6-Day Mount Kenya Hike Chogoria Route
Embark on a thrilling 6-Day Mount Kenya Hike Chogoria Route, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, serene wilderness, and spectacular views. This route offers a unique perspective of Mount Kenya, featuring lush forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged peaks. The 6-day itinerary is designed for climbers seeking a slower-paced and immersive experience, allowing ample time for acclimatization. With expert guides, comfortable campsites, and opportunities to explore hidden gems like Lake Ellis and Mintos Hut, this trek ensures a memorable journey to Point Lenana, the mountain’s highest trekking peak. Ideal for those who love nature, photography, and a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
6-Day Mount Kenya Hike Chogoria Route
Your journey begins with a morning drive from Nairobi to Chogoria Town, where you’ll meet your trekking team. After lunch, you’ll transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and ascend to the Mount Meru Bandas (2,950m) through the Chogoria Forest. Along the way, enjoy the serene atmosphere and watch for wildlife like monkeys and colorful birds. Upon arrival, settle into the bandas, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you’ll start your trek through moorland and heather landscapes, following trails that lead to Lake Ellis (3,600m). The hike takes about 4-5 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and plains. Upon reaching Lake Ellis, you’ll set up camp and have the rest of the day to relax, acclimatize, and explore the serene lake area. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the campsite.
Begin the day with an ascent from Lake Ellis, passing through open moorland and enjoying spectacular views of Nithi Falls and the Gorges Valley. The trail leads to Mintos Hut (4,200m), your campsite for the night. This 6-7 hour hike is both challenging and rewarding, with incredible panoramas of the mountain’s rugged terrain. Once at Mintos Hut, you’ll prepare for the summit attempt and rest under a star-lit sky.
Your summit day begins early, around 2:00 AM, with a pre-dawn trek to Point Lenana (4,985m). The ascent is steep but manageable, and the reward is a breathtaking sunrise from the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and plains. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Lake Michaelson, one of the most picturesque spots on Mount Kenya. Set up camp by the lake, enjoy a well-earned meal, and relax in the stunning alpine setting.
After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent through the Chogoria Route, retracing your steps past the scenic Gorges Valley. The trek back to Mount Meru Bandas takes about 5-6 hours, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of Mount Kenya’s landscapes one last time. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the bandas, where you can celebrate your successful hike.
On the final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving through the forest back to Chogoria Town. From there, you’ll transfer back to Nairobi, marking the end of an unforgettable 6-day hike through the Chogoria Route.
6-Day Mount Kenya Hike Chogoria Route
Cost Includes
- Guide
- Park Fees
- Tax
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Gate transfer
- Crew wages
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Environment fees
- During the climb you will spleep in Huts
- Brekafasts
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Drinking Water
- Guide
- Porters
- Cook
Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Tips to mountain crew
6-Day Mount Kenya Hike Chogoria Route
The Chogoria Route is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring pristine lakes, dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and expansive moorlands. It is less crowded than other routes and offers a more tranquil and immersive hiking experience.
The Chogoria Route is considered a moderate to challenging trek. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills but demands good physical fitness and stamina due to the high altitude and steep sections.
The Chogoria Route trek takes 6 days, including time for acclimatization and a gradual descent.
The highest point on the trek is Point Lenana, which stands at 4,985 meters (16,354 feet) above sea level. It is the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya.
The best times to hike Mount Kenya are:
- January to March: Warm and dry conditions.
- June to October: Cool weather with clear skies and stable conditions.
