Timau–Chogoria Traverse
A wildlife-rich northern approach through open savanna and alpine moorland, ascending via Timau and descending through Chogoria's lush eastern forests.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Summit
- 4,985 m
- Gate
- Timau Gate (ascent) · Chogoria Gate (descent)
- Group
- 2-12 people
Day-by-day
Route itinerary
- Day 1 ·
Timau Gate→Marania Camp
11 km+900 m5–6 hrsSleep: 3,200 mEnter via Timau Gate (2,300 m) through drier bushland and lower montane forest. Marania Camp (3,200 m) offers clear morning views of Point Lenana.
- Day 2 ·
Marania Camp→Major's Camp
10 km+400 m4–5 hrsSleep: 3,600 mLong, less steep tracks through open moorland. Excellent wildlife — zebras and elands are frequently seen. Major's Camp (3,600 m) marks the edge of the high alpine zone.
- Day 3 ·
Major's Camp→Shipton's Camp
12 km+600 m5–7 hrsSleep: 4,200 mSteep ascent through giant groundsel and heather via 'The Icemike' sections. An elephant skeleton is visible along the route. Shipton's Camp (4,200 m) sits directly below Batian and Nelion.
- Day 4 ·
Shipton's Camp→Point Lenana → Meru Bandas
14 km+785 m-1985 m8–10 hrsSleep: 3,000 mPre-dawn summit push to Point Lenana (4,985 m). Sunrise views extend to Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo Sabuk and Marsabit on clear mornings. Descend east via Mintos Camp to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (3,000 m) — hot showers available.
- Day 5 ·
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas→Chogoria Gate
8 km-600 m3–4 hrsFinal 29 km drive and forest walk through Chogoria's bamboo forest to the gate (2,950 m). Transfer to Nanyuki or Nairobi via Embu.
Is the Timau–Chogoria Traverse right for you?
Why choose this route
- +Safari-style wildlife encounters on the northern approach
- +Combines the open Timau landscape with Chogoria's famous eastern descent
- +Moderate difficulty — suitable for reasonably fit first-timers
- +Less-used trail system on the Timau side — excellent solitude
Limitations to consider
- -Vehicle transfer required between Timau and Chogoria gates
- -Timau lower sections have limited hut infrastructure
- -Chogoria descent can be very wet in long-rain season
Not sure which route fits your experience and timeline?
Read our route comparison guideAll-inclusive
Packages & pricing
Timau–Chogoria Traverse - 5 Days All-Inclusive
5 days all-inclusive
Price per person (USD)
Solo
$1150
per person
2 people
$930
per person
4 people
$810
per person
6 people
$740
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