Tour Overview
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain, and the walk beside the Gorges Valley is truly spectacular. This trip allows 7 days to acclimatise and ascend the mountain in safety. The 'Round the Peaks' circuit offers ever-new views of the summits, glaciers and tarns with their unique high-altitude vegetation, and the descent by the Sirimon route passes through beautiful forest tracks, completing the traverse of the mountain. Accommodation is 4 nights in mountain huts and 2 nights camping - if you prefer, you can camp every night on the mountain.
Climbers attempting a technical ascentTrekkers wanting maximum acclimatisationExperienced mountain walkers
Safari Highlights
Seven days for safe acclimatisation
Chogoria route, Gorges Valley and Lake Ellis
Point Lenana sunrise and the 'Round the Peaks' circuit
Option for a technical climbing attempt
Day-by-Day Itinerary
D1
Nairobi - Mount Kenya Bandas
Nairobi → Chogoria → Mt Kenya Bandas · 10km trek
Depart Nairobi at 8am, driving through the agricultural countryside to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch we take a 4x4 up to the edge of the bamboo forest, then trek through dense bamboo for about 10km to the Mount Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas.
D2
Mt Kenya Bandas - Lake Ellis Campsite
Bandas → Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) · 3 hrs, 9km, 700m ascent
After breakfast and sorting porter loads, we set off at a nice, easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giant's Billiards Table, while following the river upstream from the road head for about 3km offers especially beautiful scenery and flora. Lunch beside a stream, then up the left-hand hillside to camp at about 3,600m, well away from the busier areas.
D3
Lake Ellis - Minto's Camp
Lake Ellis → Minto's Camp (4,200m) · 4 hrs, 12km, 600m ascent
Another early start, well off the beaten track, following a ridge for about 3 hours to join the main Chogoria route at around 4,100m, with breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley, Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch at a stream crossing, then an hour more to Minto's Hut at 4,200m. In the afternoon, take the 10-minute walk to the Temple, a 150m vertical cliff.
D4
Minto's - Austrian Hut (Top Hut)
Minto's → Austrian Hut (4,790m) · 4 hrs, 7km, 500m ascent
Ascend along the foot of huge rock walls with excellent views of the peaks. After a couple of hours we reach Tooth Col, then traverse to the Austrian Hut for dinner and overnight.
D5
Austrian Hut - Point Lenana - Mackinder's Camp
Austrian Hut → Point Lenana (4,985m) → Mackinder's Camp · 5 hrs, 285m ascent, 685m descent
Leave at 5am for the pre-dawn attempt, climbing for about an hour across bare rock and scree to Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise. Descend to the Austrian Hut for breakfast, then on to Mackinder's Camp for dinner and overnight.
D6
Mackinder's Camp - Shipton's Camp (Round the Peaks)
Mackinder's → Shipton's Camp (4,200m) · 4 hrs, 300m ascent, 400m descent
After breakfast we go clockwise, climbing up to Two Tarns and Nanyuki Tarn, then passing between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns before descending to Shipton's Camp on the northern side of the peaks for dinner and overnight.
D7
Shipton's Camp - Old Moses - Nairobi
Shipton's → Old Moses (3,300m) → Nairobi · 5 hrs, 14km, 900m descent
After breakfast, a gentle 5-hour descent through the Mackinder Valley and moorlands to Old Moses Camp (3,300m) for lunch, then transfer back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon.
What's Included
- Shared shuttle Nairobi - Chogoria
- Shared shuttle Nanyuki - Nairobi
- Full-board mountain meals
- Accommodation (huts and camping)
- All park entrance fees
- Guide, porters and chef (crew)
- Treated water during the hike
What's Excluded
- Climbing gear
- Items of personal use
- Flights
- Drinks
- Tips
- Shopping
- Any other extras needed
- Technical climbing attempt - USD 450 per person
Accommodation & Safari Vehicle
Accommodation: 4 nights mountain huts, 2 nights camping (camping every night available on request)
Vehicle: Shared shuttle Nairobi - Chogoria and Nanyuki - Nairobi; 4x4 to the bamboo forest edge
Best Time to Visit
The two driest windows are mid-January to end of February and July to October, offering the most stable trekking conditions. The mountain can be climbed outside these windows, but expect wetter trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the technical climbing fee cover?
The technical climbing attempt is charged at USD 450 per person on top of the trek. Climbing gear is not included - tell us what you are bringing and we will advise on what to hire.
Do I need previous climbing experience?
For the technical attempt, yes - prior rock or alpine climbing experience is expected. The trekking itinerary itself (to Point Lenana) needs good fitness but no technical skills.
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