Mount Kenya 4-Day Sirimon-Chogoria Traverse¶

The classic 4-day traverse of Mount Kenya ascending Sirimon and descending Chogoria to reach Point Lenana — Africa's finest mountain traverse.

Overview¶

The Sirimon-Chogoria Traverse is the finest route on Mount Kenya, ascending the drier northwest Sirimon route and descending via the scenic Chogoria track with its giant lobelias and Hall Tarns. The objective is Point Lenana (4,985m), the highest non-technical summit of Africa's second-highest peak. Four days allow comfortable acclimatization while passing through equatorial moorland, alpine meadows, and glaciated terrain. No technical equipment needed for Lenana, though the upper section requires care on rocky terrain.

Day 1: Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp¶

Enter through the Sirimon Gate and ascend through afro-montane forest and moorland along the Sirimon track. Old Moses camp offers bandas (huts) and a campsite amid giant heathers at the forest edge.

Day 2: Old Moses to Shiptons Camp¶

Long ascent through the Mackinder Valley with views of the twin glaciated peaks of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) directly above. Shiptons Camp is the main high camp below the technical peaks, with a hut and tents.

Day 3: Summit Lenana and Trek to Mintos Hut¶

Pre-dawn ascent from Shiptons to Point Lenana at 4,985m for sunrise over the glaciers. Descend into the Chogoria side via Hall Tarns and the spectacular Gorges Valley to Mintos Hut.

Day 4: Mintos Hut to Chogoria Gate¶

Descend the Chogoria track through dense moorland filled with giant lobelias and groundsels — some of the most spectacular equatorial alpine flora in Africa. Exit at the Chogoria Gate and transfer back to Nairobi.