Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse
Ascend the dry northern slopes via Sirimon, summit Point Lenana, then descend through Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson on the scenic Chogoria side.
- Duration
- 5-6 days
- Summit
- 4,985 m
- Gate
- Sirimon Gate (ascent) · Chogoria Gate (descent)
- Group
- 2-12 people
Day-by-day
Route itinerary
- Day 1 ·
Sirimon Gate→Old Moses Camp
9 km+1050 m4–5 hrsSleep: 3,300 mEnter at Sirimon Gate (2,250 m) through montane forest and bamboo into open moorland. Old Moses Camp at 3,300 m.
- Day 2 ·
Old Moses Camp→Shipton's Camp
17 km+900 m6–8 hrsSleep: 4,200 mLong moorland traverse crossing the Ontulili River, contouring through giant heather. Lunch by the Likii River, then climb to Shipton's Camp (4,200 m) directly below Batian and Nelion.
- Day 3 ·
Shipton's Camp→Shipton's Camp (acclimatisation)
6 km+400 m3–4 hrsSleep: 4,200 mAcclimatisation hike towards Kami Hut or the lower Lenana ridge (~4,600 m). Return to Shipton's to sleep before the summit push.
- Day 4 ·
Shipton's Camp→Point Lenana → Mintos Camp
14 km+785 m-790 m7–9 hrsSleep: 4,200 mPre-dawn start (02:00–03:00), summit Point Lenana (4,985 m) at sunrise. Descend east via the summit ridge, passing Hall Tarns, and camp at Mintos Camp above Lake Michaelson on the Chogoria side.
- Day 5 ·
Mintos Camp→Meru Mount Kenya Bandas
16 km-1200 m6–8 hrsSleep: 3,000 mDescend through Gorges Valley past Lake Michaelson, through giant heather and bamboo to the Meru Mount Kenya Forest Bandas (3,000 m).
- Day 6 ·
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas→Chogoria Gate
8 km-600 m3–4 hrsFinal descent through dense montane forest to Chogoria Gate (2,950 m). Transfer back to Nanyuki.
Is the Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse right for you?
Why choose this route
- +Combines the drier, well-graded Sirimon ascent with Chogoria's spectacular descent scenery
- +No backtracking — two different gates
- +Lake Michaelson and Gorges Valley on descent reward the final days
- +Sirimon ascent gives the best acclimatisation profile
Limitations to consider
- -Vehicle transfer required between Sirimon and Chogoria gates
- -Chogoria descent can be wet in long-rain season
- -5–6 days minimum — not suitable for tight schedules
Not sure which route fits your experience and timeline?
Read our route comparison guideAll-inclusive
Packages & pricing
Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse - 6 Days All-Inclusive
6 days all-inclusive
Price per person (USD)
Solo
$1250
per person
2 people
$1020
per person
4 people
$880
per person
6 people
$800
per person
Larger groups pay less per person. Contact us for groups of 8+.
What's included
- KWS national park fees
- Camping fees (all nights)
- KWS-licensed lead guide
- Porter service (up to 15 kg per trekker)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, dining tent)
- Cook and camp crew
- Transport from Nanyuki to gate and return
- First aid kit and basic altitude medication
- Trekking completion certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory - must be arranged before travel)
- Kenya entry visa
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, trekking poles)
- Gratuities for guide and porters
- Personal snacks, drinks, and extras
- Accommodation in Nanyuki before/after the trek