5 DAYS MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING ADVENTURE – CHOGORIA ROUTE DOWN SIRIMON ROUTE
A great challenge and adventurous trek option’ – Pole pole Trekking
A combination of the two of Mount Kenya’s most challenging and scenic routes, from the lush green forests and U-shaped valleys of Sirimon to the unique features of the temple, mushroom rocks and the Gorge Valleys on the Chogoria approach side. There are several contrasts in micro-climatic conditions, Chogoria route being wetter and moister than Sirimon route. These itinerary accommodations are in huts and camping.
Distance: 52 km | Difficulty: Moderate
| DAY 1: NAIROBI - MT. KENYA BANDAS (2900m) |
| Duration 3-4hrs; Distance 10km; 6500m ascent |
| Depart Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After, we take a 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10km to the Mt. Kenya Bandas. |
| Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 2: MT. KENYA BANDAS - LAKE ELLIS CAMPSITE (3600m) |
| Duration 3hrs; Distance 9km; 700m ascent |
| After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a nice and east pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giant Billiard Table, whilst, if we follow the river near road, head upstream for about 3km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it's time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more 'touristy' areas. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. |
| DAY 3: LAKE ELLIS - MINTO'S CAMP |
| Duration 4hrs; Distance 12km; 600m ascent |
| Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathtaking views over the Gorge Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing further hour to the Mitos Hut area at 4200m and our night's rest. Afternoon is spent relaxing at the camp, though a 10 minute walk to the "Temple" is well worth the effort. This is a 150m vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge - they look as if they are praying. An early night is recommended as you are attempting the summit next day. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 4: MINTO'S - PT. LENANA (4985M) - OLD MOSES CAMP |
| Duration 11-12hrs; Distance 24km; 785m ascent - 1685M descent |
| Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs. We hike for about 3 hours up to Point Lenana (4985m), the hiker's summit arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton camp for breakfast. After breakfast, begin a 5 hours descent via Mackinder's Valley to the old Moses camp (3300m). The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the Moorlands before reaching the camp. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 5: OLD MOSES'CAMP TO NAIROBI |
| Duration 3hrs, Distance 15km |
| After an early breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park gate to catch a vehicle and travel to Nairobi. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast |