About This Route
The Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse is the crown jewel of Mount Kenya trekking and the most recommended itinerary by experienced guides. By ascending the drier, well-graded Sirimon Route from the northwest and descending the spectacularly scenic Chogoria Route to the southeast, trekkers get the best of both worlds: excellent acclimatization on the way up and jaw-dropping scenery on the way down. The traverse passes through every ecosystem on the mountain — from montane forest and giant heather, through alpine moorland studded with giant groundsels and lobelias, across the stark summit zone, and then down through the magnificent Gorges Valley past Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis. This is the itinerary that makes Mount Kenya a rival to Kilimanjaro for sheer beauty and diversity. It requires a vehicle shuttle between gates (easily arranged with your guide).
All routes are within Mt Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Sirimon Gate (2,600m) → Old Moses Camp (3,300m) — 3–4 hrs
Day 2: Old Moses → Shipton's Camp (4,200m) — 5–6 hrs
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Shipton's — explore Harris Tarn, Kami Hut
Day 4: Summit night — Shipton's → Point Lenana (4,985m) → Mintos Hut (4,300m)
Day 5: Mintos Hut → Lake Michaelson → Lake Ellis → Chogoria Road Head
Day 6: Chogoria Road Head → Chogoria Gate — exit
Route Highlights
- The definitive Mount Kenya trek — best of both routes
- Ascend the drier Sirimon for reliable acclimatization
- Descend through Gorges Valley — Africa's most dramatic glacial canyon
- Every ecosystem from tropical forest to alpine glacier
- Lake Michaelson & Lake Ellis on the descent
- Cross the entire mountain from northwest to southeast
Trek the Sirimon – Chogoria Traverse
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