5 DAYS MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING ADVENTURE – SIRIMON ROUTE DOWN CHOGORIA 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: NANYUKI TO SIRIMON TO JUDMIER CAMP (OLD MOSES CAMP) |
| Duration 3-4 hrs; Distance 9km; 860m ascent |
| Leave Nanyuki at 8 am proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m |
| Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 2: JUDMIER CAMP TO SHIPTON CAMP |
| Duration 6-7hrs; Distance 14km; 900m ascent |
| After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. |
| DAY 3: SHIPTON CAMP |
| Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for dinner and overnight. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 4: SHIPTONS TO POINT LENANA TO MOUNT MERU BANDAS (CHOGORIA GATE) |
| Duration 6-7 hrs; Distance 14km; 785m ascent |
| Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving point Lenana at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut, 2hrs, for breakfast and further hrs down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| DAY 5: CHOGORIA BANDAS TO CHOGORIA TO NAIROBI |
| Duration 7-8hrs, Distance 15km |
| Descend to forest clearance to catch a shuttle transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, if needed but you can get your private transfer back. |
| Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch |