5 Days 4 Nights Mount Kenya Climb – Sirimon to Chogoria Route
5 Day Mount Kenya Climb Overview
Take on a professionally guided 5-day Mount Kenya climb via the Sirimon-Chogoria Route, one of the mountain’s most rewarding non-technical trekking routes. Begin on the gentler Sirimon side, trek through montane forest and open moorland, then continue through Mackinder Valley to Shipton’s Camp beneath Mount Kenya’s main peaks.
The itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day at Shipton’s Camp before the summit attempt. Early on Day 4, climb to Point Lenana at approximately 4,985 meters, Mount Kenya’s main trekking summit, before descending through the dramatic Chogoria landscape.
This is a challenging high-altitude trek, not a technical rock climb. A professional mountain guide leads the expedition, while porters and a cook carry luggage, manage camp logistics, and prepare meals. Both private climbs and selected scheduled group departures are available.
Trek Highlights
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Sirimon Route ascent
- Chogoria Route descent
- Point Lenana sunrise summit
- Summit altitude approximately 4,985 m
- Dedicated acclimatization day
- Two nights around Shipton’s Camp level
- Mackinder Valley scenery
- Chogoria’s gorges, tarns and alpine landscapes
- Professional mountain guide
- Porter and mountain cook support
- Mountain huts and/or camping
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Treated drinking water
- Standard Mount Kenya park and camping fees included
- Nairobi transfers included according to confirmed trek type
- Private and scheduled group departures
- Equipment-hire assistance available
Trek at a Glance
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Mountain: Mount Kenya
Summit: Point Lenana
Summit Elevation: Approximately 4,985 m
Ascent: Sirimon Route
Descent: Chogoria Route
Start & End: Nairobi
Difficulty: Challenging
Technical Climbing: Not required for Point Lenana
Highest Overnight: Shipton’s Camp, approximately 4,200 m
Acclimatization Day: Included
Accommodation: Mountain huts/camping + Chogoria-side lodge or bandas
Mountain Team: Guide, porters and cook
Meals: Full board as listed
Park Fees: Included for the confirmed itinerary
Scheduled Group Price: From USD 950 pp
Private Two-Person Price: From USD 1,150 pp
Kenyan Citizen Group Price: From KES 55,000 pp
Six-Day Option: Available for a slower pace
Mount Kenya Climbing Route
Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp → Shipton’s Camp → Point Lenana → Mintos → Chogoria Route → Chogoria → Nairobi
The Sirimon side provides a gradual approach through forest, heath and open moorland before reaching the high alpine zone. After the summit, the Chogoria descent introduces different scenery, including cliffs, tarns, broad valleys and the Gorges Valley area. Using two different routes also means you do not simply retrace the same trail.
Why Choose the Sirimon–Chogoria Route?
The route combines good acclimatization potential with some of Mount Kenya’s most varied scenery. Sirimon provides a relatively steady ascent towards Shipton’s Camp, while Chogoria offers a more dramatic descent through high-alpine valleys, tarns and cliffs.
Most importantly, this five-day itinerary includes an additional day at Shipton’s Camp before the summit attempt. That gives trekkers more time to adjust to altitude than faster four-day itineraries, although no schedule can guarantee successful acclimatization or a successful summit.
Difficulty & Altitude
This is a challenging high-altitude trek.
Trekkers should be prepared for consecutive walking days, uneven trails, cold nights, a pre-dawn summit start and a long summit/descent day. Point Lenana does not require technical rock-climbing skills, but good cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and previous hiking experience are strongly recommended.
Altitude affects people differently regardless of fitness. Report headaches, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue or coordination problems to your guide immediately. The guide may slow the pace, stop an ascent or require descent when safety demands it.
Accommodation
Mount Kenya accommodation is functional rather than luxurious.
Old Moses Camp
The first night is at Old Moses Camp or a campsite nearby. Facilities are basic and may include shared sleeping and bathroom arrangements.
Shipton’s Camp
Spend two nights around Shipton’s Camp level. Based on the confirmed arrangement and availability, we can use the basic hut or tents.
Temperatures can fall below freezing, so a suitable cold-weather sleeping bag and proper thermal clothing are essential.
Chogoria Side
After the summit and long descent, stay at Mount Kenya Bandas, Chogoria Transit Lodge or comparable confirmed accommodation depending on trail conditions and the final vehicle collection point.
