4 Days Mt. Kenya Easter Climb- Chogoria- Sirimon
Easter Holiday Trek | 4 Days
This is a year of experiencing the mountain differently. Yes, we seek the summit—but we also choose to stay present with every step along the way. We call it connection: with self, with nature, and with the quiet power of moving through wild places.
Rising from the Equator with snow on its peaks, Mount Kenya offers one of the most complete mountain experiences in East Africa. The Chogoria Route is scenic, varied, and deeply rewarding—perfect for those who value beauty, rhythm, and reflection on the trail.
Below is a neat overview of the journey.
Day 1: Chogoria Forest Gate → Chogoria Gate Camp
2,650m – 2,950m | 6 km | 3 hrs | +300m
We depart Nairobi at 7:00 am from International Life House (or an agreed meeting point) and drive to Chogoria, arriving in time for an early lunch. After park formalities and a briefing with the local team, a transfer vehicle takes us up to the forest clearance.
From here, we begin a gentle 3-hour walk through bamboo forest, arriving at Chogoria Gate Camp by mid-afternoon. The campsite offers open views of the mountain and surrounding hills, including Mugi and Ithanguni. If conditions allow, we take a short walk around the area—buffalo, bushbuck, and birdlife are often seen here. Dinner is served at camp, followed by quiet stargazing in the forest clearing.
Day 2: Chogoria Gate Camp → Lake Ellis Camp (via Nithi Falls)
2,950m – 3,450m | 9 km | 5 hrs | +500m
After breakfast, the trail leads through Hagenia forest and tussock grassland before crossing a stream near a fisheries station. We emerge into open moorland and pause at Road End Camp for a short break.
From here, we descend to the dramatic Nithi Falls—a highlight of the Chogoria Route. Time is set aside to explore the caves, feel the mist, and take in the energy of the cascading water. We return to Road End and continue across rolling moorland toward Lake Ellis, which appears suddenly against the backdrop of the Hindu Valley.
After lunch at camp, you may choose to fish by the lake or take an optional hike up Mugi Hill for wide views across the plateau. Dinner and rest by the lakeside.
Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp → Mintos Camp
3,450m – 4,200m | 11 km | 6 hrs
An early start rewards us with sunrise reflections on Lake Ellis. After breakfast, we hike through heather and golden moorland, refilling water at a clear mountain stream as we leave the valley behind.
We stop for lunch where the classic Chogoria Route intersects, with distant views of Lake Michaelson below. The afternoon ascent to Mintos Camp opens up the first full views of the main peaks—Point Lenana, Nelion, and Batian.
If energy allows, there is time for short acclimatisation walks to Mintos Tarn or the Temple rock formations. Dinner is early, followed by rest in preparation for summit day.
Day 4: Mintos Camp → Point Lenana → Old Moses
Summit Day | 23 km | 11–12 hrs | –3,000m
We break camp at 2:00 am, moving steadily toward the summit under starlight. Point Lenana (4,985m) is reached around 6:00 am, just in time for sunrise—often with Mount Kilimanjaro visible on clear mornings.
After taking in the moment, we descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast, then continue down through the wide, glacial Mackinder’s Valley. The trail gradually eases as we make our way to Old Moses Camp, arriving mid-afternoon.
From here, we exit the park and begin the return journey to Nairobi—carrying with us quiet memories, mountain stories, and the deep satisfaction of time well spent outside.
Hikemaniak note:
This trek is about more than reaching a point on the map. It is about pace, awareness, and sharing the mountain—fun, connection, and self-discovery, the Hikemaniak way.
