A Fast, Scenic, and Rewarding Route, Ideal for Fit Trekkers Starting from Nairobi

Climb Highlights

• Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

• Summit: Point Lenana (4,985M)

• Start/End: Nairobi

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging — fit hikers only

• Route Type: Chogoria ascent + Sirimon descent

• Mount Kenya Activities: Alpine trekking, waterfalls, scenic lakes, summit sunrise, photography, moorland exploration

• Support: Certified Mt Kenya guides and porters club

Overview: 3 Days 2 Nights Mount Kenya Climb – Chogoria to Sirimon Route 

3 Days 2 Nights Mount Kenya Climb – Chogoria to Sirimon Route is the perfect adventure for travelers looking to summit Point Lenana in a short timeframe.

If you’re short on time, already in Nairobi (or planning to be), and looking for a fast, scenic, and achievable Mount Kenya climb, this 3-Day Mount Kenya itinerary is designed exactly for that. This trek combines the most beautiful and varied alpine scenery on Mount Kenya, Nithi waterfalls, Chogoria valley, Mugi Hills, Giant Billiards table Mountain, Lake Ellis, and Lake Michaelson and volcanic formations while ensuring a safe and efficient acclimatization schedule. It combines the most dramatic landscapes of the Chogoria Route with the gentler descent of Sirimon.

If you are considering how to climb Mount Kenya but you are limited by time or you just want to train for a higher climb, this Mount Kenya climb package is for you. Importantly, this 3-day Chogoria to Sirimon Mount Kenya climb is designed to serve two distinct types of trekkers:

1. Short-stay travelers seeking scenic exposure: These are visitors based in Nairobi or traveling through Kenya who have limited time but still want to experience the full beauty of Mount Kenya. The Chogoria route offers unparalleled alpine scenery: waterfalls, lakes, gorges, and ridges. Additionally, this trail provides exposure to multiple trekking routes, ensuring that even within a compressed timeframe, climbers enjoy the most rewarding vistas and alpine highlights.

2. Experienced climbers focusing on high-altitude training: These are fit hikers with prior climbing experience who may not be constrained by time but are looking to enhance their altitude acclimatization and summit efficiency. Using the Chogoria ascent with a Sirimon descent allows for intensive altitude exposure, helping climbers train for more demanding peaks such as Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Rwenzori, while still enjoying the scenic features of Mount Kenya.

If you don’t have extensive climbing experience but still want to summit within a short time frame, the gentler Sirimon route or the Sirimon to Naromoru route are excellent alternatives, offering a safer and more gradual ascent. For travelers interested, we also offer detailed packages for these routes to complement your planning and itinerary.

Why Choose This Route

Best Scenery on Mount Kenya

The Chogoria side exposes you to iconic Mount Kenya activities such as Nithi Waterfalls, Gorges Valley, the natural amphitheaters of the glacier lakes, and views toward Mugi Hills and Lake Ellis — elements rarely experienced on standard routes.

Gentle Descent

Descending via Sirimon ensures a more comfortable exit, following a gradual trail through open moorland and alpine forests — one of the reasons mt kenya trekking companies recommend this combination.

Efficient and Realistic for Short Stays

For travelers searching online for what to do in Nairobi for 3 days.

For climbers seeking a high-adventure option without requiring a long schedule.

Full Mount Kenya Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Chogoria Gate – Nithi Waterfalls – Caves – Roadhead – Lake Ellis Camp

• Pick-up from Nairobi: 5:30 AM

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours

• Trekking Hours: 6–8 hours

• Altitude Gain: ~2,500m → ~3,400m

After breakfast in Chogoria Town, we enter Mount Kenya National Park and start our trek from Chogoria Gate. The route passes waterfalls, forest canopy, and volcanic cave formations — offering one of the most scenic Mount Kenya day hike experiences.

Lunch is taken at Roadhead before a 2km acclimatization walk to Mugi Hill viewpoint. This section prepares your body for altitude while rewarding you with sweeping panoramas of Billiard Table Mountain and beyond.

Overnight at Lake Ellis camp.

Day 2: Lake Ellis – Mintos Camp – Hall Tarns – Gorges Valley Viewpoint

• Distance: ~9–10 km

• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

• Elevation: ~3,400m → ~4,200m

Today’s trail follows the ridge above Lake Michaelson with Mugi Hills at your back. The views are unmatched — this is where many climbers rank Chogoria among the best Mount Kenya trekking routes. At Mintos camp, we explore Hall Tarns and walk to the Gorges Valley viewpoint, a highlight for mountain photography.

