Quarterly Mt Kenya Chogoria Route Climb
A pilgrimage to the highest point walkable in Kenya
Commune with nature as you traverse the most scenic route to Point Lenana
Mt. Kenya is a must-visit destination for every free-spirited lover of nature. The Quarterly Mt Kenya Climb via the Chogoria Route promises and over-delivers on the views, the magic, and the experience. We set out on a journey through one of the most scenic routes on Mt. Kenya once again, as we delve into the magic of the mountain. Our ultimate goal is to conquer ourselves by getting to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak of Mt. Kenya, rising to an elevation of 4,985m ASL.
The 4-day experience through the Mt. Kenya Chogoria Route begins and ends at the Chogoria Gate. We will set out to experience the beautiful sceneries and features of Mt. Kenya, including Lake Ellis, Mugi Hill, Nithi Fall and Caves, Lake Michaelson, Gorges Valley, and the glorious views at Point Lenana.
Itinerary – Quarterly Mt Kenya Chogoria Climb
We depart Nairobi for Chogoria Gate at 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival at Mt. Kenya Chogoria Gate, we will connect with the Outdoorer Mt. Kenya team, meet and greet, and have brunch before hitting the trail.
Trek to Lake Ellis (3,455m ASL)
After registration at the gate, we begin our trek through the beautiful Hargenia forest, past a fisheries station. As we approach Road Head camp, we will take a detour to the right, heading toward Lake Ellis. Prepare to be enchanted by the glittering blue-green reflections of the late afternoon sun on Lake Ellis against the Hinde Valley’s beautiful backdrop. We will pitch camp here by the lake. Feel free to wander around the lake as you take unlimited pictures. Later, enjoy a quiet evening by the lake as you have dinner and recount your experiences so far.
Distance:- 8km | Elevation gain:- 600m
After breakfast, we set out on our journey through the heather and moorland towards Camp Mintos, following an initially steep trail. Expect breathtaking views all along the way. We shall carry a packed lunch to have at a picnic point along the trail.
After the lunch 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.
Soon enough, 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 barefoot around the beautiful Mintos Tarn. Later, we will have dinner and retire early in preparation for the summit push to Point Lenana early the next morning.
Distance:- 9km | Elevation gain:- 800m
We wake up at 1:00 a.m., have tea and snacks, and immediately begin our 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. Set yourself to take it all in as far as the eye can see: Simba Tarn, Harris Tarn, Square Tarn, Hanging Tarn, and the view across the divide.
With our mission accomplished, we will head back to Camp Mintos for brunch. Later, we will set out for our hike back to Lake Ellis, where we will spend our last night.
Distance: Mintos to Point Lenana – 4.5km; Point Lenana to Road Head Camp – 13.5km | Max elevation gain:- 785m
After breakfast, we will hold our graduation ceremony and wear our medals with honor, having completed the arduous trek to the highest point reachable on foot in Kenya. Later, we will have a brief thanks-giving session before hitting the road down to Chogoria Gate. Should the weather be favorable, we shall allow you to take a detour to the magical Nithi Fall before proceeding to the gate. This adds approximately 3km to your hike–but the sheer grandeur of the waterfall is worth every hassle getting to it!
We hope to come out with our hearts fuller and our souls richer, having unlocked our mountains on the journey to Point Lenana.
Distance: Lake Ellis to Gate - 7km
Eligibility Criteria
Our criteria for anyone looking to join our mountaineering expeditions encompasses the following three points, which one must demonstrate satisfactory competence in if they cannot participate in the activities of our Beginner to Mt. Kenya Program.
- Physical fitness, with emphasis on cardiovascular training.
- Understanding of gear and layering at high elevations.
- High-altitude training (in the 3,500+ mASL elevations) within one month ahead of the climb for altitude acclimatization.
What to Wear & Carry?
Click this button to view and download the Mount Kenya Gear Checklist.
Points to Consider
- Pre-expedition altitude acclimatization increases your chances of getting to Point Lenana without experiencing severe altitude sickness. When you apply to join, we will prescribe some high-altitude preparatory hikes to elevations above 3,500m above sea level in the weeks preceding the expedition.
- Do not travel to low altitude within the week preceding the expedition. Doing so greatly decreases your body’s ability to acclimatize with elevation gain and, consequently, increases the risk of altitude sickness.
- Come with an open mind. The goal is to attempt the summit push. You shall never conquer the mountain; you can only conquer yourself.
- On tipping, it is customary to tip porters and crew on mountaineering expeditions. You are not obliged, but we recommend carrying tips in cash–just in case you decide to tip. Tipping into the collective kitty is, traditionally, fairer than tipping specific members of the crew.
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 51,000 | KES 46,500 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 52,000* | KES 47,500* |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 661.00 | NA |
Apply to Join​
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.Â
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5Â depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Mount Kenya-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back.
- All meals while on the climb.
- Tent accommodation on the mountain--two people sharing a tent.
- All park and camping fees.
- Ground rescue fees, and oxygen cylinders for emergency cases.
- Guides’, porters’, and other crew’s remuneration.
- Services of a skilled mountain paramedic.
Excluded
- Items of personal nature, including clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, and rucksacks.
- Mandatory emergency air rescue cover (If you do not have an eligible cover, the cost is KES 3,300).
- Tips to guides and porters (group tipping is recommended for fair distribution).Â
- Anything else not explicitly listed in the "Included" list.