4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Via Chogoria To Point Lenana Peak (4985)
4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Chogoria route is a 4 days Mount Kenya hike leading to Point Lenana at 4985m via Chogoria route of Mount Kenya.
The Chogoria Route of Mount Kenya is widely considered the most picturesque and spectacular route of Mount Kenya. This less traveled route leads features montane forests, undulating moorlands, glistening lakes, striking cliffs, and tumbling waterfalls may. Because Chogoria climbing route of Mount Kenya is less congested than other routes, climbers can enjoy the peace and unspoiled beauty of the mountain.
This comprehensive 4-day Mount Kenya climbing chogoria route strikes a balance between adventure, adequate acclimatization, and an exhilarating summit attempt to Point Lenana (4,985m), the highest trekking peak on Kenya’s third-highest mountain, behind Batian and Nelion Peaks.
Detailed 4 days Mount Kenya Climbing Route
Day 1: Nairobi – Chogoria Gate – Lake Ellis (3,400m)
Driving from Nairobi to Chogoria takes four to five hours.
Walking distance: 8 kilometers
Elevation gain: 800m
Duration: 3–4 hours
After being picked up early in the morning in Nairobi, you will have a picturesque drive to Chogoria town, which is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. As you travel, you will encounter the verdant landscapes of Embu and Meru counties, as well as lush coffee and tea plantations and small rural communities.
You will check in at Mount Kenya National Park, meet your guides and helpers, and get a summary of the hike when you get to Chogoria Gate (2,600m). The 4 days Mount Kenya climbing via chogoria route than starts through a stunning montane forest that is home to bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The trail progressively climbs into the moorlands, where gorgeous vistas and undulating slopes await.
You will arrive to Lake Ellis (3,400m), a tranquil alpine lake encircled by rough terrain, after a three to four-hour hike. Before your summit assault, this is the ideal campground for rest, photography, and acclimatization.
Accommodations:
🏕 Camping at Lake Ellis (full-board meals and tents provided).
🍽 Lunch and dinner are the meals.
Day 2: Lake Ellis (3,400m) – Mintos Hut (4,200m)
Hiking distance: 12km
Elevation gain: 800m
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Following breakfast, you’ll begin your climb to Mintos Hut (4,200m). As you move past expansive moorlands, rocky outcrops, and high-altitude plants like senecios and enormous lobelias, the scenery changes. The stunning vista of the Gorges Valley, a striking region with tall cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, is one of the day’s highlights.
Maintaining a slow, steady pace is essential for acclimatization because the oxygen levels decrease with altitude. Mintos Tarn, a high-altitude camping area with breathtaking views of Lake Michaelson below, is reached toward the end. You will arrive at Mintos Hut in the afternoon to rest, rehydrate, and eat a hot supper while getting ready for the summit attempt.
Accommodations:
🏕 Camping at Mintos Hut (full-board meals and tents provided).
🍽 Meals: Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Day 3: Attempt the summit from Mintos Hut to Point Lenana (4,985m) and then descend to Meru Bandas (3,000m)
distance: 6km ascent, 15km descent
Duration: 10–12 hours
Elevation Gain: 785 meters, followed by a 1,985-meter descent
Your early morning departure from Mintos Hut marks the start of your summit effort at 2:30 AM. The trail to Point Lenana (4,985m) is rough and steep, making it difficult to navigate under the stars. The objective is to reach the summit by daybreak, but the air gets thinner as you go.
When you get at Point Lenana, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the nearby peaks of Batian and Nelion, the Aberdare Ranges, and Mount Kilimanjaro (on a clear day). Spend some time admiring the magnificent surroundings, taking priceless pictures, and commemorating this amazing accomplishment.
Following your enjoyment of the peak, you will start your descent back to Mintos Hut for breakfast before continuing on to Meru Bandas (3,000m). After a challenging ascent, the descent is a welcome relief, leading you through picturesque valleys, bamboo woods, and undulating moorlands.
Accommodations:
Meru Bandas (basic cottages with warm showers and beds).
Meals: Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Day 4 : Meru Bandas – Chogoria Gate – Nairobi
Hiking distance: 10km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Drive time: 5–6 hours
Following a leisurely breakfast, you will descend to Chogoria Gate via a leisurely walk through the montane and bamboo woods. You’ll have the chance to see animals along the route, including antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes, which occasionally go into these areas of the forest.
A 4WD car will take you from the gate to Chogoria town, where your driver will be waiting for you to return to Nairobi. It is anticipated that you will arrive by late afternoon, capping an incredible journey.
Accommodations:
No overnight stay (end of tour).
Meals: Lunch and breakfast.
The following items are included in prices:
All transportation to/from the mountain (private)
All Park fees.
All food while on the Mountain.
Accommodation in mountain huts/ camping where applicable.
All guiding services
Porter support for the climb.
Not included in the 4 days Mount Kenya Climbing Chgoria
Personal clothing and equipment (see equipment list)
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters (recommended to be 10 – 15% of climb costs)
Beverages while not on the mountain