This is a popular and highly recommended itinerary for experiencing the beauty and challenge of Mount Kenya, aiming for the trekkable summit of Point Lenana (4,985m). It offers a well-paced ascent on the Sirimon Route, known for its gradual incline and scenic variety, followed by a breathtaking descent via the Chogoria Route, renowned for its stunning landscapes.
Sirimon Route Ascent:
- Approach: Located on the northwestern side of Mount Kenya, the Sirimon route is favored for its drier conditions and gradual ascent, making it excellent for acclimatization.
- Experience: The trail meanders through diverse vegetation zones, starting with montane forest, transitioning into bamboo thickets, then traversing giant heather moorland, and finally reaching the high-altitude alpine desert.
- Scenery: Offers expansive views of the northern and western aspects of the mountain, including the peaks and valleys. Wildlife sightings, such as zebras, bushbucks, and various bird species, are possible in the lower sections.
- Acclimatization: The gentle gradient and typically longer duration of the Sirimon ascent allow for better acclimatization to the increasing altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Huts/Campsites: Well-established and comfortable accommodation is available at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) and Shipton’s Camp (4,200m). Camping is also permitted at designated sites.
- Summit Approach: The final push to Point Lenana from Shipton’s Camp is a challenging but non-technical hike, often undertaken in the early morning hours to reach the summit for sunrise. The terrain involves rocky paths and scree slopes.
- Duration: The Sirimon ascent typically takes 3 to 4 days to reach Shipton’s Camp, depending on your pace and acclimatization schedule.
Chogoria Route Descent:
- Approach: Located on the eastern side of Mount Kenya, the Chogoria route is widely considered the most scenic trekking route on the mountain.
- Experience: The descent via Chogoria offers a dramatic contrast in scenery to the Sirimon ascent. The trail winds through the breathtaking Gorges Valley, passing the picturesque Lake Michaelson, the stunning Hall Tarns, and numerous cascading waterfalls. The vegetation is lush and vibrant, with unique Afro-alpine flora.
- Scenery: The views during the Chogoria descent are truly spectacular, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities.
- Altitude: As a descent route, the focus shifts from gaining altitude to managing the impact on your knees. The longer distances can be physically demanding.
- Huts/Campsites: Basic bandas (huts) are available at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m) at the lower end of the route. Camping is also possible at various scenic spots like Mintos Hut (4,200m).
- Duration: The Chogoria descent typically takes 2 to 3 days to reach the park gate, depending on your pace and chosen campsites.
Overall Climbing Adventure:
Combining the Sirimon ascent and Chogoria descent provides a well-rounded and unforgettable Mount Kenya experience:
- Excellent Acclimatization: The gradual Sirimon ascent maximizes your chances of reaching Point Lenana comfortably.
- Diverse Scenery: You’ll witness the contrasting landscapes of the mountain’s northern and eastern sides.
- Challenging Trek: Reaching Point Lenana is a rewarding physical achievement.
- No Technical Climbing Required: This itinerary is suitable for fit trekkers and does not involve any technical rock climbing.
- Logistical Considerations: Requires careful planning, booking with a reputable guiding company, hiring porters to carry gear, and obtaining the necessary permits from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Transportation between the Sirimon and Chogoria gate might also need to be arranged.
- Duration: The entire traverse typically takes 5 to 7 days, allowing ample time to enjoy the scenery and acclimatize properly.
This “Sirimon up, Chogoria down” itinerary is a classic choice for those wanting a challenging trek to Point Lenana with exceptional scenery and a good chance of success due to the well-paced ascent.
