Mount Kenya 6-Day Trek | Chogoria–Timau Route
Mount Kenya
6-Day Mount Kenya Climb via Chogoria Entry and Timau Exit Route
A Scenic Summit Trek via Lake Michaelson & Point Lenana (4,985m)
Overview
The 6-day Mount Kenya expedition via Chogoria and out through Timau offers one of the most breathtaking and quieter paths to the summit. The itinerary ascends through dramatic gorges, waterfalls, alpine valleys, and high-altitude tarns before reaching Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise.
Designed for optimal acclimatization and higher summit success, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking breathtaking landscapes, safer altitude progression, and a true wilderness experience—without technical climbing.
You enter through Chogoria (the most scenic gate) and exit via Timau, completing a full mountain traverse.
🗺️ Safari (Trek) Facts Table
| Mountain | Mount Kenya |
| Route | Chogoria In → Timau Out |
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Summit | Point Lenana (4,985 m) |
| Difficulty | Moderate–Challenging |
| Accommodation | Camping (Tented) |
| Best For | Scenic trekking, acclimatization, photographers |
| Start / End | Nairobi → Nanyuki |
| Minimum Group | 2 People |
| Best Season | Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct |
⭐ Why Choose This Trek
Why trekkers choose this route over Sirimon or Naro Moru:
✔ Most scenic Mount Kenya route (gorges, waterfalls, tarns)
✔ Better acclimatization = higher summit success
✔ Less crowded trails (more wilderness, fewer groups)
✔ Traverse experience (enter one side, exit another)
✔ Safer descent via Timau (gentler on knees)
✔ Ideal for first-time high-altitude trekkers who want success, not suffering
✔ Better acclimatization = higher summit success
✔ Less crowded trails (more wilderness, fewer groups)
✔ Traverse experience (enter one side, exit another)
✔ Safer descent via Timau (gentler on knees)
✔ Ideal for first-time high-altitude trekkers who want success, not suffering
This is the route we recommend when clients ask:
“What’s the most beautiful and safest way to climb Mount Kenya?”
🥾 Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Chogoria Town
- Drive from Nairobi to Chogoria
- Dinner & overnight at a local transit hotel
Why this day matters:
Starting low allows your body to begin adapting gradually, reducing altitude stress later.
Starting low allows your body to begin adapting gradually, reducing altitude stress later.
Day 2: Chogoria → Mount Kenya Forest → Meru Camp (2,980m)
- Village walk, then drive 22 km to forest gate
- 10 km hike through bamboo & rainforest
- Overnight at Meru Public Campsite
Why this day matters:
Gentle altitude gain + forest terrain helps natural acclimatization while conserving energy.
Gentle altitude gain + forest terrain helps natural acclimatization while conserving energy.
Day 3: Meru Camp → Mintos Camp (4,200m)
- 7-hour scenic hike along gorge edges
- Views of Vivian Falls & Lake Michaelson (weather permitting)
- Overnight at Mintos Camp near Hall Tarns
Why this day matters:
This is the most scenic day on Mount Kenya and a critical acclimatization stage before summit push.
This is the most scenic day on Mount Kenya and a critical acclimatization stage before summit push.
Day 4: Summit Day – Point Lenana → Shipton Camp
- Wake-up at 02:30 AM
- Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise
- Descend to Shipton Camp for rest
Why this day matters:
Early ascent maximizes summit success and safety. Descending to a lower altitude improves recovery.
Early ascent maximizes summit success and safety. Descending to a lower altitude improves recovery.
Day 5: Shipton Camp → Old Moses / Allan Camp (3,700m)
- 7-hour descent with lunch en route
- Overnight at Allan Camp
Why this day matters:
Descending helps your body fully recover while still enjoying alpine landscapes.
Descending helps your body fully recover while still enjoying alpine landscapes.
Day 6: Timau Exit → Nanyuki → Nairobi
- 6-hour descent via Timau trail
- Drive to Nanyuki
- Return to Nairobi by evening
Why this day matters:
Timau is the easiest descent route, protecting knees and ending the trek comfortably.
Timau is the easiest descent route, protecting knees and ending the trek comfortably.
🏕️ Accommodation Options (Budget → Luxury)
| Budget | Public Campsites (Tents Provided) |
| Midrange | Private Camps + Upgraded Meals |
| Luxury | Optional: Mountain Lodges before/after trek (Nanyuki) |
💡 Note: On Mount Kenya, camping is mandatory above forest zone. Comfort is enhanced through quality tents, mattresses, porters, and trained guides.
💰 Integrated 2026 Pricing Table (Per Person)
| 2 Pax | USD 1,180 | USD 1,250 | USD 1,320 |
| 3–4 Pax | USD 1,050 | USD 1,120 | USD 1,190 |
| 5–6 Pax | USD 980 | USD 1,050 | USD 1,120 |
Pricing Includes:
Park fees, guides, porters, cook, meals, tents, transfers, permits
Park fees, guides, porters, cook, meals, tents, transfers, permits
✅ What’s Included / ❌ Excluded
✔ Included
- Professional mountain guide & porters
- All park & conservation fees
- Tents, sleeping mats, cooking equipment
- All meals on the mountain
- Transfers Nairobi–Chogoria / Timau–Nairobi
❌ Excluded
- Sleeping bags (rentable)
- Tips for crew
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance
❓ FAQs
Is this route suitable for beginners?
Yes. It’s the best beginner-friendly scenic route with proper acclimatization.
Yes. It’s the best beginner-friendly scenic route with proper acclimatization.
What is the success rate for Point Lenana?
Very high (90%+) due to gradual ascent and extra acclimatization days.
Very high (90%+) due to gradual ascent and extra acclimatization days.
How cold does it get?
Summit night temperatures can reach -5°C to -10°C.
Summit night temperatures can reach -5°C to -10°C.
Best time to climb Mount Kenya?
January–March and June–October (dry seasons).
January–March and June–October (dry seasons).
Is altitude sickness common?
Rare on this route due to its gradual elevation profile.
Rare on this route due to its gradual elevation profile.
👉 WhatsApp Instant Booking:
[Chat with a Mount Kenya Expert Now +254 722 496 558]
[Chat with a Mount Kenya Expert Now +254 722 496 558]
👉 Custom Quote Form:
[Request Your Best Price – 2026 Dates]
[Request Your Best Price – 2026 Dates]
👉 Limited Slots Alert:
Only small groups accepted for safety & summit success.
Only small groups accepted for safety & summit success.
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Tour Contact
- Mount Kenya
- info@saferidesafaris.com
- +254722496558
- https://www.saferidesafaris.com
Tour Information
Max Guests
04
Min Age
18
Languages Support
english