4 Days Mount Kenya Trekking Safari (Sirimon-Chogoria Traverse)

A 4-day private Mount Kenya trekking safari from Nairobi via the Sirimon-Chogoria traverse. Ascend via Sirimon Route through Old Moses Camp (3,300m) and Shipton's Camp (4,200m), summit Point Lenana (4,985m) on day 3, and descend via the scenic Chogoria Route through Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is the most popular combination route on Mount Kenya.

Trek at a Glance

Who Is This Trek For?

Ideal for: Fit trekkers wanting to summit Point Lenana (4,985m) in the shortest responsible timeframe
Ideal for: Those with some hiking or trekking background who want a complete mountain traverse
Ideal for: Travellers who want both the Sirimon and Chogoria route experiences in one trek
Not ideal: those who are not physically fit; 4 days covers significant daily distances with altitude gain
Not ideal: those wanting a leisurely mountain experience; 4 days is the minimum for Lenana with this acclimatisation profile

The Route

The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse uses the mountain's two best-acclimatising routes in combination. The Sirimon ascent on the northwest is the most beginner-friendly approach with a steady gradient. The Chogoria descent on the east is the mountain's most scenic route, passing Lake Michaelson (4,200m) in the Gorges Valley, one of the most dramatic alpine landscapes in East Africa. Doing both routes in a single trek gives the most complete Mount Kenya experience available in 4 days.

Alternative routes available: This itinerary follows the Sirimon ascent / Chogoria descent (this itinerary) as the primary route. Contact us before booking if you prefer a different approach.
Alternative: Sirimon ascent / Naro Moru descent (faster exit but less scenic)
Alternative: Naro Moru ascent / Sirimon descent (steeper ascent; same acclimatisation challenge)
Alternative: Chogoria ascent / Sirimon descent (reversed traverse; scenic ascent)
All routes reach Point Lenana (4,985m) and are available on private treks. Route choice does not change the quoted price.

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 appreciated and important to crew livelihoods. 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. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Never ascend further if symptoms are present.
‘Climb high, sleep low’ is the cardinal acclimatisation rule. Your guide enforces this on all Katulu Africa Safaris Mount Kenya treks.
Severe altitude illness (HACE or HAPE) is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent regardless of how close you are to the summit.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used by some trekkers for altitude sickness prevention. Consult your doctor about suitability 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 (heart disease, severe asthma, recent surgery) may contraindicate high-altitude trekking. Consult your doctor if uncertain.

Gear Checklist

Mount Kenya Gear Checklist
Tick off before departure. Hire equipment note: sleeping bags, trekking poles, and gaiters are available for hire in Nanyuki and through some operators. Confirm availability 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 (not cotton; quick-dry or softshell)
□  Thermal underwear base layer
□  3 to 4 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks
□  Well-worn trekking boots with ankle support and waterproof lining
□  Trekking poles (strongly recommended; reduces knee strain on descent and assists on steep terrain)
□  Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for forest entry at dawn; 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 (extreme UV at altitude)
□  Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres capacity; drinking 3 to 4 litres per day is recommended at altitude)
□  Water purification tablets or filter (backup for mountain water sources)
□  High-energy snacks for the trail (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit)
□  Personal first aid kit: blister plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antiseptic
□  Diamox (Acetazolamide) if prescribed by your doctor for altitude sickness prevention
□  Personal prescription medications with doctor's note if controlled
□  Sleeping bag rated to -10C minimum (camp temperatures below zero above 4,000m)
□  Small daypack (25 to 30 litres) for the trail
□  Waterproof pack cover or dry bags for electronics and documents
□  Camera with charged batteries (cold kills batteries fast; keep camera warm in your jacket)
□  Power bank
□  Passport and booking documentation
□  Travel insurance documents with emergency contact number
□  Cash (KES or USD) for crew tips and any personal purchases in Nanyuki or Chogoria town
□  Gaiters (recommended for Naro Moru Vertical Bog and scree on summit approach)
□  Crampons or microspikes (optional; useful on icy sections near Lenana in cold months)
□  Hand warmers (chemical, single-use; for summit night)

Best Time to Visit

How to Book

Common Safari Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not sleeping at all before a 02:30 summit departure

Fix: Summit day starts in darkness after an early sleep. Most trekkers find it difficult to sleep at 4,200m. Lie still and rest even if sleep does not come fully. Avoid caffeine after 14:00 on day 2. Your body needs the rest even if your mind is active.

Mistake 2: Wearing too many layers from the start of the summit push

Fix: The summit approach starts cold at 02:30 but body heat builds quickly with exertion on steep terrain. Start with a warm base and outer shell but carry a removable mid-layer rather than wearing everything from the beginning. Overheating causes excessive sweating and rapid dehydration.

Mistake 3: Not eating on summit day even if appetite is gone

Fix: High altitude almost always suppresses appetite. Force yourself to eat at breakfast at 01:30 and to take summit snacks every hour on the ascent. Hypoglycaemia at 4,500m adds to the altitude effect and increases the likelihood of turning back unnecessarily.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the Chogoria descent on day 3

Fix: After summiting, the descent to Mintos or Meru Bandas is 5 to 6 hours. Legs that are tired from the summit push still have a long descent ahead. Trekking poles protect the knees significantly on rocky downhill terrain. Bring them and use them.