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

A 6-day private Mount Kenya trekking safari via the Chogoria ascent and Sirimon descent. The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as Mount Kenya's most scenic approach, passing Lake Ellis (3,400m), Lake Michaelson (4,200m), and the Gorges Valley before reaching Mintos Camp. Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) on day 5. The 6-day itinerary offers the most gradual acclimatisation profile of all our Mount Kenya treks and is the most complete mountain experience available. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included throughout.

Trek at a Glance

Who Is This Trek For?

Ideal for: Trekkers who want the most complete and scenic Mount Kenya experience available
Ideal for: Those who want the best acclimatisation profile and the highest achievable summit success odds
Ideal for: Wildlife photographers and landscape photographers for whom scenery is as important as the summit
Ideal for: Travellers who want to see Lake Michaelson in the Gorges Valley, one of East Africa's most spectacular alpine settings
Not ideal: those with limited time who cannot spare 6 days from Nairobi
Not ideal: experienced high-altitude trekkers who specifically want the faster Naro Moru or shorter 4-day profile

Why Chogoria First

Most Mount Kenya trekkers ascend via Sirimon and descend via Chogoria. The reversed traverse, Chogoria ascent and Sirimon descent, is offered on the 6-day itinerary for specific reasons. The Chogoria route is longer on the ascent, which provides more acclimatisation time with fewer daily altitude metres per hour. The Chogoria approach also passes the mountain's two most iconic alpine lakes, Ellis and Michaelson, in daylight on the way up rather than rushing past them on the way down after summit day.

Lake Michaelson at 4,200m in the Gorges Valley is genuinely one of East Africa's most spectacular mountain landscapes. Crystal-clear water, 200-metre vertical rock walls enclosing the valley on three sides, and the Nithi Falls descending into the western end. On a 5-day Sirimon-Chogoria traverse, you pass Lake Michaelson on summit day descent when you are exhausted. On this 6-day Chogoria-Sirimon traverse, you arrive at Lake Michaelson fresh on day 3 with time to explore.

Katulu guide expertise: Our guides know the Chogoria route's wildlife zones, which hold different species from the Sirimon side. The Chogoria forest is wetter and denser, supporting leopard, bongo antelope, and a richer birdlife than the drier northwest approach. Brief your guide on wildlife priorities before the trek begins.

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

How to Book

Common Trekking Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not treating the Lake Michaelson section as the destination it is

Fix: Lake Michaelson deserves time. Trekkers who rush past it to reach Mintos miss the defining landscape of the Chogoria route. Build time at the lake into your pace on day 3 and tell your guide you want time there.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the Mintos Camp summit approach versus Shipton's

Fix: The ascent from Mintos to Lenana via Hall Tarns is steeper and shorter than the Shipton's to Lenana approach via Hausberg Col. It is a powerful ascent in darkness. Being well-rested from two Mintos nights and the day 4 acclimatisation hike is what makes it manageable.

Mistake 3: Not bringing gaiters for the Chogoria forest sections

Fix: The Chogoria forest zone and lower moorland are significantly wetter than Sirimon. In any season, the trail below Lake Ellis can be muddy and wet. Gaiters keep boots drier and extend their useful life on the trail.

Mistake 4: Treating the final Sirimon descent on day 6 as trivial after the summit

Fix: After summit day, legs are tired and the 3 to 4-hour Sirimon descent from Old Moses to the gate feels longer than it did on day 1. Use trekking poles, take your time, and do not rush on the rocky lower forest sections where tired legs and uneven footing combine.