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Kenya: Mt. Kenya Trek

Africa
5 Days
Level 4 – Advanced
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Overview

The Chogoria Route on Mount Kenya is a quieter and more gradual approach for trekkers seeking a scenic and rewarding high-altitude experience. On this 5-day trek and camping adventure, you’ll hike from forest into open moorland and along dramatic ridgelines, passing the iconic Lake Ellis and the breathtaking Lake Michaelson set beneath towering rock walls in the Gorges Valley. With steady elevation gain designed for acclimatization, the journey builds to a sunrise summit of Point Lenana, offering expansive views across the peaks, valleys, and surrounding landscape, before descending along the Sirimon Route.

Highlights

  • The Chogoria Route offers a more peaceful and less-traveled path on Mount Kenya, providing a sense of solitude throughout the trek.
  • Trek past the iconic Lake Ellis and the stunning Lake Michaelson, widely considered one of the most beautiful locations on the mountain.
  • A longer, more gradual ascent allows for better altitude adjustment over the 5-day itinerary.
  • Journey through Afro-alpine forest, moorland, ridgelines, and the dramatic Gorges Valley with constantly changing views.
  • An early morning start rewards you with panoramic sunrise summit views at Point Lenana, across peaks, valleys, and distant mountains beyond.

Itinerary

  1. Day 1
  2. Day 2
  3. Day 3
  4. Day 4
  5. Day 5
  • Nanyuki to Chogoria

    After breakfast, you will be driven to the start of the route. The first day’s walk takes you up through the forest for about two hours where you check into the park at the Kenya Wildlife Service entrance and then walk another hour to the campsite. If it is a clear afternoon, you can generally get a good sense of the landscape and see where the Afro-alpine forest ends and the moorland begins. The afternoon is a good opportunity to walk around the area and acclimatize.

    Distance: 3-4 KM

  • Forest Camp to Lake Ellis

    The walk starts with spectacular views of the rolling hills ahead and perhaps even a glimpse of the snow- capped peaks of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) high above. This is a relatively short hike, and you should be in camp a little earlier than the previous day, which gives you a great chance to sit back and relax after lunch and simply enjoy the views around Lake Ellis. We go by the general rule of thumb to “climb high and sleep low” to allow for better acclimatization. An evening walk up to nearby Mugi Hill can be a wonderful way to end the day, and will hopefully make your ascent a lot easier as well.

    Distance: 8 KM

  • Lake Ellis to Lake Michaelson

    This day is a beautiful, but tough, walk which takes you up along the ridge overlooking the Gorges Valley. Later on in the day, Lake Michelson comes into view. We will break for lunch overlooking the lake with a spectacular view, and then continue on a gentle traverse and descend to the Lake Michaelson campsite. You can rest in the late afternoon or have a wander around the lake.

    Distance: 10 KM

  • Lake Michaelson to Simba Col

    The mornings tend to be slow as the immense beauty at the breakfast table makes for a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a late start. The walk up to the Simba Col is steep and short, so best to find your slow and steady pace and enjoy the breathtaking views as you walk out of the Gorges Valley. Simba Col camp is nestled in a bowl on the shoulder of Point Lenana at 4500 meters. This makes for a great camp for an approach to the summit.

    Distance: 6 KM

  • Simba Col to Point Lenana to Old Moses

    An early departure at 5:00 AM for a sunrise summit is the best way to experience this climb and enjoy the expansive views of the mountainside, valleys, and country beyond — even the summit of Kilimanjaro — whilst sipping a nice warm drink. The descent takes you down the southern side along the Sirimon Route, where you will have brunch in the Mackinder Valley. Then it’s a final walk down to the Old Moses for collection.

    Distance: 18 KM

Accommodations

Please note: lodging is subject to change based on seasonality and availability.

  • Soames Hotel

    Soames Hotel is a charming, small-scale boutique hotel set on 100 acres of open countryside just outside Nanyuki, offering sweeping views of Mount Kenya. With just 12 garden rooms spread across private cottages, it provides a relaxed atmosphere ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and personal stay.

  • Mount Kenya Mountain Camps

    During your trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll spend your nights immersed in the mountain’s diverse and ever-changing landscapes, staying at a series of remote highland camps that bring you deep into its rugged beauty. Beginning at Forest Base Camp, set within lush montane forest, the journey gradually ascends to the scenic shores of Lake Ellis Camp, where open moorlands and sweeping views of the peaks begin to unfold. From there, you continue to the more secluded and dramatic Lake Michaelson Camp, tucked into a striking amphitheater of cliffs and giant lobelias, offering one of the most spectacular settings on the mountain. The trek then leads to the high-altitude Simba Col Camp, a stark and exposed alpine site perched near the saddle between peaks, where you rest beneath towering rock faces and prepare for your summit push in this truly wild and remote environment.

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Mt. Kenya

Where is Mt. Kenya located?

Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, within Mount Kenya National Park - approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive from the capital city of Nairobi.

When is the best time of the year for this trek?

The best time of the year for this trek is mid December to March.

Is this a guided experience?

Yes, this experience is led by a certified guide.

What is included?

Standard Elevate pricing includes accommodations, transportation, meals, guides, and evacuation insurance.

Is there a minimum number of people required?

A minimum number of 6 people is required for this trek.

How will I know what to pack and bring?

We’ll make sure you feel fully prepared before your trip. Ahead of departure, you’ll receive detailed packings lists, country guides, and access to pre-trip information sessions so you know exactly what to bring and what to expect.

What level of fitness is required?

This trek is categorized as a Level 4: Advanced Trek. Expect long days on steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation gain - ideal for travelers in good shape seeking a more demanding hike.