Mount Kenya
August 6th-12th I Book Now
Mount Kenya is wild, beautiful, and full of surprises. Once a towering volcano over 6,600m, it now rises to 5,199m as a dramatic alpine massif of crags, glaciers, and misty moorlands. Often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, it is in fact the true mountaineer’s mountain — more scenic, more varied, and far less crowded.
The Trek
On this epic 5-day journey, we’ll take the remote and spectacular Chogoria Route. Beginning from the quieter eastern side, this trail offers breathtaking scenery and a challenging yet accessible adventure.
We’ll trek through lush forest, bamboo groves, and surreal high-altitude landscapes before summiting Point Lenana (4,985m) — the highest peak on Mount Kenya open to trekkers without ropes or technical gear.
Highlights Along the Way
Camp beside stunning alpine lakes, including Lake Ellis and the famous Lake Michaelson, framed by 200m vertical cliffs in the Gorges Valley.
Cross dramatic moorlands dotted with giant lobelias and everlasting flowers.
Spot wildlife where you’d least expect it — elephant and buffalo in the forest, zebra and antelope on the high plateaus, and eagles soaring above.
Why Join This Expedition
This is not a simple walk. It is a 5-day expedition into East Africa’s most majestic wilderness — rugged, remote, and unforgettable. The Chogoria Route gives you the best of Mount Kenya: fewer crowds, greater variety, and scenery that will stay with you for life.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: AUGUST 6th – ARRIVE IN NAIROBI
Arrive in Nairobi and meet the team
DAY TWO: AUGUST 7th – CHOGORIA ROAD HEAD
The walk starts with spectacular views of the rolling hills ahead and perhaps even a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) high above. This is a relatively long hike with a picnic lunch before heading out on the trek. You should be in camp by late afternoon. We follow the general rule of acclimitisation to “climb high and sleep low.” An evening walk up to nearby Mugi Hill or Lake Ellis can be an excellent way to end the day and will hopefully make your ascent a lot easier as well. You can even try your hand at a spot of fly-fishing in the lake.
START – 8,301FT / 2,530M I END – 9,768FT / 2,950M I DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM I TIME – 5 HRS TOTAL
DAY THREE: AUGUST 8th – LAKE MICHAELSON
This day is a beautiful walk that takes you up along the ridge overlooking the Gorges Valley, and later in the day, Lake Michaelson comes into view. We will break for lunch overlooking the lake with a spectacular view, and then continue on a gentle traverse and descend to the Lake Michaelson campsite. You can rest in the afternoon or have a wander around the lake.
START – 9,768FT / 2,950M I END – 14,075FT / 4,290M I DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM I TIME – 7 HRS
DAY FOUR: AUGUST 9th – SIMBA TARN
The mornings tend to be slow as the immense beauty at the breakfast table makes for a great opportunity to relax and enjoy a late start. The walk up to the Simba Col is steep and short, so it's best to find your slow and steady pace and enjoy the breathtaking views as you walk out of the Gorges valley. Simba Col camp is nestled in a bowl on the shoulder of Point Lenana at 4,500 metres. This makes for a great camp for an approach to the summit.
START – 14,075FT / 4,290M I END – 15,256FT / 4,650M I DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 3KM I TIME – 2 HRS
DAY FIVE: AUGUST 10th – LENANA (4,985M) TO SAVAGE CAMP (4,200M)
An early departure at 5:30 am for a sunrise summit is the best way to experience this climb and enjoy the expansive views of the mountainside, valleys, and country beyond—even the summit of Kilimanjaro—whilst sipping a nice warm drink. The descent takes you down the northern side to where you will stop at Savage campsite just for the night.
START -15,256 FT / 4,650M I END -13,789 FT / 4200M I DISTANCE - 4.4MILES / 7KM I TIME - 6 HRS
DAY 6: AUGUST 11th – SAVAGE CAMP TO OLD MOSES (3,400M)
The descent takes you down the Sirimon side to Old Moses for collection. You will be back in the Nanyuki area by 3 pm.
DISTANCE 9 MILES/ 14 KM I Trekking time: 5-6 hours
DAY SEVEN: AUGUST 12th – HOME
Return to Nairobi and fly home, or go on safari towards the coast
What Is included
One Turn Wild Guide- Team coordinator
Trained local Mt Kenya guides
Camp crew, cook, and a professionally paid team of porters
All relevant Park fees
Emergency medical evacuation as far as the relevant gate
Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeters
All accommodation, meals and drinks as described in the itinerary on the expedition.
Tents and equipment
Drinks on the hike (potable water, tea, coffee & hot chocolate)
Transport to and from Nairobi hotels
Accommodation in Nairobi as per the itinerary
What Is not included
Tips- please see Frequently Asked Questions
International flights
Entry visas
Personal kit
Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided, then the price will most likely vary up or down)
Airport departure taxes (unless stated)
Laundry
Beverages/ meals in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle)
Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency
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How long is the Chogoria Route trek?
