MOUNT KENYA CHOGORIA ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Chogoria Route is often regarded as the most beautiful and rewarding path on Mount Kenya. It offers breathtaking views of valleys, waterfalls, glacial lakes, and the stunning Gorges Valley. Unlike other routes, it provides a gradual ascent, which helps with acclimatization and allows trekkers to soak in the spectacular alpine scenery.
This 6-day itinerary takes you from the forested foothills of Mount Kenya to Point Lenana (4,985m) — the mountain’s third-highest peak — and back down through the same scenic route.
Best Time: January–March & July–October.
Perfect for trekkers who prefer solitude and pristine wilderness.
- Route: Chogoria Route (ascent & descent).
- Starting Point: Chogoria Gate (2,950 m).
- Summit Point: Lenana (4,985 m).
- Ending Point: Chogoria Gate.
- Difficulty: Moderate – great acclimatization.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Most scenic route on Mount Kenya.
- Stunning views of Gorges Valley, Lake Ellis, and Lake Michaelson.
- Varied landscapes: forest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.
- Less crowded and more natural experience.
- Sunrise summit at Point Lenana.
WHY CHOOSE CHOGORIA ROUTE
- The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful route up Mount Kenya.You’ll pass through dense bamboo forests, sparkling waterfalls, Gorges Valley, and Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson, which offer some of the best photo opportunities on the mountain.
- Compared to the Sirimon or Naro Moru routes, Chogoria is less crowded, offering a more peaceful and immersive nature experience.
- The route traverses multiple ecosystems, from montane forests to alpine meadows, allowing you to spot unique plants like giant lobelias and senecios, and animals such as bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and bird species.
- The gradual ascent allows for better altitude adjustment, increasing your chances of reaching Point Lenana successfully.
- Many climbers ascend via Chogoria and descend via Sirimon, combining scenic beauty with easier downhill trails — the perfect way to experience both sides of the mountain.
- The Chogoria route offers a mix of terrain — from forest trails to open moorlands and rocky alpine zones — giving trekkers a sense of adventure and diversity throughout the climb.
ITINERARY
Drive: Nairobi to Chogoria Town (approx. 5 hours).
Transfer: 4x4 vehicle from Chogoria Town to Park Gate (2,950 m).
Hike: 2–3 hrs to Meru Bandas through lush montane forest and bamboo zone.
Highlights: Abundant birdlife, forest elephants, monkeys, and waterfalls.
Overnight: Meru Bandas (huts or tents).
Meals: Lunch & Dinner.
Distance:10 km | 4–5 hrs walk.
Highlights: Gentle ascent through moorland; lunch stop at scenic viewpoints; arrival at Lake Ellis for overnight camping.
Optional: Short afternoon hike for acclimatization with views of Mugi Hill and Ithanguni.
Overnight: Lake Ellis Camp.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner.
Distance:12 km | 6–7 hrs trek.
Highlights: Trek across open moorland and alpine vegetation. Incredible views of Gorges Valley, Temple Rocks, and Lake Michaelson.
Overnight: Mintos Hut or Hall Tarns Camp — one of Mount Kenya’s most scenic campsites.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner.
Activity: Short hike to Lake Michaelson (a turquoise alpine lake beneath the peaks).
Activity: Explore the Gorges Valley rim and photograph the stunning landscapes.
Rest and acclimatize in preparation for summit day.
Overnight: Mintos Hut.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner.
Start early (2:30–3:00 AM) for summit attempt.
Summit: Reach Point Lenana at sunrise — breathtaking views of Batian, Nelion, and even Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Descend: Back down via Mintos to Meru Bandas (optional lunch stop at Lake Ellis).
Hiking time: 9–10 hours total.
Overnight: Meru Bandas (warm showers & cozy huts).
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner.
Descent: 10 km (2–3 hours) through bamboo forest and lush highland vegetation to Chogoria Gate.
Drive: Return to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
This tour is customizable and can be tailored to your interests, budget, and travel dates for a personalized safari experience.
LOCATION MAP
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
- Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation.
- Transfer to and from the base of the mountain.
- Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner.
- Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary.
- All Park entrance fees to include government taxes.
- Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook.
- On completion, successful climb certificate.
- Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit for emergencies.
- Treated water on the trek.
- Rescue fees.
- Start and finish Nairobi.
- International flights & Visas.
- Tips & Gratitudes.
- Any Other Service Not Mentioned.
- Items of personal nature.
- Snacks,Alcoholic & soft drinks.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, clothing, poles, etc.)
- Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary.
ACCOMMODATION
- Meru Bandas Huts / tents.
- Lake Ellis Camp Tents.
- Mintos Hut / tents.
- Meru Bandas Huts.
WHAT TO BRING
- Warm clothing (temperatures drop below freezing).
- Waterproof boots & gaiters (for the bog section).
- Good hiking boots.
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Waterprof jacket & trousers.
- Headlamp, sunglasses,sunscreen,hat.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Warm layers & thermal wear.
