4-Day Mount Kenya Trek (Chogoria–Sirimon) | Point Lenana Climb
4-Day Mount Kenya Trek: Chogoria → Sirimon Route
Why This Trek Is Special
Tackle the most scenic and recommended route on Mount Kenya — ascend through dramatic moorlands and bamboo forests on the Chogoria route, then descend via the lush, peaceful Sirimon trail. Traverse rugged mountains, discover hidden valleys, lakes, and landscapes few get to see, and stand atop Point Lenana (4,985 m) for a breathtaking African sunrise. Ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking moderate-difficulty, high-reward hiking.
Quick Facts
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| Route | Chogoria (East) → Sirimon (North) |
| Trekking Distance / Elevation | ~ 44-48 km total, Ascent ~2,300 m, Descent ~1,700 m |
| Accommodation | Huts / 2-man tents (as per preference) |
| Group Size | 1 person (private) / 2–5 (group) / 6+ special group discount |
| Included | Return transfers (Nairobi–Chogoria–Nairobi), park fees, 3 meals/day, mountain guides & porters, tents/huts |
| Not Included | Sleeping bag, warm jacket, boots, rain gear, first/last night stay in Nairobi |
| Fitness Level | Moderate to High — trekking long days & altitude gain |
| Best Time to Trek | Dry seasons (Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct) — for clearer skies & easier trails |
[INCLUDE hero image: Mount Kenya panorama]
Alt text example: “Mount Kenya sunrise from Point Lenana – hikers on top”
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day 1 | Nairobi → Chogoria → Mount Kenya Bandas | Drive + 10 km trek (~3 hrs walking) | + 950 m | Bandas (≈ 3000 m) |
| Day 2 | Bandas → Minto’s Campsite | 17 km hike (8–9 hr) | + 1,400 m | Minto’s (≈ 4,200 m) |
| Day 3 | Minto’s → Point Lenana → Judmiere Camp | ~24 km / 11–12 hr (summit & descent) | + 785 m / –1,685 m | Judmiere Camp (≈ 3,300 m) |
| Day 4 | Judmiere Camp → Sirimon Gate → Nairobi | 2–3 hr walk + drive | Descent to gate, then drive | Nairobi (arrive ~17:00) |
Detailed Day-by-Day Description
Day 1 — Nairobi to Mount Kenya Bandas
Pick up from your Nairobi hotel early in the morning. Drive north through Kenya’s agricultural lands up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, transfer by 4×4 up to the bamboo forest edge, where the hike begins. Trek 10 km through dense bamboo forest to Mt Kenya Bandas (≈ 3000 m). Dinner and overnight at Mount Kenya Bandas.
Why this matters: This gradual start allows for gentle acclimatisation — especially useful after descending from Nairobi’s altitude and travelling by road.
Day 2 — Bandas to Minto’s Campsite (4,200 m)
Early start as you trek for 8–9 hours along a wide forested track. Watch for wildlife like elephant, bushbuck, buffalo, and impala. Exiting the forest, traverse the heather bush and eventually cross the Nithi River. From there, you enter moorland terrain with spectacular views of the Gorges Valley, Temple, mountain lakes, “mushroom rocks,” and more. Picnic lunch en route. Overnight at Minto’s campsite.
Tip: This is the longest and toughest day — ensure you acclimatise well, drink plenty of water, and hike steadily.
Day 3 — Summit Day: Minto’s to Point Lenana to Judmiere Camp
Pre-dawn (approx. 03:00) start for the summit push. Hike ~3 hours to the trekking peak of Point Lenana (4,985 m). Be there at sunrise for unforgettable panoramic views of Mount Kenya’s peaks and the Kenyan highlands. After summit photos, descend to Shipton’s camp for breakfast. Then continue descending for ~5 hours through Mackinder’s valley, moorlands, and forest to Judmiere Camp (≈ 3,300 m). Dinner and overnight at Judmiere Camp.
Day 4 — Descent: Judmiere to Sirimon Gate → Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a gentle 2–3 hr walk down to Sirimon Park gate. From there, catch a vehicle to Nanyuki for lunch, then continue to Nairobi, arriving around 17:00. A fitting finish after a stunning 4-day traverse.
What’s Included & What You Need to Bring
Included:
Return transfers Nairobi ↔ Chogoria ↔ Sirimon / Nairobi
Park entrance & conservation fees for Mount Kenya National Park
3 meals/day during trekking days (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation in mountain huts or 2-man tents (per group/tent preference)
English-speaking mountain guides & porters
Trekking support and logistics as per the itinerary
Not Included (You Should Bring):
Sleeping bag, warm jacket, sturdy boots, rain jacket / pants, gloves, hat, sunglasses, scarf — necessary for mountain conditions. First-night and last-night accommodation in Nairobi is at the client’s own arrangement (or we can assist at extra cost).
Price & Booking Options 💰
We offer flexible pricing depending on group size and accommodation preferences:
| 1 Person | Request Quote (private trek) |
| 2–5 People | Group Rate Applies — contact us |
| 6+ People | Special Group Discount — contact us |
Want upgrades or lodge-style accommodation along the route? Contact us for a custom quote.
[👉 Book Now – Get Best Price & Availability]
Why Choose Us / Why Book This Trek
Small-group or private trekking — personalised experience, flexible pace.
Professional, English-speaking guides and trained porters.
Full logistics handled — transfers, meals, park fees included.
Emphasis on safety, acclimatisation and comfort.
Flexibility: we can tailor the itinerary (e.g. add an acclimatization day at Nithi Camp / Nithi Falls & Mugi Hill) for better altitude adaptation.
Optional Extension & Alternative Routes
If you want a more gradual ascent (better acclimatisation) or extra time to explore, consider:
Extra night at Nithi Camp (≈ 3,300 m) — midway to Minto’s. Great for exploring the scenic Nithi Falls or climbing Mugi Hill (~3,500 m).
Add a rest / exploration day in the Gorges Valley or around the lakes before proceeding to Minto’s.
Lodge upgrades / comfortable accommodations — contact us for a custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fitness level required for this trek?
Moderate to high. Expect some long trekking days (especially Day 2 & Day 3). Good stamina, reasonable fitness and basic trekking experience are recommended.
What is the best time of year to do this trek?
Dry seasons — typically January to March and July to October — for clearer skies, less rain, and more stable trail conditions.
How many people per guide/porter?
We aim for low guide-client ratios. Usually one guide and porter for 2–3 clients. For larger groups, we add more staff.
Is the trek safe? What about altitude sickness?
We use experienced guides, ensure gradual ascent, encourage hydration and safe trekking pace. If needed, we can adjust itinerary (extra acclimatisation day).
What do I need to bring?
Warm jacket, rain gear, sturdy boots, sleeping bag, gloves, hat, sunglasses, layers of clothing (temperatures vary widely), water bottle / hydration pack.
Can you arrange transport from/to Nairobi?
Yes — return transfers Nairobi ↔ Chogoria / Sirimon are included. If you need pre- or post-trek accommodation in Nairobi, we can assist (at extra cost).