The Chogoria route is the most beautiful of the access routes to Point Lenana and the best for acclimatization as the gradient. It is the easiest, dramatic and varying route.
The Chogoria traverse is arguably the definitive Mount Kenya trek. Mount Kenya reaches an altitude of 5,199m, but the trekker’s peak at Point Lenana is at 4,985m.
It is possible to do this route in just 5 days by skipping the first day at Nanyuki and going directly to Old Moses Camp.
We depart Nairobi mid-morning on a 3-hour road journey to Nanyuki town and mountain base. Lunch at Ibis hotel. The remainder of the day spent at the hotel acclimatizing, sorting equipment and receiving an on site briefing from your guide. Meals and overnight at the hotel.
Drive to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m) to start the climbing. From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp 3,300m) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 - 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Likii North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp. This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glacier. Resident population is of Rock hyrax and sun birds.
For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure. N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization.
Kick off at 3.am to reach Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon you barely need a torch. The climb takes 3 -4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon. Descend to Minto's hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas along the gorges valley where you can enjoy good views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks and Giant billiards table. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas.You can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the Bandas!
After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi or Proceed on an adventure Safari.