Mt. Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria Route (6 Days)
Overview
The combination of Sirimon route starting from the west of Mount Kenya National Park passing through the driest side of the mountain. On this ascent, trekkers encounter with giant trees, rocky terrain and the charming Mackinder’s Valley before descending via the Chogoria route. On descending Chogoria spotting the characteristic lush bamboo zone and the highland forests while gazing at the magnificent Gorges Valley, waterfalls and tarns
Tour Plan
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp), 3-4 hrs, 9km, 860m ascent(Camping)
After pick up in Nairobi,drive to Mount Kenya Sirimon Gate  for lunch crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m). From the gate, we trek up through a magnificent montane forest and a bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high-altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp 3300m) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 – 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2: Judmier Camp (Old Moses)/Shipton Camp, 6-7hrs, 17km, 900m ascent(Camping)
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinder’s Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp (4200m). This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glacier. Resident population is of Rock hyrax and sun birds.
Day 3: Shipton Camp - acclimatization day (Camping)
Spend the day acclimatizing with guided hikes. You will spend the day trekking to Kami Hut and down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for an early dinner and overnight in readiness for the next day's summit attempt, B, L,D.
Day 4: Shiptons/Point Lenana/lake Elliss, 10-12hrs, 18.5km, 785m ascent (Camping)
You are awake early in the morning for some. We now leave the camp at 2am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns. The journey lasts about 3 hours arriving Mount Kenya Point Lenana (6km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30am. Trekking to Lenana Peak at 4985m taking about 3hrs or so. Enjoy photographic session and sightseeing from the summit. After the African sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut (6km), 2hrs, for breakfast. Proceed with the adventure hiking for 6.5km, 3hrs further down to Lake Ellis3470m. Dinner and overnight at Lake Ellis camp, B, L, D
Day 5: Lake Ellis/Nithi falls/Bandas, (3-4hrs, 9km 700m descent (Camping)
After enjoying your last breakfast, you will walk down by trekking for 3hrs, 9km to Banda cottages through Nithi waterfalls.
Day 6: Bandas-Clearance, 2hrs, 10Km 900m descent (Hut)
After enjoying your last breakfast, you will walk down by trekking for 2hrs, 10km to forest clearance. The remaining part distance of approximately 16km is by 4x4WD vehicle. Catch a 4x4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, B, L.
