The scenic route, taken slowly, in and out the same way. For people who came to see Mount Kenya rather than to tick off a summit.
Most operators sell Chogoria as one half of a traverse. Done as an out-and-back it becomes a different trip: fewer kilometres, more time in the best country on the mountain, and a second pass through the Gorges Valley in different light on the way down.
It is also the quietest option we run. The eastern side of Mount Kenya sees a fraction of the traffic of Naro Moru and Sirimon, and on some days you will not pass another group.
We collect you in Nanyuki and drive round to Chogoria town for lunch, then take a 4×4 up the long forest track to the park gate at 2,850m.
This forest is home to elephant, buffalo and leopard, though you are more likely to hear than see them. A short walk before dinner to begin acclimatising.
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas · 3,000mOut of the montane forest and into open moorland, following the river for part of the way. Giant heather, tussock grass and everlasting flowers.
Camp sits on the shore of Lake Ellis beneath Mugi Hill. An easy afternoon — this itinerary is built around having time rather than making time.
Lake Ellis campsite · 3,500mThe great day. You traverse the moorland along the rim of the Nithi Gorge with Vivienne Falls below, then climb the ridge into the Gorges Valley.
Minto’s Hut sits among tarns directly beneath The Temple, the rock wall above Lake Michaelson. Your guide will check everyone for altitude symptoms tonight — at 4,200m a headache is normal, anything more and we adjust.
Minto’s Hut campsite · 4,200mAn early start past Simba and Harris Tarns to reach Point Lenana at 4,985m for sunrise, with Batian and Nelion standing above and Kilimanjaro on the southern horizon.
Back to Minto’s for a proper breakfast, then a long descent the way you came — the Gorges Valley in afternoon light is a different place from the one you walked up. Lunch at the road head, then down to the Bandas.
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas · 3,000mA long, easy walk down through dense bamboo and rainforest, downhill the entire way, with the richest birdlife on the mountain.
Transport meets you at the gate for the transfer to Chogoria town or on to Nairobi.
What’s included
- Kenya Wildlife Service park fees for every day on the mountain
- KWS-certified guide, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain, freshly cooked
- Accommodation along the route
- Tents, sleeping bags and walking sticks
- Road transport at both ends of the trek
- Drinking water throughout
What to bring
- Well-broken-in hiking boots — the most important item you own
- Warm jacket and insulated trousers for summit morning
- Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Warm hat, gloves and a buff or balaclava
- Sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Daypack for the summit push
Missing something? We rent down jackets, insulated trousers, gloves, fleeces and larger packs at USD 5 per item for the trip. Sleeping bags, walking sticks and tents are already included.
What it costs
Five days at our standard daily rate, everything above included.
Airport collection and Nairobi transport available at USD 150. See our full cost breakdown for what sits outside the daily rate.
Book the 5-Day Chogoria Climb
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a day-by-day plan built around them.
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