Sirimon – Chogoria Traverse – 5 Days

Highlights of the Itinerary:
This creative climb 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, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris.

Detailed Breakdown
DAY 1
Nairobi – Sirimoin gate – Old Moses camp
Nairobi – Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp
Elevation: 1.700 m / 5.577 ft – 2.600 m / 8.530 ft – 3.300 m / 10.826 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5.6 miles hiking, 210 km / 130 miles drive by car
Trekking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After pick up in Nairobi, drive to Nanyuki town, crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate for lunch (2.600 m / 8.530 ft). From the gate, we trek up through the magnificent montanious forest, bamboo, and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first camp (Old Moses camp 3.300 m / 10.826 ft) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle hike that takes 3 – 4 hrs.

DAY 2
Old Moses Camp – Shipton Camp
Elevation: 3.300 m / 10.826 ft – 3.600 m / 11.811 ft
Distance:  14 km / 8.7 miles
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, turning right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right winding 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 boasts surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers. The resident population is of Rock hyrax and sunbirds. We then go up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3.600 m / 11.811 ft, well away from any of the more touristy areas.

DAY 3
Shipton Camp – Pt Lenana – Meru Camp
Elevation: 3.600 m / 11.811 ft – 4.985 m / 16.354 ft – 2.900 m / 9.514 ft
Distance:  21 km / 13 miles
Trekking Time: 11 – 12 hours
Habitat: Rocky and Moutain Desert
Kick-off at 3:00 am to reach Pt. Lenana in time for the African sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky trail with some very minor scrambling. With a clear moon, you barely need a flashlight and the pollution-free sky shines 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 Camp along the gorgeous valley where you can enjoy beautiful views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks and Giant Billiards Table. Dinner and overnight at the camp. Enjoy a log fire.

DAY 4
Meru Camp – Chogoria town – Nairobi
Elevation: 2.900 m / 9.514 ft – 1.950 m / 6.397 ft – 1.700 m / 5.577 ft
Distance:  Hike for 10 km / 6.2 miles – drive by car to Nairobi 220 km / 136 miles
Trekking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Habitat:  Rainforest
After breakfast, descend on a broad trail through bamboo and pure Rainforest to meet a vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi arriving by 5:00 pm.

DAY 5
Exiting Nairobi hotel to Kenyatta Airport or for further safari
Elevation: 1.700 m / 5.577 ft
Drive Distance: 16.1 km / 10 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour
Habitat: Town / Municipality / County
After Break First Check and make sure as you leave the hotel that everything is in good condition and intact. Get ready to be driven back to the Airport or embark on other safari, in Kenya with an unforgettable safari experience with us.