Chogoria - Sirimon Route
Go To Mount Kenya - 5 days
-
Regular days with
- 15 - 20 km per day
- 500 - 1000m ascent per day
- T3 Trails
Overview
> Traverse the mountain from East to North via the Chogoria and Sirimon routes
> Climb Point Lenana, the highest trekking peak on Mount Keny
> Ascend via the quieter and most dramatic Chogoria route
Conquer Mount Kenya by trekking the impressive Chogoria Route!
Enjoy ancient bamboo and hardwood forests on the lower slopes and colossal rock formations in the Gorges Valley. The Chogoria Route is an enormously versatile route that delivers heaps of breathtaking moments.
Expect a lot of wildlife on route, especially on the stretch towards the trailhead. Lots of monkeys, buffalos and a single elephant. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a leopard.
Once in the park it only gets better. Less wildlife, but endless views, waterfalls and enchanting valleys. The Gorges Valley is one that you won’t forget soon.
Minimum persons per booking: 2
What’s the plan?
Day 1: Nairobi – Mount Kenya Bandas (2,900m) – 3 hrs
Day 2: Mount Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) 3 hrs
Day 3: Lake Ellis Campsite – Mintos campside (4,200m) – 4 hrs
Day4: Mintos campside – Pt Lenana (4,985m) – Judmiere Camp (3,300m) – 11/12 hrs
Day 5: Judmiere Camp – Nairobi – 2 hrs
Route
What’s the plan?
Day 1: Nairobi – Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 3hrs, 10km walk, 950m ascent.
After pick up in Nairobi, we drive through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4×4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trek through the dense bamboo forest for distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas. (3000m)
Day 2: Mt Kenya Bandas – Minto`s campsite ( 4,200m) 8-9 hrs, 17km, 1,400 ascent.
Today you commence early for a long trek on a wide track through the forest, with occasional sightings of elephant, bushbuck, buffalo and impala. Emerging from the forest, you walk through heather before crossing the Nithi River to reach the moorlands from where you can enjoy good views of the picturesque Gorges Valley, the Temple, lakes, mushroom rocks, billiards table and the high peaks. Total walking time approx. 8 hours, picnic lunch en route.
Day 3: Minto`s – Pt Lenana ( 4,985m) Judmiere Camp (3,300m) 11-12 hrs, 785m ascent, 24km walk, 1,685m descent
Predawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs and you hike for about three hours up to point Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit, arriving there for the African sunrise. Descend Shipton`s camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, begin a 5 hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Judmiere camp. ( 3,300m) The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.
Dinner and overnight at judmiere camp.
Day 4: Judmiere Camp – Nairobi. 2 hrs walk.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours to the Sirimon Park gate to catch a vehicle for the return journey to Nanyuki for lunch. Later transfer back to Nairobi arriving by 1700hrs.
Tip: Day 2’s hike is a long one involving a steady climb up to Mintos. Hikers who are not limited by time can take an overnight stopover at the Nithi Camp (3300m) mid-way to Mintos. From here they can explore the nearby Nithi Falls or climb Mugi hill (3500m) for better acclimatisation. Alternatively you can hike directly to Mintos/Halltarn and spend an extra day here instead to recuperate and explore the Gorges Valley which also accords you a better acclimatization due to the higher altitude.
Included
Included:
√ Transportation to and from Mount Kenya
The transport from Nairobi to the gate of Mount Kenya is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.
√ Four Season Mountain tents
You’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.
√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
√ Your own team of porters and guides
Trekking on Mount Kenya is hard, both for yourself and your support staff. You will have a team who will support you in climbing Mount Kenya. This team usually consists of a guide, porters and a cook. This way you don't have to carry your full gear yourself. The guide speaks English and usually the rest of the team speaks English as well
Excluded:
× Visa for Kenya
Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa online or upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Nairobi. Check with your local Kenyan embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
× Flights to and from Nairobi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Nairobi. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Jomo Kenyatta Internatiol Airport, it is best to have a look at their website.
× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous. A recommended fee is between 10 - 15% of the climbing costs.
× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Nairobi or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
Accommodation
AccommodationFour Season Mountain tents
You will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals.
Safety
SafetySafety is of the utmost importance to us. That is why this is an area in which we simply do not compromise when it comes to keeping the cost of our trekkings low. Our guides have been selected on the basis of their technical competence, proven safety performance, impeccable judgment, friendly attitude and ability to provide useful and expert instructions. They are also very professional and well trained in first aid and personal protection equipment. First aid kits are available on all treks. In addition, the routes are ideally designed to give you enough time to acclimatize.
While the intention is to stick to the described route, a certain degree of flexibility is built in. In some cases it may be necessary to change the route here and there. The mountains are full of surprises, and the weather on Mount Kenya is unpredictable. The guides continuously carry out risk assessments throughout the expedition. It is therefore best to plan a number of extra days in Kenya to cover for possible unforeseen circumstances. Read all about altitude sickness here.
Packing List
Trekking in Mount Kenya requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90l backpack and quality trekking socks.Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
- 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
- 2 Sport Bra (women)
Headwear
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
- Bandana (optional)
Handwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)
Footwear
- Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
- Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
- 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
- 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended
- Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended)
- Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
- Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
- Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional)
- Trekking Poles (recommended)
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
- Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear
Other
- Toiletries (Option)
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper (To be provided)
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
- Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
FAQ
FAQBest season
In the mountains the weather is often difficult to predict. The same goes for climbing Mount Kenya. Although you are trekking at the equator, it can get quite cold at an altitude of 4000m (13.123ft). Temperatures ranging from -10 to -20'C have been measured at Point Lenana. Although these are excesses, it is advisable to be prepared for all types of weather. Kenya has two rainy seasons, the long rains and the short rains. The long rains last from mid-March to mid-June and the short rains are in September and October. Mount Kenya is good all year round, but during the long rains you have to be prepared for heavy rainfall and muddy trails. But even in rainy season, there's a good chance that you will put on more sunscreen regularly.
Porters
Trekking on Mount Kenya is hard, both for yourself and your support staff. You will have a team who will support you in climbing Mount Kenya. This team usually consists of a guide, porters and a cook. This way you don't have to carry your full gear yourself. The guide speaks English and usually the rest of the team speaks English as well.
Tipping
It is impossible to climb the Mount Kenya solo. . Both the guide, the assistant guide, the porter and the cook expect a tip. For the whole trek, this sums up to an amount ranging from 10 until 15% of the total climbing costs.
Visa for Kenya
Visas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Nairobi. Check with your local Kenyan embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
Vaccinations
Tanzania is an area where yellow fever occurs and therefore we recommend you to be vaccinated. We also recommend that you have all other vaccinations such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date. Malaria is present in Kenya but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. Always consult your health professional 90 days ahead of departure.
If you are looking for inspiration, you can find plenty of information in our article about climbing Mount Kenya.
Go To Mount Kenya
Our company is established in Kenya and is one of the leading personal guiding companies in the country. We are set up to provide a very personal service. You will be dealing directly with the people who benefit directly from your visit. You won't get closer than that.Excellent Staff & Team Leaders
We pride ourselves on having excellent staff and team leaders, who have worked with us for many years - that`s why Go To Mount Kenya is so popular!
Attention to You and Your Safety
Each assignment is a project in its own right - your team, our team and the mountain. The size of our team is directly related to the number on your team. That way we ensure the correct level of attention to you and your safety.
Fantastic Time
We hope you will contact friends who have traveled with us before. Indeed most of our business comes from referrals so we know the value in you having a fantastic time.
How to Book
How does it work?On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.
Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.
After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com
The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.
Cancellation Policy
You wish you didn’t have to, but there is no other way: You find yourself having to cancel your plans. In this case, you lose your deposit, but since you haven’t paid the large sum yet, you at least save that. Please do let us know if you cannot make it. A no-show can be a small disaster for your trekking provider, who did its best to block your dates. View our complete cancellation policy here.
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