Tunza Tours will confirm the sleeping arrangements before payment.
Mountain Team & Transport
The expedition includes a professional mountain guide, mountain cook and appropriate porter team for the confirmed group size.
Private climbs use road transport arranged for your party between Nairobi and the trailheads. Scheduled group departures use shared transport with the confirmed trekking group.
Porters carry group equipment, food and the confirmed portion of each trekker’s main luggage. You carry your own daypack with water, warm layers, waterproof clothing, personal medication, sun protection, snacks and essential items.
Tunza Tours will confirm the personal porter luggage allowance in writing before departure.
5 Day Mount Kenya Climb Price
From USD 950 Per Person
The lowest advertised rate applies to selected scheduled group departures.
Private treks are also available on any suitable confirmed date, subject to guide, crew and park availability.
Non-Resident Rates
| Trek Arrangement | Starting Rate |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Group Departure | USD 950 pp |
| Private – 5+ Trekkers | USD 975 pp |
| Private – 3–4 Trekkers | USD 1,050 pp |
| Private – 2 Trekkers | USD 1,150 pp |
| Private – Solo Trekker | USD 1,450 |
The rate includes standard Mount Kenya conservation and accommodation/camping charges required for the confirmed itinerary, mountain crew, meals, and the services listed under inclusions.
KWS currently charges non-resident adults USD 70 per 24-hour entry period, with public camping fees starting at USD 20 per adult.
Kenyan Citizen Rates
| Trek Arrangement | Starting Rate |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Group Departure | KES 55,000 pp |
| Private – 5+ Trekkers | KES 59,500 pp |
| Private – 3–4 Trekkers | KES 64,500 pp |
| Private – 2 Trekkers | KES 69,500 pp |
| Private – Solo Trekker | KES 79,500 |
Kenya residents receive a separate quotation because the KWS resident fee category differs from the East African citizen rate.
What Your Quotation Will Confirm
Before payment, Tunza Tours will confirm:
- private or scheduled group departure;
- mountain accommodation;
- guide and crew allocation;
- personal porter allowance;
- Mount Kenya park and camping fees;
- Nairobi transfers;
- meals and dietary requirements;
- equipment-hire requests;
- emergency-cover requirements;
- total trek price.
Equipment Hire
Selected equipment may be available for hire before departure, including sleeping bags, trekking poles, waterproof clothing, gaiters, warm jackets, headlamps and duffel bags.
Confirm sizes, availability and rental charges before the trek. Ideally, bring your own hiking boots that are already broken in.
Best Time to Climb Mount Kenya
You can climb Mount Kenya throughout much of the year, but January to March and June to October generally offer the most favorable trekking conditions. Wetter periods can bring mud, cloud, rain, and more difficult trail conditions.
However, mountain weather changes quickly throughout the year. Rain, freezing temperatures, wind, sleet and occasional snow can occur even during otherwise dry months.
What to Carry
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Warm hat or balaclava
- Sun hat
- Warm gloves
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal medication
- Small personal first-aid items
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder
- Daypack
- Weather-resistant duffel bag
- Dry bags or waterproof liners
- Energy snacks
- Power bank
- Toiletries
- Passport/identification
- Travel insurance details
Good to Know Before Booking
This trek reaches high altitude, and reaching Point Lenana is never guaranteed. Weather, altitude response, illness, injury, trail conditions, and guide safety decisions may affect the summit attempt.
Comprehensive travel insurance should cover trekking to at least 5,000 meters, emergency medical treatment, and evacuation from Mount Kenya. Air evacuation is not automatically included in the standard trek price.
The five-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day, but travelers who want a gentler pace should consider the six-day version.
Booking & Payment
To request a quotation, provide your preferred date, number of trekkers, nationality or residency category, private or group preference, hiking experience, dietary requirements and equipment-hire needs.
Tunza Tours will confirm the mountain crew, accommodation, transfers, park fees, porter arrangement and final price before payment.
Do not book non-refundable onward travel until your climb has been confirmed in writing.
Cancellation & Trek Changes
Cancellation conditions depend on your travel date, crew commitments, park fees, accommodation, transport and services already reserved.
The guide may change the schedule, route or summit attempt because of altitude symptoms, weather, trail conditions or another safety concern. Reaching Point Lenana isn’t required to receive a refund when we have provided the contracted trek services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does the 5-day Mount Kenya climb cost?
