Mt Kenya Trekking Sirimon – Chogoria Traverse

Mt Kenya Trekking Sirimon – Chogoria Traverse creative climb is one of the most popular African trekking tours. It joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.

The final nighttime ascent of Point  Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa. Still, the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris, and this is the most likely climb for actually seeing a big game.

Accommodation on this hike is in mountain huts.  Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so all night on the mountain.

Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton camp (4200m). 7 hrs, 14km, 900m ascent
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River, and continuing uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp. This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers. The resident population is of Rock hyrax and sunbirds.

For better acclimatization, you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks/day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. The afternoon is for leisure.

N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization – but you can do that as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!

Day 4: Shipton – Point Lenana(4,985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 785 ascents, 2,085 descent.

Kick-off at 3. am to reach point Lenana in time for the African Sunrise.

The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. with a good moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon then the pollution-free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the Stars as almost anywhere on Earth.

The climb takes 3-4 hours and to add to the exhilaration, Mt Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon
Descend to Minto`s hut for a full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya Bandas along the Gorges valley where you can enjoy good views of the Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks, and Giants billiards table Mountain.

Dinner and overnight at the Mt Kenya Bandas.

Here can enjoy logging fires, hot showers, and beds at the Bandas.

 

Day 5: Meru Bandas- Chogoria town. 2 hrs, 10km

After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet the vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi arriving by 17:00