The Chogoria route is widely considered the most beautiful path up Mount Kenya — a 6-day traverse that climbs through montane forest, past Lake Ellis, along the rim of the spectacular Gorges Valley, and past Lake Michaelson before summiting Point Lenana at sunrise. You ascend via Chogoria and descend via the Sirimon route for maximum scenic variety. Top choice for photographers.
4x4 transfer from Nairobi via Chogoria town to Chogoria Gate. KWS registration. Trek through dense montane forest and bamboo zone to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas (2,950m) — log cabins with hot showers. First night on the mountain. Distance 10km, ascent 350m.
Classic Chogoria day. Trek past Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the Giant's Billiards Table volcanic plateau. Camp at stunning Lake Ellis (3,450m) below Mugi Hill. Afternoon acclimatization walk. Distance 9km, ascent 500m.
Spectacular ridge traverse with views into Gorges Valley — Mount Kenya's grandest scenery. Pass The Temple rock formation and Lake Michaelson viewpoint. Enter Afro-alpine moorland with giant groundsels. Arrive Mintos Hut (4,200m). Distance 12km, ascent 750m.
Short but steep climb past Tooth Col to Austrian Hut (4,790m), your high camp for the summit push. Afternoon rest and gear check. Best views of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m). Prepare for -10°C night. Distance 7km, ascent 590m.
Alpine start at 3am. Steep 1.5–2 hour scree ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m) for sunrise over Africa. Descend via Sirimon route through Mackinder's Valley to Old Moses Camp (3,300m). Longest day. Distance 20km, ascent 195m, descent 1,685m.
Gentle descent through moorland, bamboo, and montane forest to Sirimon Gate (2,650m). Transfer 3.5 hours back to Nairobi. End of 6-day Chogoria–Sirimon traverse. Distance 9km, descent 650m.
I only had one free day in Nairobi and CKS made it count. The Sirimon day hike took me past giant groundsels and old man's beard to around 3,900m — proper alpine scenery without needing a full expedition. David paced it perfectly and I was back at my hotel by evening. The best day trip I've ever done.
Mount Kenya is the most underrated mountain I've climbed. The Sirimon route was quiet — we barely saw other trekkers. Shipton Camp beneath the peaks felt like a Himalayan basecamp. Summit morning to Point Lenana at dawn, with Kilimanjaro floating on the horizon, was breathtaking. David's guiding was world-class. I'll be back for Batian.
The Chogoria route is the most beautiful trek I have ever done. Giant groundsels, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and the dramatic view of Batian and Nelion from Mintos Hut. We crossed the Nithi Gorge and saw Mount Kenya's peaks reflected in Lake Michaelson. Far quieter than Kilimanjaro and every bit as spectacular. David is a brilliant and patient guide.
What set CKS apart was the tree planting. After our Mount Kenya climb, we each planted a cedar seedling at the Sirimon buffer zone with the crew. It turned a great trek into something meaningful — we left something behind on the mountain. This is real conservation, not a marketing slogan. We'll climb with CKS again because of this.
We climbed as a couple and the Naro Moru–Sirimon traverse was the perfect choice — fast ascent, scenic descent. The Vertical Bog was an adventure in itself. Summit morning was clear and we could see both peaks glowing at dawn. The crew looked after us like family. Mount Kenya is a hidden gem and CKS knows it inside out.
Yes. It is mandatory by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations to climb Mount Kenya with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted. All our guides are KWS-certified and wilderness first-aid trained.
Point Lenana (4,985m) is Mount Kenya's trekking peak — reachable on foot without technical climbing. Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are the true summits and require technical rock climbing (Grade IV+). About 95% of climbers aim for Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya climbing costs from $480 for a day hike to around $850 for a 4-day Sirimon trek to Point Lenana, and from $2,450 for a 7-day technical Batian summit. Prices are per person and include park fees, crew, food and camping gear.
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.
The best months to climb Mount Kenya are January–February and July–October, when the weather is driest and the trails are clearest. March–May and November are the long and short rains. Technical Batian climbs are best in the July–September dry window.
For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.
All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.
Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.
The Sirimon route is the most popular and best-acclimatizing ascent on Mount Kenya, approaching from the north through dense montane forest …
The Naro Moru route is the fastest and most direct path to Point Lenana — great for trekkers short on time. It ascends the notorious Vertica…
Three route options, one unforgettable day on Africa's second-highest mountain. Choose the Sirimon route (best for beginners and families, r…