Scheduled group departures start from approximately USD 950 pp. A private trek for two starts from approximately USD 1,150 pp.
2. Which route does the trek use?
The climb ascends via Sirimon and descends via Chogoria.
3. What summit will we reach?
The trekking objective is Point Lenana at approximately 4,985 meters.
4. Is Point Lenana Mount Kenya’s highest summit?
No. Batian and Nelion are higher technical peaks. Point Lenana is the principal non-technical trekking summit.
5. Do I need rock-climbing experience?
No technical climbing experience is required for Point Lenana. However, the trek is physically demanding and takes place at high altitude.
6. Is there an acclimatization day?
Yes. Day 3 is spent around Shipton’s Camp with an acclimatization hike, rest, and summit preparation.
7. How difficult is the summit day?
It is the hardest day of the trek, normally involving around 10–12 hours of trekking and a large descent after reaching Point Lenana.
8. Are park fees included?
Yes. The standard Mount Kenya fees required for the confirmed itinerary are included.
9. Are porters included?
Yes. The package includes porter support according to the confirmed group size and luggage allowance.
10. Is a sleeping bag included?
Not automatically. Bring your own suitable sub-zero sleeping bag or request an available rental before departure.
11. Is drinking water included?
Yes. The mountain team provides treated, filtered, boiled, or otherwise safely prepared drinking water during the trek.
12. Can solo travelers book?
Yes. Solo private climbs are available, while scheduled group departures can provide a lower-cost option when dates match.
13. Are Kenyan citizen rates available?
Yes. Scheduled citizen group departures start from approximately KES 55,000 pp, while private rates vary by group size.
14. Can teenagers climb Mount Kenya?
Older teenagers may be considered based on fitness, experience, maturity, and guardian supervision. Suitability should be assessed before confirmation.
15. Is summit success guaranteed?
No. Altitude response, health, weather, and trail conditions can prevent a summit attempt or require an early descent.
16. Can I extend the climb to six days?
Yes. A six-day version provides additional acclimatization and can reduce the pressure of the long summit-day descent.
Why Climb Mount Kenya With Tunza Tours?
This itinerary combines the gradual Sirimon approach, a dedicated acclimatization day, the Point Lenana sunrise summit and the scenic Chogoria descent in one five-day traverse.
The revised package also clarifies the practical details before payment: trek type, guide and crew support, mountain accommodation, park fees, porter arrangements, meals, equipment requirements, and private or scheduled-group pricing.
Tunza Tours operates under a Tourism Regulatory Authority License.
Request Your Mount Kenya Climbing Quote
Send Tunza Tours your preferred climbing date, number of trekkers, nationality or residency category, hiking experience and any equipment-hire requirements.
The team will confirm available departures, mountain crew, park fees, and the total trek price.
Get a Free Quote
Included/Excluded
- Transport in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Experienced mountain cook and porter services
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- Pick-up and drop-off within Nairobi
- Basic first-aid support and daily altitude monitoring
- Camping, cooking and dining equipment
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
- Alcoholic and soft drinks unless otherwise specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Any item not mentioned as included
Tour Plan
Driving distance: Approximately 200–220 km
Estimated driving time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Trekking distance: Approximately 9 km
Estimated trekking time: 3–4 hours
Starting elevation: Approximately 2,650 metres
Overnight elevation: Approximately 3,300 metres
Elevation gain: Approximately 650–680 metres
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp or campsite
Your 5-day Mount Kenya climb begins with an early pickup from your Nairobi hotel, residence or designated meeting point. Meet your professional mountain guide, complete the final equipment check and begin the journey through Kenya’s central highlands.
Travel through Thika, Karatina and Nanyuki before continuing to Sirimon Gate on Mount Kenya’s northwestern side. After registration, park formalities and lunch, begin the trek through montane forest and open moorland. The trail climbs steadily rather than steeply, providing a suitable introduction to the expedition. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually gives way to heath vegetation and broader mountain views.
Your guide will maintain a controlled pace and encourage regular hydration. Arrive at Old Moses Camp during the afternoon, settle into the hut or campsite and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. The guide will conduct a short health check and briefing for the next day’s longer ascent.
Overnight: Old Moses Camp or campsite.
