Does this trek climb through Chogoria from Day 1?
No. The existing six-day Parrot itinerary approaches through Sirimon and descends through the Chogoria side.
6-Day Mount Kenya Traverse
6 Days Mount Kenya Trekking - Chogoria Route
Cross Mount Kenya on a six-day trekking programme that approaches through the Sirimon side, climbs into the high country around Shipton's Camp and Point Lenana, then descends through the scenic Chogoria side of the mountain.
Trek Overview
This six-day Mount Kenya programme combines two contrasting sides of the mountain.
The ascent begins from the Sirimon side through Old Moses and continues toward Shipton's Camp.
An acclimatisation day provides additional time at altitude before the planned Point Lenana attempt.
After the summit stage, the trek crosses toward the Chogoria side through the high mountain landscape before descending toward the Mount Kenya Bandas and Chogoria.
This traverse provides greater landscape variety than an out-and-back itinerary.
Point Lenana remains conditional on weather, altitude response and guide judgement.
Batian and Nelion are technical climbing peaks and are not included.
Highlights
- Begin the mountain journey from Nanyuki.
- Enter through the Sirimon side.
- Trek from Old Moses toward Shipton's Camp.
- Spend an acclimatisation day at high altitude.
- Attempt Point Lenana when conditions allow.
- Cross toward the Chogoria side of Mount Kenya.
- Experience the changing high-altitude scenery around the traverse.
- Descend toward Mount Kenya Bandas and Chogoria.
- Complete the route on a different side of the mountain from where the trek began.
- Return to Nairobi on Day 6.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Nairobi → Nanyuki
Nairobi to Nanyuki
Travel from Nairobi through the central highlands toward Nanyuki.
Arrive with time for final trekking preparation and a briefing before beginning the mountain programme the following day.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- Nanyuki accommodation as confirmed
- Day 2
Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses
Nanyuki to Old Moses
Transfer to Sirimon Gate and complete the park-entry formalities.
Begin trekking through the lower mountain environment toward Old Moses.
Move at a steady pace while beginning to adjust to the altitude.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- Old Moses area mountain accommodation as confirmed
- Day 3
Old Moses → Mackinder Valley → Shipton's Camp
Old Moses to Shipton's Camp
Continue higher through moorland and broad mountain valleys toward Shipton's Camp.
The increasing altitude requires a controlled pace and regular assessment by the mountain guide.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- Shipton's Camp or equivalent as confirmed
The traverse changes character as the route moves from the Sirimon approach toward the Chogoria side of Mount Kenya. - Day 4
Shipton's Camp Area
Shipton's Acclimatisation Day
Spend the day around Shipton's Camp with an acclimatisation walk selected according to weather, trail conditions and the group's condition.
Return to the high camp and prepare for the early Point Lenana attempt.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- Shipton's Camp or equivalent as confirmed
- Day 5
Shipton's → Point Lenana → Mintos → Mount Kenya Bandas Area
Point Lenana to the Chogoria Side
Begin very early for the planned Point Lenana attempt.
Continue only while weather, health and mountain conditions permit.
After the summit stage, descend toward Mintos and continue into the Chogoria side of Mount Kenya.
The exact timing depends on the group's pace and mountain conditions.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- Mount Kenya Bandas area accommodation or camp as confirmed
Early high-mountain conditions can change quickly, so the planned Point Lenana stage remains subject to weather, altitude and guide judgement. - Day 6
Mount Kenya Bandas Area → Chogoria → Nairobi
Chogoria Descent to Nairobi
Complete the descent through the lower mountain environment toward the Chogoria side.
Meet the road transfer and continue through Chogoria toward Nairobi.
Drop-off is arranged according to the confirmed programme.
- Meals
- As Confirmed in Your Quotation
- Overnight
- None
Mountain Accommodation
This traverse may use a combination of Nanyuki accommodation, mountain huts, camps and route-appropriate facilities.
The exact properties or camps must be confirmed in the final trekking quotation.
Both catalogue pricing fields are On Request.
Pricing
- Camp / Budget
- On Request
- Lodge / Mid-range
- On Request
What's Included
- Nairobi return transport as confirmed.
- Mount Kenya park entrance fees as confirmed.
- Meals specified in the final trekking quotation.
- Drinking water arrangements as confirmed.
- Mountain guide services.
- Confirmed accommodation.
What's Not Included
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Hiking boots.
- Sleeping pad where required.
- Warm personal clothing.
- Personal first-aid and insect-repellent items.
- Sunglasses and sun protection.
- Personal travel and mountain-rescue insurance unless quoted.
- Technical climbing equipment.
- Anything not specifically included.
Important Notes
- The programme uses a Sirimon approach and Chogoria descent.
- Point Lenana is not guaranteed.
- Batian and Nelion are not included.
- Weather can change rapidly.
- Altitude response varies between individuals.
- The guide may alter or stop the planned ascent for safety.
- Trail conditions can affect the day's route and timing.
- Appropriate mountain equipment is essential.
- Both catalogue pricing fields are On Request.
Who This Trek Is Best For
This trek suits travellers who want greater landscape variety than an out-and-back Mount Kenya route.
It is particularly appealing to hikers who want to approach through Sirimon, spend time in the high country and descend through the Chogoria side.
Why Choose This Chogoria Route Trek?
The itinerary's defining feature is its traverse structure.
The trek climbs through the Sirimon side toward Shipton's Camp before crossing the mountain around the Point Lenana stage and descending through Chogoria.
This creates a varied journey through two different sides of Mount Kenya rather than repeating the same trail on descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Point Lenana guaranteed?
No. Weather, health, altitude and guide judgement determine whether the summit attempt continues.
Is technical climbing involved?
No. Batian and Nelion are not included.
Why is there an acclimatisation day?
The additional high-altitude day allows the body more time to adjust before the planned Point Lenana attempt.
Do we return on the same trail?
No. The planned programme approaches through Sirimon and leaves through the Chogoria side.
What accommodation is used?
Exact mountain huts, camps and Nanyuki accommodation are confirmed in the final quotation.
Is trekking equipment included?
Personal trekking equipment should not be assumed to be included unless specifically quoted.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Mountain weather, trail conditions, altitude and safety may require adjustments.
Is insurance recommended?
Appropriate travel and mountain-rescue insurance is strongly recommended.
What is the price?
Both catalogue pricing fields are On Request.
Related
Ready for a 6-Day Mount Kenya Traverse?
Tell us your preferred dates, number of trekkers and hiking experience. We'll confirm the Sirimon-to-Chogoria route plan, accommodation, equipment requirements and current quotation.