4 Days Mount Kenya Trekking Safari (Sirimon-Chogoria Traverse)

A 4-day private Mount Kenya trekking safari via the Sirimon-Chogoria traverse. Ascend via Sirimon through Old Moses Camp (3,300m) and Shipton’s Camp (4,200m). Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) on day 3. Descend via the scenic Chogoria Route through Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included throughout. Budget and mid-range accommodation options available.

Quick Highlights

[VISUAL: Summit Mount Kenya Point Lenana 4985m first light sunrise trekkers alpine zone Kenya — alt: “4 days mount kenya sirimon chogoria traverse summit point lenana bienvenido”]

Who Is This Trek For?
Ideal for: Fit trekkers wanting to summit Point Lenana in the shortest responsible timeframe
Ideal for: Those with some hiking background who want a complete mountain traverse
Ideal for: Budget-conscious summit seekers who want the Sirimon and Chogoria experience combined
Not ideal: those who are not physically fit; 4 days covers serious daily distances with altitude gain
Not ideal: those who have never trekked above 3,000m and want maximum safety margin; the 5-day gives an extra acclimatisation day

The Traverse in Plain Language

Up one side, down the other. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is the most popular combination route on Mount Kenya for a reason: the Sirimon ascent is steady and well-graded for acclimatisation, and the Chogoria descent is the most dramatic and scenic route on the mountain. You see two genuinely different sides of the same peak.

Four days is tight. You sleep one night at 3,300m (Old Moses) and one night at 4,200m (Shipton’s) before the summit push. This acclimatisation profile works for most fit trekkers who respond well to altitude. If you have had altitude sickness before, or if you have never been above 3,000m and want more margin, book the 5-day version, which adds an acclimatisation day at Shipton’s.

Alternative routes available: This itinerary follows the Sirimon ascent / Chogoria descent (this itinerary). Contact us if you prefer a different route.
All routes reach Point Lenana (4,985m) on summit itineraries. Route choice does not change the quoted price.
Alternative: Sirimon ascent / Naro Moru descent (faster but less scenic)
Alternative: Chogoria ascent / Sirimon descent (reversed; more scenic on ascent; see 6-day itinerary)

Tipping guide (per trek, paid at end in cash): Mountain guide: USD 15 to 20 per day
Porters: USD 8 to 12 per day each
Cook: USD 10 to 15 per day
Tips are important to crew livelihoods and are appreciated. Your guide can advise on current KES equivalent amounts.

⚠  Altitude and health note: General guidance only. Not medical advice. Consult a travel medicine clinic before any high-altitude trek.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk above 3,000m. Headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness are the warning signs. Never ascend further when symptoms are present.
‘Climb high, sleep low’ is the cardinal acclimatisation rule. Your guide applies this on all Bienvenido Mount Kenya treks.
Severe altitude illness (HACE or HAPE) is a medical emergency. The only treatment is immediate descent.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used by some trekkers for altitude sickness prevention. Ask your doctor before travel.
Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking cover and emergency evacuation is required as a condition of booking with us. A KWS mountain rescue fee applies and is included in our package price.
Certain medical conditions may contraindicate high-altitude trekking. Consult your doctor if you have heart disease, severe asthma, or have had recent surgery.

Gear Checklist

Mount Kenya Gear Checklist
Tick off before you leave. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are available for hire in Nanyuki. Confirm when booking.
□  Layering system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer (fleece or down), waterproof outer shell (jacket and trousers)
□  Warm hat (balaclava recommended for summit treks; a warm beanie is sufficient for a day hike to 3,300m)
□  Insulated gloves and inner liner gloves
□  Trekking trousers (quick-dry or softshell; not cotton)
□  Thermal base layer underwear
□  3 to 4 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks
□  Well-worn waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
□  Trekking poles (strongly recommended; protects knees on descent and assists on steep terrain)
□  Headlamp with spare batteries (for early forest entry; summit treks depart at 02:00 to 03:00)
□  Sunglasses with UV protection (strong equatorial UV above treeline)
□  Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with SPF
□  Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres; aim for 3 to 4 litres per day at altitude)
□  Water purification tablets or filter (backup)
□  High-energy trail snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit)
□  Personal first aid kit: blister plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhoea, antiseptic
□  Diamox if prescribed by your doctor
□  Personal prescription medications
□  Sleeping bag rated to -10C minimum
□  Small daypack (25 to 30 litres) for the trail
□  Waterproof pack cover or dry bags for electronics
□  Camera and power bank (cold kills batteries; keep camera inside jacket)
□  Gaiters (recommended especially for Chogoria forest sections and summit scree)
□  Passport and booking documents
□  Travel insurance documents with emergency contact number
□  Cash (KES or USD) for crew tips

Best Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4 days enough time to summit safely?

For most fit trekkers who respond well to altitude and have no prior AMS history, yes. The 4-day profile (one night at 3,300m, one at 4,200m, summit on day 3) is the minimum that our guides consider safe for a Lenana attempt. If you have had altitude sickness before, or if this is your first time above 3,000m and you want more margin, book the 5-day itinerary which adds an acclimatisation day at Shipton’s.

What if I cannot summit due to AMS?

Your guide makes the call. If altitude sickness symptoms are progressing rather than resolving on the summit push, your guide will direct descent. This is a safety decision, not a negotiation. No additional cost is charged for not summiting. See our cancellation policy for the full terms that apply to altitude-related trek withdrawal.

Are budget accommodation options available?

The mountain accommodation (KWS huts at Old Moses and Shipton’s, Meru Bandas or Mintos on the Chogoria side) is the same for all trekkers regardless of budget tier. There is no luxury or budget differentiation on the mountain itself. The budget tier applies to the Nairobi hotel nights before and after the trek, which are available on request.

How to Book

Common Trekking Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not sleeping before the summit push

Fix: A 02:30 start after trying to sleep at 4,200m is difficult. Many trekkers cannot sleep at altitude. Lie still and rest even if sleep does not come fully. Your body benefits from horizontal rest even without full sleep.

Mistake 2: Wearing too many layers from the start of the summit push

Fix: The approach starts cold but exertion builds body heat. Start with the right layers but carry a removable mid-layer rather than wearing everything from the gate. Overheating causes heavy sweating and rapid dehydration at altitude.

Mistake 3: Not eating on summit day despite no appetite

Fix: Altitude suppresses appetite. Force yourself to eat at the 01:30 breakfast and to take snacks every hour on the ascent. Low blood sugar at 4,500m compounds the altitude effect.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the descent to Chogoria after the summit push

Fix: After summiting, the descent to Mintos or Bandas takes 5 to 6 hours on tired legs. Trekking poles protect your knees significantly on steep Chogoria terrain. Use them.