Chogoria Route
Experience Mount Kenya’s most iconic trekking route, featuring the dramatic Gorges Valley and the stunning Lake Michaelson.
📅5-6 Days
⛰️4,985m Summit
⚖️Moderate Difficulty
📍
Start/End
Chogoria Gate
🏕️
Accommodation
Camping
🍽️
Meals
Full Board
👥
Group Size
2-12 People
Detailed Itinerary
The Chogoria Route is perhaps the most iconic of Mount Kenya’s trekking routes. Starting on the eastern side, the trail takes you through forest, sweeping moorland, and past lakes and rivers on the way up to Point Lenana. Longer and less traveled than other routes, it offers excellent acclimatization in a magical wilderness setting.
⛰️+379m
📍6 km
🕒2-3 hours
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from your hotel to Chogoria Gate. After registration and lunch, embark on a gentle afternoon trek through timberline forest, where towering cedar and African rosewood trees create a magical atmosphere. The trail opens into sweeping moorland before reaching our secluded campsite beside a clear mountain stream.
Highlights:
*Towering cedar forests *African rosewood trees *Secluded valley campsite *Gentle acclimatization
🍽️Lunch, Dinner 🏕️Swiss Army Camp
⛰️+634m
📍12 km
🕒5-6 hours
Todays trek takes you through some of Mount Kenyas most spectacular scenery. Traverse the expansive moorlands with their unique alpine vegetation before descending into the dramatic Gorges Valley. The highlight is reaching the stunning Lake Michaelson, nestled at the head of the valley with towering cliffs reflected in its pristine waters.
Highlights:
*Sweeping moorlands *Dramatic Gorges Valley *Stunning Lake Michaelson *Unique alpine flora
🍽️Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏕️Lake Michaelson Camp
⛰️+300m
📍8 km
🕒4-5 hours
A shorter day allowing for proper acclimatization as you ascend to higher altitudes. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Camp beneath the iconic rock formations known as Pillar and the Hat, with the summit peaks visible above.
Highlights:
*Panoramic peak views *Iconic rock formations *High altitude camping *Summit preparation
🍽️Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏕️Pillar and the Hat Camp
⛰️+685m / -1,085m
📍15 km
🕒10-12 hours
The big day begins at 2:00 AM for your summit push to Point Lenana (4,985m). Trek through the pre-dawn darkness, reaching the summit in time for a spectacular sunrise over the African plains. On clear days, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro 200km away. After celebrating your achievement, descend through the Mackinder Valley to Karumba Camp.
Highlights:
*Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) *Spectacular sunrise *Views of Kilimanjaro *Mackinder Valley descent
🍽️Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 🏕️Karumba Camp
⛰️-600m
📍12 km
🕒3-4 hours
Your final day on the mountain is a relaxed descent through the beautiful Mackinder Valley. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you drop in altitude, with opportunities to spot wildlife and appreciate the diverse ecosystems. Vehicle collection at Old Moses for transfer back to Nanyuki.
Highlights:
*Mackinder Valley views *Wildlife spotting *Changing ecosystems *Celebration of achievement
🍽️Breakfast, Lunch 🏕️N/A
What’s Included
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Experienced assistant guides
- Camp crew and porters
- All meals as per itinerary
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses)
- Cooking equipment and utensils
- All park entrance fees
- Transport to/from mountain
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Pulse oximeter for health monitoring
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items of personal nature
- Accommodation before/after trek
Best Time to Trek
January – March (Dry season)
July – October (Clear skies)
Temperature: 0°C to 20°C