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HikesKenyaMount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria

Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria

Also known as: Point Lenana traverse

Mount Kenya - Africa’s second-highest, with the trekkers’ summit Point Lenana and the spectacular Chogoria descent

Difficulty 4/5 · HardExpeditionPoint-to-pointExpedition trek
Distance
~60 km point-to-point
Max elevation
4,985 m
Elevation gain
~3,000 m
Duration
4-5 days
iconicsecond highest africapoint lenanatraverseexpedition
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Stunning view of eroded rock formations in Murang'a County, Kenya.

The route

The line through Mount Kenya NP, Kenya - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile4,985 m (Point Lenana, the trekking summit)
0 km60 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    Sirimon GateTrailhead
    ~2,650 m0 km

    Start

  2. 2
    Old Moses CampHut
    ~3,300 m9 km~4 h

    First hut

  3. 3
    Shipton’s CampHut
    ~4,200 m23 km~6 h

    Below the peaks

  4. 4
    Point LenanaSummit
    ~4,985 m27 km~8 h

    Trekkers’ summit (pre-dawn)

  5. 5
    Chogoria (Minto’s/roadhead)Trailhead
    ~3,000 m60 km~6 h

    Scenic descent finish

Season & conditions

Best season

Jan-Feb and Aug-Sep (driest)

Weather risks

Cold nights (freezing), strong equatorial sun, afternoon storms

Best in the driest months; a guide/porter system; the Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is the classic. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Moorland, glacial valleys and a scramble to a high trekking summit (the true peaks are technical)

Technical & exposure

Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Naro Moru route (faster); the technical Batian/Nelion are for climbers

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Sirimon Gate, from Nanyuki; Chogoria exit

Shuttle & transport

Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm

Huts, camping & refuges

Mountain huts/bandas (Old Moses, Shipton’s, Mintos) or camping

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Nanyuki; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Guide + porters standard

Permits & safety

National-park fees; a guide and porters are the standard system. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Altitude illness is a real risk at these elevations - acclimatize and ascend gradually (Point Lenana 4,985 m), cold, the pre-dawn scramble, weather

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
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