05 Days Sirimon to Chogoria Mount Kenya Climb

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses the Ontulili River. Go right, contouring through the open moorland and crossing the Liki North valley, then continue uphill to Mackinders Valley — where panoramic views open up towards the main peaks.

This is the longest day of the climb, gaining 900 metres of altitude across 14km. The moorland zone at this altitude is extraordinarily beautiful — giant lobelias and senecio groundsels dominate the otherworldly alpine landscape. Arrive at Shipton Camp at 4,200m for dinner and overnight.

A crucial rest day to acclimatise at 4,200m before tomorrow's summit push. Your guide leads a gentle acclimatisation walk to Kami Hut and then down to the beautiful Hauseberg Lakes — comprising Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn — set in the glacial valley below the main peaks.

These high-altitude tarns with their crystal-clear water and dramatic rock faces are among Mount Kenya's most photogenic spots. The walk prepares your body for the altitude without overtaxing — the fundamental rule of mountain medicine: "climb high, sleep low." Return to Shipton for dinner and early to bed — you'll be woken for summit departure at 3am.

The big day. Leave at 3am, ascending a steep, stony quarry that cuts through a cliff — the rocky clearing is visible ahead as your guide leads by headtorch. Push steadily upward through Hall Tarns, arriving at Point Lenana at approximately 6:30am — just in time for the East African sunrise, one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on the continent.

Point Lenana at 4,985m is Mount Kenya's third-highest peak and the highest point accessible without technical rock climbing. The 360° panoramic views at sunrise — across the Kenyan highlands, the Rift Valley, and on clear days all the way to Kilimanjaro — are the reward for everything the climb has demanded.

After the sunrise, begin the descent down the Chogoria route — dramatically different from Sirimon. Pass through the temple rocks and mushroom rock formations, through the spectacular gorge valleys, descending 2 hours to Mintos Hut for breakfast. Continue the descent for further hours to Mount Meru Bandas at 2,950m for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, descend approximately 2 hours and 15km through the forest clearance to the 4×4 transfer vehicle waiting at the lower gate. The Chogoria forest descent is beautiful — passing through dense highland cedar and podocarpus forest, with birdlife at its most active in the morning cool.

The 4×4 transfers you to Chogoria Village, where your main transfer vehicle takes you back to Nairobi. Receive your Certificate of Achievement — official recognition of summiting Mount Kenya — on the return journey. A five-day adventure that few who undertake it ever forget.