A 6-day private Mount Kenya trekking safari via the Chogoria ascent and Sirimon descent. The Chogoria Route is Mount Kenya’s most scenic approach, passing Lake Ellis (3,400m) and Lake Michaelson (4,200m) in the Gorges Valley. Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) on day 5. The 6-day itinerary has the most gradual acclimatisation profile of all our Mount Kenya treks and gives the most complete mountain experience. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included. Budget and mid-range options available.
Quick Highlights
| Detail | Information |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Route | Chogoria ascent, Sirimon descent |
| Summit | Point Lenana, 4,985m |
| Key Highlight | Lake Michaelson, Gorges Valley: most dramatic alpine landscape on Mount Kenya |
| Camps | Meru Bandas (3,000m), Lake Ellis (3,400m), Mintos (4,200m) x2, Old Moses (3,300m) |
| Departure | Nairobi Day 1 morning |
| Return | Nairobi Day 6 afternoon |
| Difficulty | Challenging (best acclimatisation profile) |
| Crew | Mountain guide, porter, cook |
| Park Fees | Included (USD 80 per adult per day + USD 50 climbing permit) |
Who Is This Trek For?
Ideal for: Trekkers who want the most complete and scenic Mount Kenya experience
Ideal for: Those who want the best acclimatisation profile and the highest achievable summit odds
Ideal for: Photographers for whom the mountain’s scenery is as important as the summit
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to see Lake Michaelson in the Gorges Valley on the way up, fresh, rather than on the way down from the summit
Not ideal: those who cannot spare 6 days from Nairobi
Not ideal: those who specifically want the Sirimon ascent scenery; the Chogoria ascent is wetter and more forested
Why This Route, Why 6 Days
Most Mount Kenya trekkers go up Sirimon and down Chogoria. This itinerary reverses that. The reason is Lake Michaelson.
Lake Michaelson at 4,200m in the Gorges Valley is consistently described as one of East Africa’s most extraordinary alpine landscapes. Crystal water, 200-metre vertical rock walls on three sides, and the Nithi Falls at the western end. On a 4-day or 5-day Sirimon-Chogoria trek, you pass Lake Michaelson after the summit, exhausted, likely rushing to reach camp before dark. On this 6-day Chogoria-first route, you arrive at Lake Michaelson fresh on day 3 with time to sit with it.
Six days also means the most gradual altitude gain per day of any Mount Kenya itinerary we offer. The Chogoria ascent through Meru Bandas (3,000m), Lake Ellis (3,400m), and Mintos (4,200m) spreads the altitude gain over more days than the Sirimon approach. Combined with an acclimatisation day at Mintos before the summit push, the 6-day gives the most prepared body on summit morning.
Budget note: Six days means six days of KWS park fees (USD 80 per adult per day) plus the USD 50 climbing permit. The mountain accommodation throughout (Meru Bandas, Lake Ellis wild camp, Mintos, Old Moses) is the same regardless of budget tier. Budget options apply to Nairobi accommodation before and after the trek. Contact us for a full cost breakdown.
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
| Season | Months | Chogoria Conditions | Summit | Recommendation |
| Dry Season 1 | Jan to Mar | Trail firm; lakes clear; excellent visibility | Best conditions | Most recommended. |
| Dry Season 2 | Jul to Oct | Dry; some ice possible near summit early morning | Very good | Excellent. |
| Short Rains | Nov to Dec | Chogoria forest wetter; some trail mud | Mornings usually clear | Acceptable with gaiters. |
| Long Rains | Apr to Jun | Chogoria gets heavier rain than Sirimon; very muddy | Reduced summit rate | Not recommended. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chogoria Route harder than Sirimon?
Chogoria is longer and, in wet conditions, muddier. The forest sections below Meru Bandas and below Lake Ellis can be very wet in rainy months. In dry season, the trail is firm and manageable. The gradient is more gradual overall than Sirimon, which makes it better for acclimatisation. The difficulty assessment depends on conditions: in dry season Chogoria is comparable to Sirimon; in wet season it is harder.
Is Lake Ellis different from Lake Michaelson?
Yes. Lake Ellis at 3,400m is a wide, open moorland lake in a gently sloping alpine bowl. Lake Michaelson at 4,200m is in the Gorges Valley, enclosed by 200-metre vertical rock walls on three sides. They are both beautiful but completely different in character. Lake Ellis is open and peaceful. Lake Michaelson is dramatic and enclosed. Both are highlights of the 6-day Chogoria itinerary.
What is wild camping at Lake Ellis like?
Lake Ellis is a wild camping site with no permanent facilities. The Bienvenido crew carries and sets up tents. Water from the lake requires purification. Night temperatures at 3,400m can drop below freezing in cold months. A -10C sleeping bag is essential. The setting, open moorland, the lake reflecting the sky, and distant peak views on clear days, is exceptional. Many trekkers describe the Lake Ellis camp as the most peaceful night of the trek.
Is this itinerary right for me if I am on a budget?
Yes, with an honest note. The main cost driver on a 6-day Mount Kenya trek is the park fees: USD 80 per adult per day for 6 days = USD 480 in park fees alone, plus the USD 50 climbing permit. These are fixed KWS costs that cannot be reduced. The accommodation on the mountain (Meru Bandas, Lake Ellis camp, Mintos, Old Moses) is the same for all trekkers. Budget options apply to Nairobi accommodation before and after. Contact us for a full breakdown and we will show you exactly what the cost covers.
How to Book
| Step | What Happens |
| 1 | You send your preferred date, group size, fitness background, and Nairobi pickup location |
| 2 | We confirm availability and check current park permit status for your dates |
| 3 | We confirm the final trek quote including all park fees, crew, and equipment |
| 4 | You receive payment instructions to confirm the booking |
| 5 | Once payment is received, your trek is reserved and permits arranged through KWS |
| 6 | We send your booking confirmation and full pre-departure briefing pack |
Common Trekking Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Rushing past Lake Michaelson on day 3
Fix: This is the defining landscape of the Chogoria route. Take your time here. Sit by the lake, photograph it, let your guide tell you about the Gorges Valley geology. The distance to Mintos from Lake Michaelson is short enough that there is no need to rush.
Mistake 2: Not bringing gaiters for the Chogoria forest sections
Fix: The Chogoria forest below Meru Bandas and the lower moorland sections are significantly wetter than Sirimon. In any season, the trail can be muddy below Lake Ellis. Gaiters keep your boots drier and extend your comfort on the trail.
Mistake 3: Not packing the warm layer in your summit day bag
Fix: The warm layer for the rim and summit approach lives in your day bag on summit morning, not in your main bag with the porter. Cold kills motivation quickly above 4,500m. Pack accordingly.
Mistake 4: Not telling the guide about any altitude symptoms on days 2 and 3
Fix: The guide’s job is to evaluate your acclimatisation response and adjust the plan accordingly. A headache on day 2 that you do not report becomes a problem on day 4. Report everything. The guide has managed this situation many times and can adapt.
