Scenic Mount Kenya Climb via Lake Ellis, Mintos, and Point Lenana

🌄 Introduction

The 5 Days Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Trek is among the most scenic and rewarding climbs on Mount Kenya. This route takes you through Lake Ellis, Gorges Valley, and Mintos Camp. Leading up to a sunrise summit at Point Lenana (4,985m), the mountain’s third-highest peak. Perfect for both first-time climbers and experienced trekkers, the Chogoria Route offers a balanced combination of challenge, beauty, and tranquility, with far fewer crowds than Sirimon or Naro Moru.

---

🌅 Trek Highlights

Feature	Description
Duration	5 Days / 4 Nights
Route	Chogoria – Sirimon Traverse
Total Trekking Distance	Approx. 58 km
Highest Point	Point Lenana (4,985m)
Difficulty	Moderate to Challenging
Best Season	June–October & December–March
Accommodation	Mountain huts & tented camps
Ideal For	First-time climbers, adventure seekers, photographers
Key Attractions	Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Gorges Valley, The Temple, Hall Tarns

---

🥾 Day-by-Day Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Itinerary

(Distances are approximate and vary slightly based on campsite location and conditions.)

Day 1: Nairobi – Chogoria Gate – Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m)

Distance: ~200 km drive + 8 km trek

Depart Nairobi early and drive to Chogoria town (1,600m), then proceed by 4x4 through forest and bamboo to Chogoria Gate (2,850m).
After park registration, begin a short 8 km acclimatization hike to Chogoria Bandas (2,950m), surrounded by lush montane forest.

Keywords: Chogoria Gate Mount Kenya hike, Mount Kenya forest trek distance

---

Day 2: Mount Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis (3,400m)

Distance: ~9 km | Trek Time: 4–5 hrs

Trek through open moorlands with panoramic views of Mugi Hill and Imenti Forest. Reach Lake Ellis, a serene alpine lake perfect for photos and acclimatization.

Keywords: Lake Ellis Mount Kenya trek, Chogoria Route scenic campsites

---

Day 3: Lake Ellis – Mintos Camp (4,200m)

Distance: ~11 km | Trek Time: 6 hrs

Climb steadily along the ridge overlooking the Gorges Valley and the Temple cliffs. Arrive at Mintos Camp, a stunning high-altitude site with breathtaking views over Lake Michaelson.

Keywords: Mintos Camp, Mount Kenya altitude, Gorges Valley Mount Kenya trail

---

Day 4: Mintos – Point Lenana Summit (4,985m) – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Distance: ~20 km | Trek Time: 8–9 hrs

Start before dawn for the Point Lenana sunrise climb. Watch the first light illuminate Batian and Nelion Peaks — an unforgettable moment on Mount Kenya.
Descend through Shipton’s Camp to Old Moses Camp (3,300m) for your final night.

Keywords: Point Lenana sunrise trek, Mount Kenya summit climb via Chogoria Route

---

Day 5: Old Moses – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi

Distance: ~9 km hike + 200 km drive | Trek Time: 3 hrs

Descend through the bamboo zone to Sirimon Gate (2,600m), where transport awaits for your return to Nairobi.
End of your Mount Kenya trekking adventure.

Keywords: Sirimon Gate, Mount Kenya descent, Mount Kenya trek from Nairobi

---

💰 Pricing — 5 Days Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Trek

Prices are per person (USD) — Inclusive of park & camping fees, guides, porters, meals on the mountain, transport as specified, rescue fee, and VAT unless otherwise noted.

✅ What’s covered in the Mount Kenya Chogoria Route package

Category	Details
Guides & Crew	Professional mountain guide, porters, and cook (all certified & insured)
Park Fees	All Mount Kenya National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
Accommodation	4 nights in mountain huts or high-quality expedition tents
Meals	3 nutritious meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner), including vegetarian options
Transport	Round-trip Nairobi–Chogoria–Sirimon–Nairobi private transfers
Airport Transfers	Complimentary pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi
Equipment	Shared tents, sleeping mats, and cooking gear
Water	Safe, purified drinking water daily
Support Services	Luggage porters (15 kg limit per trekker), emergency first aid, and radio communication
Taxes & Permits	All government taxes, KWS fees, and value-added tax (VAT)
Briefing & Debriefing	Pre-climb briefing in Nairobi and post-climb review
Rescue Coverage	Official KWS mountain rescue fee included
Gear Assistance	Free pre-climb gear check and packing guide
Customer Support	24-hour on-ground emergency support during climb

