Mount Kenya Trek
Africa's second-highest summit by the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse, reaching Point Lenana at 4,985m for sunrise.
Point Lenana is the trekking summit of Mount Kenya — 4,985 metres, no ropes, no technical climbing, just a demanding walk at altitude that rewards you with one of the great African sunrises.
We use the Sirimon route for the ascent because its gradual profile helps you acclimatise, and descend by Chogoria, the most beautiful path on the mountain, past Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley.
Summit morning starts at 2:00am from Shipton's Camp so you are on the peak as the sun comes up, with Kilimanjaro visible 300 kilometres to the south on a clear day.
Trip highlights
- Point Lenana summit at 4,985m for sunrise
- Sirimon ascent and Chogoria descent traverse
- Giant lobelia and groundsel in the afro-alpine zone
- Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley
- Mackinder's Valley beneath Batian and Nelion
- Mountain huts with cooked meals
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Nanyuki to Old Moses Camp
Drive from Nairobi to Nanyuki and on to Sirimon Gate at 2,650m. A gentle three-hour walk brings us to Old Moses Camp at 3,300m. Dinner and an early night to start acclimatising.
- 2
Day 2
Old Moses to Shipton's Camp
A long but steady day up the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp at 4,200m, around six to seven hours through moorland thick with giant lobelia. Afternoon rest and an acclimatisation walk.
- 3
Day 3
Summit day and descent to Chogoria
A 2:00am start for Point Lenana, reaching 4,985m around sunrise. We descend to Mintos Camp for breakfast, then continue down the Chogoria route past Lake Michaelson to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas.
- 4
Day 4
Down to the gate and back to Nairobi
A final descent through bamboo and cloud forest to Chogoria Gate, then transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
- Return transport from Nairobi
- Park entry and camping fees
- Qualified mountain guide and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Mountain hut accommodation
- Cook and camp crew
Not included
- Sleeping bag hire (available)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel and evacuation insurance
- Drinks and snacks
Accommodation
Mountain huts and bandas — Old Moses, Shipton's Camp and Meru Mount Kenya Bandas. Bunk-style with mattresses; bring or hire a four-season sleeping bag.
What to bring
- Four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Insulated jacket, fleece and thermal base layers
- Waterproof shell and over-trousers
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Gloves, warm hat and sun hat
- Trekking poles
Upcoming departures
20 – 23 November 2026
3 of 14 spaces left
Ksh 46,500
BookDeparture pattern: Monthly · January and February · August and September. Private dates available on request for any group size.
Frequently asked questions
Good general fitness and some hill-walking experience. The difficulty is altitude and cold rather than technical ground. If you can walk six to seven hours on consecutive days, you can do this.
Mild symptoms are common above 4,000m. Our four-day profile is designed to acclimatise you, guides carry oxygen and a pulse oximeter, and descent is always available. Do not attempt this trek without travel insurance covering mountain evacuation.
It is the standard preparation. Point Lenana at 4,985m is close to Kilimanjaro's Barafu camp altitude, and many climbers do this trek weeks before their Kilimanjaro attempt.
Yes. Sleeping bags, jackets, poles and head torches can all be hired in Nanyuki. Tell us your sizes when you book.
