Overview
The 6-day Sirimon Up-Down Chogoria trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure in the heart of Kenya’s Mount Kenya National Park. Beginning at the Sirimon Gate, trekkers ascend through lush montane forests, encountering diverse flora and fauna, before reaching high-altitude moorlands with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The route then leads to the austere beauty of the Mackinder’s Valley, where trekkers make their final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak of Mount Kenya. The descent via the Chogoria route offers a striking contrast, with its rugged landscapes, alpine tarns, and mesmerizing waterfalls, providing an unforgettable journey through some of East Africa’s most spectacular scenery.
Day 1:
Nairobi-nyanyuki-old moses campsite
After pick up in Nairobi drive to Nanyuki town for lunch crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon
Park gate(2660m). From the gate, we trek up the magnificent rain forest, bamboo and giant heather
zone before reaching the high-altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp) for dinner and
overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 – 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2:
Old moses camp-shipton camp
After breakfast, head up the spectacular Mackinder Valley past strange giant groundsel and lobelia
plants to emerge onto what looks like a set from Star Trek – Shipton’s Camp at 4,236m. This is a surreal
setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident populations of bizarre rock hyrax and
beautiful sunbirds. Dinner and overnight at Shiptons camp.
Day 3:
Acclimatization
For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are
possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before
returning to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure. N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent
for acclimatization – but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles. Dinner
and overnight at Shiptons camp.
Day 4:
Shipton camp- mackinder camp
From Shipton’s camp the trail leads to Kami camp below the north face of Batian. Continuing west –
southwest the trails climbs up switchbacks in the fine snow before reaching Hausberg Col at 4590m. We
will descend into the upper Hausberg valley and rest at the oblong and Hausberg tarns. Ascending to the
crest of a ridge known as Arthur’s seat we see the trail winding along a beautiful series of rock ledges.
We will descend to Mackinder’s camp for the night.
Day 5:
Mackinder camp- point lenana
From Shipton’s camp the trail leads to Kami camp below the north face of Batian. Continuing west –
southwest the trails climbs up switchbacks in the fine snow before reaching Hausberg Col at 4590m. We
will descend into the upper Hausberg valley and rest at the oblong and Hausberg tarns. Ascending to the
crest of a ridge known as Arthur’s seat we see the trail winding along a beautiful series of rock ledges.
We will descend to Mackinder’s camp for the night.
Day 6:
Meru bandas-chogoria town- nairobi
After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicle for the
return to Nairobi – usually arriving mid to late afternoon.
Included
Excluded
6-Day Sirimon Up- Down Chogoria
You’re welcome to inquire about our available safari options or customize your own unique experience. Start planning your tailor-made African adventure with us today.