---

❌ What’s Not Included in the Lenana Climb Package

Category	Details
Personal Gear	Hiking boots, waterproof jacket, gloves, gaiters, sleeping bag (available for hire in Nairobi)
Towels & Toiletries	Personal hygiene items not provided
Tips & Gratuities	$10–$15 per trekker per day (guides, porters & cook)
Insurance	Personal travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
Flights	International or domestic airfares
Accommodation in Nairobi	Before or after the climb (available on request)
Meals in Nairobi	Not included unless specified
Personal Expenses	Souvenirs, drinks, phone charging, laundry
Government Adjustments	Any increase in park fees, taxes, or fuel costs beyond our control

---

🧤 Practical Information

• Fitness Level: Moderate – expect 4–9 hours of trekking daily

• Best Climbing Seasons: June–October & December–March

• Total Trekking Distance: Approx. 58 km

• Altitude Range: 1,950 m – 4,985 m

• Gear Rental: Available at our Outdoor Gear Store, Parklands, Nairobi

• Safety Measures: Certified first-aid-trained guides, altitude monitoring, satellite communication

• Sustainability: We follow Leave No Trace principles and support local porters’ welfare

---

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (Enhanced & SEO-Optimized)

1. How many days does it take to hike Mount Kenya?
The Mount Kenya climb typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on the route. The Chogoria Route is best done in 5 days to allow gradual acclimatization and safe ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m).

---

2. Is Mount Kenya harder than Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kenya is shorter but steeper than Kilimanjaro. It requires more technical trekking and altitude adaptation, but the Chogoria Route is non-technical and manageable for fit beginners.
In short, Kilimanjaro is higher; Mount Kenya is more rugged.

---

3. Can I combine a Mount Kenya climb with a safari in Kenya?
✅ Yes. Many travelers combine a Mount Kenya trekking expedition with a Kenya safari in nearby parks like Samburu, Meru, or Ol Pejeta Conservancy. This combination offers both mountain and wildlife experiences within a single itinerary.

---

4. Is a 5-day safari too long?
No — a 5-day safari in Kenya allows enough time to explore multiple parks like Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara without feeling rushed. Many trekkers book a 5-day safari after completing their Mount Kenya climb as a relaxing add-on.

---

5. What is the best time to trek the Chogoria Route?
The best time to climb Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Route is during the dry seasons — June to October and December to March, when trails are dry and visibility is excellent.

---

6. How far is the Chogoria Route trek?
The Mount Kenya Chogoria–Sirimon traverse covers approximately 58 kilometers, depending on the chosen campsites.

---

7. Is the Chogoria Route suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Chogoria Route has a gradual ascent, ideal for first-time trekkers guided by experienced local mountaineers.

---

8. What kind of accommodation is available on the mountain?
Accommodation includes tented camps and mountain huts equipped for warmth and comfort. Upgrades to private tents are available upon request.

---

9. What safety measures are in place?
All climbs include trained guides, first-aid kits, altitude monitoring, and KWS emergency rescue coverage.

---

10. Where can I rent or buy hiking gear in Nairobi?
Visit our Outdoor Gear & Equipment Store in Parklands, Nairobi — offering affordable rentals and expert gear fitting for Mount Kenya climbers.

---

🌍 Why Travelers Choose This Mount Kenya Climb

• Combines Chogoria’s beauty with Sirimon’s gentle descent

• Includes full transparency in pricing and services, with no hidden costs. 

• Guided by experienced local mountaineers with proven track records

• Backed by a reliable outdoor gear store and support team in Nairobi

• Aligned with ethical tourism and environmental responsibility

---

📞 Book Your Mount Kenya Adventure

📍 Visit: Outdoor Gear & Equipment Store, Parklands – Nairobi
📞 +254 729 257 317 | +254 734 417 496
📧 [email protected]

---

🔗 Explore Related Packages

• 4 Days Mount Kenya Sirimon Route Trek

• 6 Days Mount Kenya Chogoria Route Expedition

• Mount Kenya Climbing Gear for Hire – Nairobi