Trekking distance: Approximately 14 km
Estimated trekking time: 6–7 hours
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,300 metres
Overnight elevation: Approximately 4,236 metres
Elevation gain: Approximately 900 metres
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp hut or campsite
After breakfast, begin the steady ascent towards Shipton’s Camp. The trail passes through increasingly open moorland before entering the broad Mackinder Valley, one of the most impressive glacial landscapes on the Sirimon Route. Along the way, look for giant lobelias, groundsels and other plants adapted to Mount Kenya’s Afro-alpine environment. The surrounding ridges and valleys become more dramatic as the route approaches the main peaks.
Enjoy a packed or freshly prepared lunch at a suitable point along the trail. Your guide will maintain a slow, consistent pace because the elevation gain is significant and proper acclimatisation remains essential. Arrive at Shipton’s Camp during the afternoon. The camp sits beneath Mount Kenya’s main peaks and serves as an important base for summit attempts.
After settling into the hut or campsite, enjoy a warm meal and rest. Your guide will assess how the group is responding to the altitude and explain the following day’s acclimatisation programme.
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp hut or campsite.
Activity duration: Approximately 3–5 hours
Starting and finishing elevation: Approximately 4,236 meters
Activities: Acclimatization hike, rest, and summit briefing
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp hut or campsite
Spend the day acclimatizing at Shipton’s Camp before attempting Point Lenana. This additional high-altitude night improves the itinerary’s pacing and provides valuable time for the guide to monitor each trekker. After breakfast, take a controlled acclimatization walk towards a nearby ridge, tarn or viewpoint. The exact route may include sections towards Kami Hut, Hausberg Col, or another suitable area selected by the guide based on weather and trail conditions.
The aim is to climb higher during the day before returning to Shipton’s Camp to sleep. Walk slowly, drink regularly, and inform the guide immediately about headaches, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or difficulty coordinating movement.
Return to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting. Prepare your warm clothing, headlamp, gloves, water, and daypack for the pre-dawn summit departure. After an early dinner, the guide will explain the trail, expected weather, summit pace, and descent plan. Retire early because the final ascent typically begins at night.
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp hut or campsite.
Summit elevation: 4,984 metres
Estimated trekking distance: Approximately 25–32 km, depending on vehicle access
Estimated trekking time: 10–12 hours
Elevation gain to summit: Approximately 750 metres
Total descent: More than 1,900 metres
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Chogoria Transit Lodge, Mount Kenya Bandas or comparable accommodation
Wake before midnight and prepare for the summit attempt. After a light snack and hot drink, begin climbing through steep, rocky and high-alpine terrain under the light of your headlamp. The group will move slowly to conserve energy and manage the altitude. Depending on weather and trail conditions, reach Point Lenana around sunrise and enjoy panoramic views across Mount Kenya’s peaks, valleys and central highlands.
Point Lenana is the mountain’s principal trekking summit. Batian and Nelion are higher technical peaks and are not part of this itinerary.
After photographs and a brief summit celebration, begin descending towards the Chogoria side. Stop near Mintos or another protected location for breakfast and a well-earned rest.
Continue through the dramatic landscapes of the Chogoria Route. Depending on the selected trail, weather and available vehicle access, views may include Hall Tarns, the Gorges Valley, cliffs, waterfalls and distant glacial lakes.
This is the longest and most physically demanding day of the expedition. Your guide may adjust the route, pace or vehicle collection point to protect the group’s safety. Arrive at the Chogoria-side accommodation during the afternoon or evening. Enjoy a warm shower where available, a full dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
Overnight: Chogoria Transit Lodge, Mount Kenya Bandas or comparable accommodation.
Approximate driving distance: 190–220 km
Estimated driving time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast after completing the Mount Kenya traverse. The mountain team will assist with organising equipment and preparing for the journey back to Nairobi. Depending on the previous day’s finishing point, a short vehicle transfer may first take you through the forest to Chogoria town. Continue through Embu and Kenya’s central highlands, with comfort and refreshment stops arranged along the route.
Arrive in Nairobi during the afternoon and receive drop-off at your hotel, residence or designated meeting point. Airport drop-off can also be arranged when your flight schedule allows sufficient time.
Your 5-day Mount Kenya climb via the Sirimon–Chogoria Route ends with a successful high-altitude trekking achievement and memorable views of one of Africa’s most remarkable mountain landscapes.
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