Quarterly Mt Kenya Chogoria Route Climb
Overview
Commune with nature as you traverse the most scenic route to Point Lenana on Mt. Kenya. This Quarterly Mt Kenya Climb via the Chogoria Route promises and over-delivers on breathtaking views, magic, and an unforgettable experience. The journey delves into the heart of the mountain, aiming to conquer Point Lenana, the third-highest peak at 4,985m ASL. This 4-day expedition begins and ends at the Chogoria Gate, exploring stunning features like Lake Ellis, Mugi Hill, Nithi Fall and Caves, Lake Michaelson, and Gorges Valley, culminating in glorious views from Point Lenana.
Duration
4 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
Max None
Schedule
Dec 10 - Dec 13, 2026
Schedule & Availability
Fixed DatesDecember 10, 2026 - December 13, 2026
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Depart Nairobi for Chogoria Gate at 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival, connect with the Outdoorer Mt. Kenya team, meet, greet, and have brunch. After registration, begin the trek through the beautiful Hargenia forest, past a fisheries station. Detour to Lake Ellis (3,455m ASL), where you'll be enchanted by glittering blue-green reflections. Pitch camp by the lake, wander around, take pictures, and enjoy a quiet evening with dinner.
Activities:
- Transfer from Nairobi to Chogoria Gate
- Brunch
- Trek to Lake Ellis
- Camping by Lake Ellis
After breakfast, set out on a journey through heather and moorland towards Camp Mintos, following an initially steep trail with breathtaking views. Carry a packed lunch for a picnic point. Continue through a rocky, steep stretch, maintaining a moderate pace as altitude sickness symptoms may appear. Opportunity to glimpse Lake Michaelson from atop a cliff. Reach Camp Mintos, rest your feet, explore Mintos Tarn, have dinner, and retire early for the summit push.
Activities:
- Breakfast
- Trek to Camp Mintos
- Packed lunch
- Dinner
- Rest and early retirement
Wake up at 1:00 a.m., have tea and snacks, and begin the trek to Point Lenana (4,985m ASL) by 2:30 a.m. An early ascent aims for magical sunrise views from the summit. Take in views of Simba Tarn, Harris Tarn, Square Tarn, Hanging Tarn, and the divide. After accomplishing the mission, head back to Camp Mintos for brunch. Later, hike back to Lake Ellis to spend the last night.
Activities:
- Summit push to Point Lenana
- Sunrise viewing from summit
- Brunch at Camp Mintos
- Hike back to Lake Ellis
- Camping by Lake Ellis
After breakfast, hold a graduation ceremony and receive medals for completing the arduous trek. Have a brief thanksgiving session before hiking down to Chogoria Gate. Should the weather be favorable, an optional detour to the magical Nithi Fall is available (adds ~3km). Proceed to the gate and depart for Nairobi, with hearts fuller and souls richer.
Activities:
- Breakfast
- Graduation ceremony
- Hike to Chogoria Gate
- Optional detour to Nithi Fall
- Departure to Nairobi
What's Included
- 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
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5 depending on group size)
- Thorough emergency action plan for emergencies
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- All meals while on the climb
- Tent accommodation on the mountain (two people sharing)
- 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
What's Not Included
- Items of personal nature (clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, rucksacks)
- Mandatory emergency air rescue cover (KES 3,300 if not already covered)
- Tips to guides and porters
- Anything else not explicitly listed in the 'Included' list
Requirements
Fitness Level Required: High level of physical fitness with cardiovascular training and pre-expedition altitude acclimatizat
What to Bring:- Physical fitness with emphasis on cardiovascular training
- Understanding of gear and layering at high elevations
- High-altitude training (3,500+ mASL) within one month ahead of the climb for altitude acclimatization
- Avoid travel to low altitude within the week preceding the expedition
Location
Country: Kenya
Destinations: Camp Mintos Chogoria Gate Gorges Valley Lake Ellis Lake Michaelson Mount Kenya Nithi Fall Point Lenana
Enquire to Book
Pricing Options
Kenyan & EAC Citizens - By Bus
Package for Kenyan and East African Community citizens, includes bus transport.
Kenyan & EAC Citizens - Self-Drive
Package for Kenyan and East African Community citizens, self-drive option.
Foreign Kenyan Residents - By Bus
Package for foreign residents in Kenya, includes bus transport.
Foreign Kenyan Residents - Self-Drive
Package for foreign residents in Kenya, self-drive option.
Non-Resident Foreigners - By Bus
Package for non-resident foreigners, includes bus transport.
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