About This Experience
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit of Mount Kenya. The physical landscape on this route is its biggest attraction. Whereas the other routes above generally follow a U-Shaped glacial valley for much of the way, the Chogoria traverses around the head of the spectacular ‘Temple’ with the Hall Tarns perched on the rock ledge above it and Lake Michaelson in the base of the Amphitheatre. The additional features of Lake Ellis, the Giant’s Billiard Table and the Nithi Falls further add to its interest. The descent by the Sirimon route takes one through some beautiful forest tracks and completes the traverse of the mountain.
Detailed Description
The Chogoria route up Mount Kenya is the long way around the mountain — and the one worth doing. Where other routes follow glacial valleys in a more direct line to the summit, Chogoria takes you across the head of the spectacular 'Temple' basin, past Hall Tarns perched on a rock ledge, and down into the Amphitheatre where Lake Michaelson sits at altitude, glassy and cold in the thin air. This four-day trek run by wilderness Alternative Expedition at KES 116,100 begins in Nairobi with transport included, and ends with the descent via the Sirimon route on the western side of the mountain.
Your first day involves driving to the Chogoria gate and beginning the ascent through dense Afro-montane forest — cedar, podocarpus, and giant camphor trees draped in old man's beard lichen. Wildlife is present in the lower zones: buffalo, elephant, and bongo (one of Africa's rarest forest antelopes) all inhabit this belt. The trail climbs steadily through bamboo zones and into the moorland, where giant lobelias and groundsels — plants that look like something from another planet — dominate the landscape. Camping is in tents provided by the operator, with meals included.
Day two takes you past Lake Ellis and the Giant's Billiard Table — a natural rock formation that stops most groups for a long look — before arriving at the Minto's Hut area with views down into the Gorges Valley. The Nithi Falls pour over a cliff edge in spectacular fashion on clear days. Altitude gains at this stage are significant: you'll be camping above 4,000 meters, and the thin air makes itself known. Moving slowly, drinking consistently, and sleeping as much as possible matters here.
Day three is the summit push, aiming for Point Lenana at 4,985 meters. This is the trekking peak — the highest point accessible to non-technical climbers — and the pre-dawn start means you'll arrive for sunrise, which on a clear morning reveals both Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean in a single panorama. The descent begins via the Sirimon route, taking you through beautiful moorland and eventually into mountain forest as the oxygen thickens.
Day four completes the descent and returns you to Nairobi. No hiking gear is included — bring your own or arrange rental before departure. The operator provides tents, meals, transport, and a licensed guide. Tips are the only additional expense. Best attempted by walkers who are physically fit and comfortable with altitude; no technical climbing experience is required.
