Trip Overview
Mt. Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and is home to several scenic hiking trails, including the Chogoria Route. This route offers stunning views of the mountain’s peaks, glaciers, and valleys, making it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.
The Chogoria Route is one of the most scenic and beautiful routes to hike on Mt. Kenya. It is a bit longer than other routes, but it offers breathtaking views of the mountain’s peaks and valleys, as well as diverse flora and fauna. The route begins at the Chogoria Gate, which is about a 3-hour drive from Nairobi, and ends at Point Lenana, the third-highest peak on Mt. Kenya.
The Chogoria Route offers a range of highlights for hikers to enjoy. These include:
- The Gorges Valley, with its towering cliffs and lush vegetation.
- The Lake Ellis, an emerald-green lake that’s perfect for a refreshing swim.
- The Minto’s Hut, a cozy mountain cabin with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- The Austrian Hut, a mountain hut located at 4,790 meters, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
- Point Lenana, the highest point on the Chogoria Route, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Chogoria Route is considered to be one of the more challenging routes on Mt. Kenya. It requires hikers to have a good level of fitness and to be comfortable with high altitudes. However, with proper preparation and training, anyone can hike this route.
The best time to hike the Chogoria Route is during the dry season, which runs from January to February and from June to September. During this time, the weather is generally clear, and the trails are easier to navigate. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions on the mountain can be unpredictable, so hikers should always be prepared for any changes.
Detailed Itinerary
5:30 am: Departure for Chogoria Town.
8:30 am: Arrival at Chogoria Town. Here, we will connect with the crew, have light breakfast and board a transfer vehicle to Chogoria Forest Gate (approximately 22km through the forest).
10:00 am: Trek to Lake Ellis (3,400m ASL)
Distance: 7.5 – 9km Max elevation gain: 600m
After registration at the gate, we begin our trek on a muddy trail through the beautiful Hargenia forest, past a fisheries station to get to the moorland. Our excursion first takes us to the Mugi Hill summit (3,550m ASL), from where we will enjoy scenic views of the peaks, and the beautiful Giants Billiard Table. We will then descend for Road End camp, where we will stop for some snacks before heading to the magical Nithi Falls and Caves.
Later on, we will head back toward Road End camp and take a detour toward Lake Ellis. Prepare to be enchanted by the glittering blue-green reflections of the late-afternoon-sun on Lake Ellis against the beautiful backdrop of the Hindu Valley.
We will pitch camp here and enjoy delicious lunch by the lake. Later on, feel free to wander around the lake as you take unlimited pictures. You may as well try your luck fishing by the shores if you bring your fishing equipment with you. Later on, enjoy a quiet evening by the bonfire as you have dinner and recount your experiences so far.
Distance: 9km Max elevation gain: 800m
After breakfast, we set out on our journey through the heather and moorland to Camp Mintos on a relatively steep trail. Expect breathtaking views all along the way. After 3 hours, we will stop over for lunch for about 30-60 minutes near Lake Michaelson (3,800m ASL).
After a one-hour break, we continue our trek through a rocky, steep stretch. Altitude sickness symptoms may start appearing at this point; therefore, we will maintain a very moderate pace the rest of the way. If heights don’t scare you, you will have the opportunity to catch a beautiful glimpse of the entire Lake Michaelson from atop a cliff.
Two more hours, and we reach our final destination, Camp Mintos. Here, you will give your feet a well-deserved break by letting them breathe. Feel free to slip on your sandals or walk on bare feet around the beautiful Mintos Tarn. Later on, we will have our dinner and retire early in readiness for conquering ourselves at the summit early in the morning.
Distance: 11.5km Max elevation gain: 785m
We will wake up at 2 a.m, have breakfast immediately, and begin our 4km trek to Point Lenana (4,985m ASL) by 2:30 a.m. An early ascent guarantees us magical views of sunrise at dawn from the summit, if we make it on time.
After getting to the third highest peak of Mt. Kenya and documenting the moments in pictures, we begin our descent to Lake Michaelson, where we will camp for the night. Prepare to be blown away by the gradual reveal of the beautiful gem hidden within the Gorges Valley.
Est 12:30 p.m Arrival at Lake Michaelson. Have late lunch and pitch camp for the night.
The lake and the surroundings are yours for the taking. Feel free to roam around the lake and take as many photos as you can.
Save your camera’s juice though because you will need it for the stunning sunrise by the shores. If you have a tripod stand, bring it with you. The time lapse video will be quite rewarding.
Distance: 13.5km
7:00 am: Breakfast by the shore.
8:00 am: Bid Lake Michaelson farewell. Enjoy magical views of the Gorges Valley all along the way back to Road Head Camp.
12:30 pm: Light lunch at Road Head Camp before proceeding to Chogoria Gate.
2:30 pm: Exit Chogoria Gate
3:30 pm: Arrival at Chogoria town. Here we will connect with our transfers to Nairobi.
Inclusions
- Transport to and from Nairobi to Chogoria gate.
- Accommodation at designated camping sites.
- 3 guaranteed meals per day.
- All government park fees.
- Services of an English speaking mountain guide and chef.
- Services of porters and cooks.
- Tents.
Exclusions
- Hiking gears and sleeping bags. (can be provided at an extra cost upon request)
- Tips for porters, guide and cooks.
- Items of personal nature.
- International flights.
- International flights.
- Visas.
- Hotel accommodations before and after safari.