Early dinner and rest to prepare for the summit push.

Day 3: Mintos – Point Lenana (4985m) – Sirimon Descent – Old Moses – Nairobi

• Start Time: 02:30 AM

• Summit: Sunrise at Point Lenana

• Descent: Simba Tarn → Harris Tarn → Shipton’s Camp

• Exit: Old Moses → Transfer to Nairobi

The final push to Point Lenana is steady and achievable. With the first sunlight hitting the peaks, this becomes one of East Africa’s most unforgettable alpine moments.

After breakfast at Shipton’s, descend to Old Moses, where transport returns you to Nairobi.

✅ What’s Included

• Certified Mt Kenya Guides and Porters Club crew

• Private Transport from Nairobi and back

• All park fees & conservation charges

• All meals on the mountain

• Camping equipment: Expedition tents, mattresses (excluding sleeping bags)

• and cooking equipment

• Drinking water and Water purification support

• First aid & safety support 

  Safety briefing and rescue support strategy

❌ Exclusions of this Mount Kenya Climb Package

• Tips

• Alcohol and soft drinks

• Personal trekking insurance

• Gear rental

• Hotel in Nairobi before/after (available as an add-on)

🏕️Accommodation and Quality 

• Night 1: Lake Ellis Camp

• Night 2: Mintos Camp 

  • Freshly prepared meals respecting dietary preferences

  • Hot drinks at camp

  • Safety-driven, comfort-aware setup

Pricing (Per Person in USD)

Prices vary seasonally based on permits and demand — request updated Mount Kenya hike price before booking.

It’s important to note that the Chogoria route comes at a slightly higher price compared to the Sirimon or Naromoru routes. From our years of guiding these climbs, the difference is primarily due to logistics and accessibility. Chogoria lacks built-in accommodation facilities along the trail, which means we provide fully supported camping with extra porters and staff to carry equipment and meals. The terrain is also more challenging and remote, requiring a larger, experienced support team to ensure safety and a smooth trek. In contrast, Sirimon and Naromoru offer easier access and more structured campsites, which reduces operational complexity and costs. We maintain full transparency in pricing so climbers know exactly what they’re paying for —a well-supported, scenic, and safe Chogoria ascent that maximizes both views and summit success.

Chogoria Route Fitness & Difficulty

This itinerary is recommended only for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience.

Responsible Travel

We operate with strict Leave-No-Trace principles and support fair porter welfare. At Wild Springs Adventures, we are committed to ethical and sustainable travel practices. Our climbs prioritize the safety, fair treatment, and proper compensation of all porters involved in the trek.  Read our detailed blog to learn more about how we ensure fair porter pay on Mount Kenya.

🔹 FAQs

1. How to climb Mount Kenya efficiently?
   Using a structured itinerary with an acclimatization strategy and a professional guide increases success.

   
   

2. Is this the best route for a short climb?
   Yes — the Chogoria ascent combined with Sirimon descent is considered the best short-format route.

   
   

3. Is this a good alternative to a Mount Kenya day trip?
   Yes — this is a full summit experience, unlike a Mount Kenya day hike, which does not reach Point Lenana.

   
   

4. How long is the drive from Nairobi?
   4–5 hours depending on traffic.

   
   

5. Which companies offer this route?
   Many mt kenya trekking companies operate parts of it, but few specialize in the fast 3-day format.

   
   

6. Is this route guided?
   Yes — a certified guide is mandatory for safety and compliance.

   
   

7. What is the Mount Kenya package price range?
   Typically $600–$1,500 depending on route, season, and inclusions.

   
   

8. Can you do Mount Kenya in 3 days from Nairobi?
   Yes, with the right route strategy and fitness level, you can summit Mount Kenya in three days. This itinerary allows proper acclimatization while remaining time-efficient for travelers based in Nairobi or visiting Kenya for a short stay.

Book Mount Kenya Climb Now

Ready to climb? Our team operates this route regularly and understands its seasonal terrain, altitude patterns, and pacing requirements. Contact us to reserve dates or request tailored options.

3 Days 2 Nights Mount Kenya Climb Contacts

+254729257317
+254734417496
[email protected]

Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Deposit required to secure trek & team

• Flexible rescheduling within 12 months

• Transparent cancellation terms shared before booking

• Secure payment options available (Card, Bank Transfer, Mpesa for locals)