Mount Kenya Chogoria Route

Overview

This 5 day / 4 night, 50+ kilometre trek on Mount Kenya ascends the spectacular Chogoria route to Point Lenana (4,985m) and descends either the Naro Moru or Sirimon route on the descent, although our preference is the Naro Moru route as there is an enjoyable descent from the summit to the Austrian Hut using the via ferrata in place along the side of the ridge.

The ascent using the Chogoria route, generally considered to be the most scenic of routes with spectacular landscape and geological features of cliffs, cirques and lakes, is longer with only basic facilities past Meru Banda’s but the gradual approach make it a great route for safe acclimatisation. From Chogoria town we’ll take 4×4’s up to the bamboo forest and trek to Meru Banda’s where it is possible to spot some wildlife venturing out of the forest to graze on the open grassland. From Meru Banda’s we trek to our second camp at Lake Ellis, via the impressive Nithi Falls and enjoy an evening walk up to the top of the nearby Mugi Hill. The next day gives you panoramic views behind of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table but ahead there’s even better to come with the Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and the vertical cliffs at Mintos camp. An early morning summit for sunrise offers panoramic views all around and on a clear day you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance.

The descent using the Naro Moru route has an enjoyable start as we descend to the Austrian Hut along the side of the ridge from Pont Lenana, using the fixed lines where necessary this section needs some easy scrambling skills. From the Austrian Hut we’ll follow a path to the top of the scree slope which we’ll zig zag down to reach stream fed by the glacier above, then a short walk along a clear path to Mackinders Camp and breakfast. After some R&R we’ll continue down the Naro Moru route, along the Teleki Valley to Picnic Rocks and down the Vertical Bog to reach Met Station for overnight. From Met Station it’s a trek through the forest to reach the Naro Moru National Park Gate where our vehicle will collect us for the transfer back to Naro Moru. It is possible to arrange a descent on the Sirimon route from the summit.

You can read more about the type of terrain you’ll encounter on a Mount Kenya trek and the level of fitness required in ‘Mount Kenya advice’.

The east to west traverse itinerary starts in Chogoria town and finishes in Naro Moru town but we can provide all the optional extras if needed, including private transport from Nairobi and back again after the trek, upgrades to hut accommodation on the mountain, accommodation in Nairobi, Chogoria or Embu (town near Chogoria where we run a number of charitable projects) and Naro Moru or Nanyuki, etc. We can also help you with a tailor made safari or a visit to our Moving Mountains projects either before the climb in Embu or after the climb in Naro Moru.