

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.

What happens after I enquire?

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.

Do I need climbing experience?

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

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5 days · Kenya

USD 750 pp

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