7 DAYS CHOGORIA TRAVERSE
Climb the Second second-highest mountain in Africa via the most scenic Route
This Safari to Mt. Kenya allows the visitor to experience all the contrasting scenery of Mt. Kenya. This safari is a beautiful blend of all our itineraries, taking advantage of the best aspects of the three main approach routes to the peak area: Chogoria, Sirimon and Naromoru
The Chogoria Route is considered one of the most scenic and beautiful routes for trekking Mount Kenya. It offers trekkers a diverse and rewarding experience as they make their way to the summit.
The Chogoria Route is renowned for its stunning and varied landscapes, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of valleys and lakes. Trekkers are treated to panoramic vistas of the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson along the way.
Overall, the Chogoria Route is a popular choice for trekkers seeking a scenic and immersive journey to the summit of Mount Kenya. Its diverse landscapes, gradual ascent, and wildlife sightings make it a memorable and rewarding trekking experience.
Detailed Mount Kenya Safari - 7 Days Chogoria Traverse
Day 1; Nairobi -Mt Kenya Bandas.
Depart from Nairobi early 0800hrs and be driven towards Mt. Kenya region which is rich in agricultural products up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4×4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Camp; Mt. Kenya Bandas 2,900m/ 9,500 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 3 hours.
Distance; 10 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 300m.
Day 2. Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite.
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.
Camp; Lake Ellis 3,600m/ 11,880 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 5 hours.
Distance; 7 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 700m.
Day 3: Lake Ellis- Minto`s Camp.
Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breath taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.
Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest. Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying.
Camp; Minto’s camp 4,200m/ 13,860 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 5- 6 hours.
Distance; 8 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 600m.
Day 4. Acclimatization day.
Descend to Lake Michaelson, in the depth of the Gorges Valley. See the incredible cave formation known as the Temple. Walk down the valley to Vivienne falls (named after the famous author of Speak to the Earth). Return to camp in the afternoon. Overnight at Mintos camp (4,300m.).
Camp; Mintos camp 4,300m/ 14,200ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 6 hours
Distance; 7 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gain; descend 200m then back to camp.
Day 5: Minto`s – Pt. Lenana – Shiptons camp.
Pre-dawn start at 0300hrs from the Mintos camp and attempt the 3rd highest peak – Pt. Lenana, 4,985m to be on the top of the summit by sunrise for good view of the main peaks and mountain environs. On a clear day you can be able to see Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro- a few minutes for celebration and photos. Then descend down on the Northface route- sirimon route to Simba col down to Shiptons camp for breakfast and rest. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Peak Summited; Point Lenana, 4985m/ 16355ft
Camp; Shiptons camp – 4,300m/ 14,200ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 8 hours.
Distance; 8 km.
Rating; High.
Altitude gained; 700m.
Day 6: Shipton – Teleki Valley- Met. Station.
After breakfast hike over the Mackinders valley down to Hausberg tarn, Two tarn down to Mackinders camp for lunch. The Mackinders is set on eastside of the mountain with clear view of the three main peaks Batian, Nelion and Lenana. The hike makes a complete circuit of the main peaks and views, sceneries from all main routes.
Afternoon proceed down through the moorland down to forest to Met. Station arriving at the camp late afternoon. Overnight at Met. Station.
Camp; Met. Station- 3,080m/ 10,000ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 8 hours (With breaks).
Distance; 15 km.
Rating; High.
Altitude gained; 785m.
Day 7. Met.Station – Naromoru parkgate- Nairobi.
After breakfast begin a 3 hours nice walk through the forest to Naromoru parkgate where you find vehicle waiting to transfer back to Nairobi or your next destination.
Camp; Naromoru – 1,970m/ 6,500ft.
Trekking time; 3 hours.
Distance; 9 km.
Rating; Medium.