Mount Kenya Chogoria Sirimon Route
This coming Easter Holidays!! Let’s go and experience the mountain differently, we seek to reach the summits but we also commit to being aware of every moment on the way. We call it a connection with self and nature, a beautiful journey up this snow-capped mountain of East Africa right at the Equator.
Mt. Kenya is one of the places every human should visit at least once in a lifetime. It offers a wholesome experience of fun, connection, and self-discovery; so come with us and create your memories and live to tell your mountain story!
Below is a brief description of the trail.
Day 1: Chogoria Forest gate (2650M ASl) Chogoria Gate Camp (2950m ASl) – 3hrs, 6km walk, 300m ascent
Meet at 7.00am outside the International life House (or other agreed location in Nairobi) to board our ride to Chogoria, the drive will take about 3 hours. At Chogoria an early lunch will be waiting, you enjoy as you chat and connect with your crew at the base of the mountain. After lunch, take a transfer vehicle to the forest clearance, then 6km up from where the walk starts. The walk through the bamboo forest along the dirt road is relaxing and after 3 hours we reach the camp (2950m)at around 4 pm. You will find the already set at where you will enjoy excellent views of the mountain. If weather allows you can take a walk around the Bandas and you are likely to spot Buffalos, bushbucks and varied bird species. The walk also allows for beautiful views of Mugi and Ithanguni Hills.
Later in the evening dinner is served. At night the clearance at the gate also allows for star gazing. A good camera is recommended to capture the moments.
Day 2: Chogoria Gate Camp (2950m Asl)- Lake Ellis Camp (3,450) via Nithi Falls-5 hrs, 9km, 500m ascent
After breakfast you start your day the through Hargenia forest and tussock grass. You cross a stream before passing a fisheries station on the right but still under the beautiful Hargenia trees. After an hour moderate walk you exit the forest and into the moorland, the Road End camp is an hour or so. Along the trails, we enjoy views of Mugi Hill and the Giant Billiard Table. At the Road end camp you stop to grab some snack and then continue down to the magical Nithi falls, you have your moments at the base as we enjoy the transcendent fall of every drop. Later you go up and branch to the left to view the caves and a beautiful water cascade another Nithi river tributary.
You later head back to Road End camp and on deep into the moorland. After an hour and half you are in view of the beautiful lake Ellis. The Hindu Valley forms a beautiful background for the lake and an amazing reflection carved on the lake in blue and green. Pure magic!!. You settle in and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, you can try your luck at fishing and those still with energies are welcome to summit Mugi Hill. The views at the summit of Mugi Hills are to die for, the main peaks are in full view, Ithanguni is much closer and inviting..the sunset will be awesome here but you may find yourself running back to Lake Ellis because its magical.. By the lake, you have dinner and take rest.
Day 3: Lake Ellis Camp (3450M Asl) to Mintos Camp (4200m Asl)- 6 hrs, 11km
Its a beautiful morning by the lake, be sure to wake up early to catch the sunrise, as the first light hits the undisturbed waters except for trouts in their wake to feed. After breakfast, we follow the track through heather and the golden moorland. After 30 minutes we get to one of the streams that drain into the Nithi falls, you can refill your water bottles here as you take your first water break. From here its an uphill task emerging from the valley and behind us bidding Lake Ellis goodbye. After 2-3 hrs up you get to the intersection of the classic Chogoria route and Lake Ellis trail path. This will be your Lunch break point. As you enjoy your lunch you also from this point have a glimpse of Lake Michaelson.
After lunch and some good rest, you start again following the main trail up Mintos Camp and passing nearTongue- from here an amazing view Gorges Valley you can take a moment to take photos and enjoy the view.
At the junction where to the left is the path leading to Lake Michaleson and near the big Kanyekaine Boulder cross the stream you can once again refill your bottle if necessary -You keep on straight up the steep scrambling patch and behind is the elaborate Gorges Valley.
From this point, it’s a gentle up and down to the Camp. From the camp, if the mountain is not shy reveals the main peaks Lenana, Nelion and Batian. In the afternoon if your energies are still up we can take a walk to Mintos Tarn and also down to the Temple- beautiful rock formation 20 minutes down the camp. Later in the evening early dinner is served and you retire to your tents for a good rest and prepare for an early morning summit.
Day 4: Mintos/Point Lenana/Old Moses – 11-12 hrs, 23km, 3000m descent
We break camp at 2am towards the main peaks, after an hour above a flat marshy area at the end of the valley known as temple fields, we start our push up to the 3rd highest point in Kenya, arriving at point Lenana at 6:00 am to witness if you are lucky the spectacle that is the sun piercing planet earth, a mother of all sunrises. After taking photographs and taking in all the beauty, we descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast as you celebrate your achievement.
After breakfast is the long descent to Old Moses Camp through the splendid Mackinders Valley. Once in a while look back and you will see the high peaks bidding you goodbye. At the viewpoint take a break and have a snack because you are only halfway to the finish line. Take a descent to Liki North River and then go up the valley this can’t be quite demanding but you are now closer to the finish point than ever before as you approach the Liki North Trail junction. You can have a breather here and it’s all downhill to Old Moses Camp.
Here, we’ll connect with the vehicle for our return journey back to Nairobi arrival by late evening.
We have more expedition to Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro here
