Mountain Climbing · Mount Kenya · Kenya
Mount Kenya Chogoria Route — 5 Days
Duration: 5 DaysMountain: 5,199m — Point Lenana (4,985m)Route: Chogoria (Most Scenic Route)Best Time: Jan–Feb / Jul–Sep
The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful approach to Mount Kenya — ascending from the east through dense bamboo and podocarpus forest, past the dramatic gorge and the stunning Lake Michaelson (4,000m), set in a glacially carved valley beneath the jagged summit towers. The scenery on this route is consistently extraordinary.
At 5 days, the Chogoria Route allows proper acclimatisation and a more comfortable summit day. It descends via the Sirimon Route, traversing the mountain from east to west for maximum scenic variety. Wildlife is abundant on the lower slopes — elephant, buffalo, leopard, colobus monkey and the rare giant forest hog are all encountered.
Drive from Nairobi to Chogoria town on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Meet your guide team and overnight before the mountain entry.
Drive through bamboo forest to the park gate and continue by vehicle to Road Head Camp, then walk to forest camp. Dramatic mountain scenery opens up rapidly.
Trek through open moorland past giant lobelias and groundsels to Lake Ellis — a beautiful highland lake at 3,600m surrounded by moorland. Acclimatisation afternoon.
Trek to the breathtaking Lake Michaelson (4,000m) — one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Africa, set in a dramatic glacially carved valley. Camp at Hall Tarns above the lake. At 3am, begin the summit push to Point Lenana.
Reach Point Lenana (4,985m) at dawn for a sunrise above the clouds. Descend the Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp and drive back to Nairobi.