The trek is 5 days and 4 nights, offering a gradual ascent ideal for acclimatisation and scenic immersion. The route starts on the eastern side of the mountain and ascends to Point Lenana (4,985m) – the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya.
How difficult is the trek?
This is a moderate to challenging trek. You’ll need a good level of fitness and be comfortable hiking for 5–7 hours per day, including some steeper sections at altitude. No technical climbing is required to reach Point Lenana.
What is the maximum altitude?
The summit of the trek is Point Lenana (4,985m). It’s the third-highest peak on Mount Kenya and offers stunning panoramic views — often above the clouds.
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Yes, at nearly 5,000 metres altitude sickness is a possibility. However, the Chogoria Route’s gradual ascent gives your body time to acclimatise. We also monitor everyone carefully and take rest days and hydration seriously.
What kind of scenery can I expect?
Expect diverse and spectacular scenery:
Rainforest and bamboo zones
Moorlands with giant lobelia and senecio
Alpine lakes like Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson
Dramatic rock spires and glaciated valleys
Will we see wildlife?
Yes! This route has excellent wildlife potential. You may encounter:
Elephants and buffalo in the lower forests
Zebra, eland (large antelope in the higher moorlands)
Birdlife includes sunbirds, eagles, and turacos.
Where do we sleep?
A mix of wild camping and mountain huts (depending on availability and weather). Tents are typically used at Lakes Ellis and Michaelson. Porters carry all gear.
What happens if you do the recce but Turn Wild decides not to run the event?
Your deposits will be held in a Trust account run by the Travel Trust Association. Your deposit will be returned if we decide not to run the event due to not hitting the minimum numbers.
What should I pack?
We provide a full kit list, but key items include:
Good-quality hiking boots
Warm layers (it gets below freezing at night)
Waterproof jacket
Sleeping bag (rated to at least -5°C)
Headtorch, water bottles, sunscreen, and snacks
Do I need a guide or permit?
Yes. Mount Kenya National Park requires all visitors to obtain permits and be accompanied by a registered guide. Our team handles all permits, logistics, and safety support
Are there porters? How much do I have to carry?
We will be using porters and it is important to keep weight to a minimum. You will be expected to share a 3 person tent with another person- so it won’t be too cramped. You will carry a day sack of 30-40 litres with your waterproofs, warm layer, snacks, water and any medications you may need. A soft duffel bag will be carried by the porters for you. This should be able to be squashed.
Can I organise a Safari or beach holiday after the expedition?
Yes! If you have the time, you can really recharge after this expedition. The beaches in Kenya are stunning, the water is warm, the kite surfing amazing and the safaris second to none. Organise your own add on to your own tastes and budget.
How cold could it be at the summit?
There is a wide temperature range on this expedition. It can be as high as mid-20s (degrees Celsius) on the lower sections and Minus seven at the summit due to wind chill, which is normal. A layering system is essential and will be covered as always in our pre-expedition lectures. Your water bladder tube will freeze at this altitude and a wide mouthed water bottle is needed on summit day.
Tipping the guides and porters.
This is optional but normal in East Africa. The lead guide will get tipped independently of the assistant guides, cooks and porters. The amount of porters surprises most groups. Budget around $400–500 USD in cash for tips. We will give a better figure after the recce. You will not be able to transfer funds after the expedition. All this money will go to your African Team- through the lead guide- Turn Wild will retain no tips.
Travelling tips.
Please travel with your essential kit in case your baggage is delayed.
Boots
Waterproofs
Medications
What will my daily routine be?
As a general guideline:
Tea/Coffee & hot water: 6.00 am
Breakfast: 6.30 am
Briefing: 7 am
Depart: 7.30 am
Lunch: depends on whether lunch is en route or in camp, but around 12 pm to 1 pm
Afternoon tea: 3 – 4 pm
Dinner 7 pm
Evening briefing: 7.30 pm
Most people tend to go to bed fairly shortly after dinner for a well-earned rest.
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General Equipment:
Holdall 70-90 litres
Small microfibre towel
Power bank
Water bottle
Medications
Sunblock
Hand sanitiser
Blister kit
Sun block & lip balm
Book / Kindle
Plug: European C and French E
Wash kit
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Copy of passport
Sleeping:
Sleeping bag: Rated to -5 minimum. Down will cost more but save you weight.
Thermals / liner or both depending on your sleeping system
Inflatable pillow or dry bag with clothes inside
Ear plugs
Feet:
Boots: .
Socks: Minimum 2 pairs. One dry for sleeping in
Camp / refuge shoes)
Legs:
Hiking trousers
Gore-tex waterproof overtrousers: ones you can put on over boots
Torso:
Base layers x two (one to sleep in)
Midlayer - thin long sleeve
Warm layer (down jacket)
Waterproof jacket (check it is waterproof - re-proof if needed)
Hat & Gloves:
Cap
Gloves thin / thick
Warm hat
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Technical Equipment:
Head torch
Walking poles
Day sack approx 30 Litres
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The total cost is £1500 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.