A 6-day Mount Kenya climb via the Chogoria route is a popular trekking option, known for its scenic beauty and gradual ascent. The route typically involves hiking through diverse landscapes, including forests, moorlands, and eventually reaching Point Lenana, the trekkers’ summit. The trek is typically done with a guide, porters, and cooks, and includes camping accommodations.
Ensure that you have packed all the necessary equipment needed .Example Trekking shoes, Water bottle extra pair of clothes warm jacket incase the weather changes.
Here’s a general overview of a 6-day Chogoria route itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi to Mount Kenya Bandas (Chogoria Route) (2,950m)
- Morning (07:00/08:00): Pick up from your hotel in Nairobi and drive to Chogoria town (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Chogoria Town: Enjoy lunch in Chogoria town. Here, you’ll meet your porters and mountain crew, and loads will be sorted.
- Transfer to Bandas: Take a 4×4 vehicle (sometimes for part of the way, then trek) through the dense bamboo and montane forest to the Chogoria Bandas (also known as Meru Mount Kenya Bandas or Forest Gate Camp) at approximately 2,950m. This drive can be very scenic but also bumpy, especially if the road is wet.
- Afternoon: Settle into the Bandas, relax, and begin to acclimatize. You might have a short acclimatization walk around the camp.
- Accommodation: Mount Kenya Bandas (huts).
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2: Mount Kenya Bandas to Lake Ellis Campsite (3,450m)
- Morning: After breakfast, begin your trek.
- Trek: This is a beautiful day, gradually ascending through the forest and then into the moorland zone. You’ll pass stunning scenery, possibly including the Nithi Falls. Many itineraries will take a slightly longer route via Lake Ellis, offering fantastic views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table. You might even try some fly-fishing if time and conditions allow.
- Accommodation: Camping at Lake Ellis Campsite.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Distance: Approx. 9 km.
- Ascent: Approx. 500m.
Day 3: Lake Ellis to Mintos Hut (4,200m)
- Morning: Early start after breakfast.
- Trek: Continue your ascent across the open moorland. This day offers some of the most dramatic scenery on the Chogoria route, with breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley, including the Temple (a massive 150-meter vertical cliff face) and the stunning Lake Michaelson below. You’ll traverse high ridges, getting closer to the main peaks.
- Accommodation: Mintos Hut (basic huts) or camping nearby.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Trekking Time: 4-6 hours.
- Distance: Approx. 12 km.
- Ascent: Approx. 750m.
- Acclimatization: In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization walk (e.g., to the “Temple” or around Mintos area) to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Day 4: Mintos Hut to Austrian Hut (4,790m) / Preparations for Summit
- Morning: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a shorter but steeper day of trekking.
- Trek: Today’s hike takes you along the base of huge rock walls and through more rocky, alpine terrain. You’ll traverse towards Tooth Col and eventually reach the Austrian Hut, also known as Top Hut or Lewis Glacier Hut. This hut is strategically located for the summit attempt.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit attempt. Your guide will brief you on the summit climb, and you’ll organize your gear. Early dinner and an early night are crucial.
- Accommodation: Austrian Hut (basic hut) or camping nearby.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours.
- Distance: Approx. 7 km.
- Ascent: Approx. 590m.
Day 5: Austrian Hut – Point Lenan a (4,985m) – Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
- Summit day (Very Long Day)
- Predawn Start (03:00 AM): Wake up very early (around 2:00-3:00 AM) for a quick cup of tea and biscuits.
- Summit Ascent: Begin the challenging ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m). The climb is steep, over scree and rocky slopes, in the dark and cold.
- Sunrise at the Summit (06:00-07:00 AM): Reach Point Lenana in time for an unforgettable African sunrise, with panoramic views of the main peaks (Batian and Nelion), glaciers, tarns, and potentially even Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
- Descent to Shipton’s: After photos and enjoying the views, begin your descent to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) on the Sirimon side of the mountain. This descent is rocky and can be hard on the knees.
- Breakfast at Shipton’s: Enjoy a well-deserved hot breakfast at Shipton’s Camp.
- Descent to Old Moses: Continue your descent through the Mackinder’s Valley, gradually losing altitude through the moorland. This section offers beautiful scenery as you head towards Old Moses Camp.
- Accommodation: Old Moses Camp (huts).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking Time: 8-12 hours (Summit + Descent).- Distance: Approx. 6km ascent, then 19km descent.
- Elevation Gain/Loss: Approx. 195m ascent, then 1685m descent.
Trekking Time: 8-12 hours (Summit + Descent).Day 6: Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate & Drive to Nairobi
- Morning: After a final breakfast on the mountain, begin your last day of trekking.
- Descent: Enjoy a gentle descent through the beautiful montane forest and bamboo zone, eventually reaching the Sirimon Park Gate.
- Departure: Meet your waiting vehicle at Sirimon Gate.
- Drive to Nairobi: Begin your journey back to Nairobi (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Afternoon/Evening: Arrive back in Nairobi, dropped off at your hotel or the airport.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Trekking Time: 2-3 hours.
- Distance: Approx. 9 km.
- Descent: Approximate 700m
