7 Days Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Trekking Tour

Tour Preview

This safari to Mt. Kenya allows visitors to experience the contrasting scenery of the mountain. It is a beautiful blend of multiple itineraries, taking advantage of the best aspects of the three main approach routes to the peak area: Chogoria, Sirimon, and Naro Moru.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Meru Bandas (2,900 m)

Pick-up transfer from Nairobi to Chogoria – Mt. Kenya Bandas (2,900 m).

Depart Nairobi at 08:00 hrs and drive to the eastern side of the mountain through Embu, enjoying scenic views of the mountain, various viewpoints, and agricultural fields along the way. Arrive in Chogoria town for lunch.

After lunch, take a 4x4 vehicle and drive to the edge of the bamboo forest, where you will begin your trek through dense bamboo forest for approximately 10 km to Mt. Kenya Bandas.

Dinner and overnight in high-altitude tents.

Day 2: Mt. Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600 m)

After breakfast and organising porter loads, begin the ascent at a steady pace. A slightly longer route via Lake Ellis offers scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giant’s Billiard Table. Alternatively, follow the river upstream near the roadhead for about 3 km, where the flora and scenery are particularly beautiful.

Lunch will be served on the banks of a stream. Afterwards, ascend the hillside to your camp at around 3,600 m, located away from the more crowded areas.

Overnight in tents.

Day 3: Lake Ellis – Mintos Camp (4,200 m)

Start early again, following a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to join the main Chogoria route at approximately 4,100 m. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back toward Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.

Lunch will be served at a stream crossing before continuing for another hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4,200 m.

In the afternoon, relax at camp or take a short 10-minute walk to “The Temple,” a 150-meter vertical cliff offering spectacular views.

Overnight in tents.

Day 4: Mintos Camp – Acclimatisation Day

After breakfast, visit Gorges Valley, Vivian Falls, and Lake Michaelson.

Return to camp in the afternoon for lunch and relaxation.

Overnight in tents at Mintos Camp.

Day 5: Mintos – Pt. Lenana – Shipton’s Camp (4,300 m)

Begin with a pre-dawn start from Mintos Camp and attempt to summit Pt. Lenana (4,985 m), the third-highest peak, aims to reach the summit by sunrise for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Descend via the North Face through Simba Col to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast and rest.

Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Shipton’s Camp – Teleki Valley – Met Station (3,100 m)

After breakfast, hike through Mackinder’s Valley down to Hausberg Tarn, then continue past Two Tarns to Mackinder’s Camp for lunch. This area offers clear views of the three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana.

In the afternoon, descend through moorland and forest to Met Station, arriving late afternoon.

Overnight at Met Station in a mountain hut.

Day 7: Met Station – Nairobi

After an early breakfast, descend for approximately 3 hours through the forest to Naro Moru Park Gate. From there, transfer to Naro Moru and continue to your next destination.

END

The Tour Includes:

Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya

Transport to and from park gates

Mount Kenya National Park conservation (entry) fees

Mandatory rescue fees

Hut accommodation fees

Certified English-speaking guides and porters

One porter per person (maximum 15 kg luggage)

Certified cook/chef, utensils, cutlery, and crockery

All meals during the climb

Boiled water, tea, and coffee with meals

Basic first aid kit per group

The Tour Excludes:

Pre- and post-climb accommodation in Naro Moru (if required)

Domestic or international flights

Specialised climbing equipment (e.g., oxygen cylinders – available at extra cost)

Travel insurance, visa, and passport fees

Any increases in park fees

Personal mountain equipment (sleeping bags, walking poles, mattresses, duffel bags, etc. – available at extra cost)

Metal water bottles and water bladders (note: no soft plastics permitted on the mountain)

Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, and cook

Beverages such as soda and alcoholic drinks

Additional unscheduled transfers from the park gates to Nairobi or the hotel