5-Day Hiking Mount Kenya Via Chogoria Route From Nairobi

This itinerary is for the ascent of Pt Lenana, the third peak of Mt Kenya, at an altitude of 4985 metres. This is not a technical climb, but a hike. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness should be more than capable of completing the trek provided they approach it in a sensible manner. The ascent is via the Chogoria Route, on the little used east side of the mountain.

Day 1

Pick up from hotel at about 0800. It's then about 3 1/2 hours from Nairobi to where we collect the porters and guides (as required). Into the Mt. Kenya forest for the 22 km drive to the Park Gate at 2,850m. Dependent on road conditions, these 22 km have been known to take all afternoon to do and in really wet conditions it is possible that the top four or five km may be impassable. Night, dependent on clients wishes, at the Meru Mt. Kenya Banda's or at roadhead a further 7 km from the Park Gate.

Day 2

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace . A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithunguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near roadhead, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch by the stream banks then it's time to cut up the left hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more "touristy" areas.

Day 3

From our campsite, we continue to move up through the moorland zone. As this area of the mountain is still off the beaten track, there are no paths to follow, and on each trip we vary the area we walk across. After about an hour, traverse left and join a ridge (slight path to follow) and join the normal Chogoria route to Minto's Hut after about 4 hour walking. Lunch at a small stream crossing then 45 min on to a camp near Minto's Hut and next to one of the tarns. Very short afternoon walk over to superb views across to "The Temple" and down to Lake Michaelson.

Day 4:

After pre dawn breakfast leave Mintos Hut for the summit passing near the Simba Tarn and Harris Tan to Point Lenana which is appproximately 4 - 5 hours. After the sunrise at 6.30 and nice views of Kilimanjaro and the Coast line descend back to Mintos for full breakfast and thereafter descend to Meru Mount Kenya Lodge(Bandas) having our lunch at the Roadhead. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas.

Day 5: After breakfast walk for 15km downhill through the denses rain and bamboo forests to connect the 4WD jeep to Chogoria Town. Then after lunch at chogoria drive back to Nairobi for your next destination.