6 DAYS Mount Kenya Climbing: Sirimon – Down Chogoria Route
6 DAYS Mount Kenya Climbing: Sirimon – Down Chogoria Route
Challenge yourself to climb Mount Kenya and experience the exhilaration of trekking the second highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kenya (pt. Lenana) stands at 4,985 metres and is an amazing 6 day trek in some of the most beautiful scenery Kenya has to offer. On your final summit day, an early start sees you on the summit circuit path, which is arguably the finest walking trail in all of East Africa. Experience stunning views, tarns, glaciers, ice carved rock formations and precipitous valleys, before ideally reaching Point. Lenana to see a spectacular African sunrise.
Climbing Mount Kenya via the Sirimon-Chogoria route is a challenging and rewarding adventure that takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows and rocky peaks. Here’s an overview of the Sirimon-Chogoria route for climbing Mount Kenya:
6 DAYS Mount Kenya Climbing: Sirimon – Down Chogoria Route
Route Overview: The Sirimon-Chogoria route is a transverse route that starts on the northwest side of Mount Kenya at Sirimon Gate and descends on the southeast side at Chogoria Gate. This route offers a unique opportunity to experience the varied ecosystems and scenery of the mountain.
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro. It is an ancient extinct stratovolcano located in central Kenya, near the equator. Here are some key features and information about Mount Kenya:
- Elevation: Mount Kenya’s highest peak, Batian, reaches an elevation of 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level. The second-highest peak, Nelion, stands at 5,188 meters (17,021 feet). The third-highest peak, Lenana, is at a slightly lower elevation of 4,985 meters (16,355 feet).
- Geology: Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano that has been extinct for millions of years. The mountain is made up of three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana. The peaks are eroded remnants of the volcano’s central plug.
- Climate and Ecosystems: The mountain features diverse ecosystems and climate zones due to its varying altitudes. At lower elevations, you’ll find dense forests, including bamboo and tropical rainforests. As you ascend, the landscape transitions into heathlands, moorlands, and alpine zones, ultimately leading to glaciers and snow-covered areas near the summits.
- Wildlife: The mountain and its surrounding area are home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, various antelope species, and numerous bird species. The unique montane and alpine habitats support a rich biodiversity.
- Cultural Significance: Mount Kenya holds cultural importance for the local Kikuyu people, who view the mountain as a sacred site and a place of spiritual significance. It features in many local myths and legends.
- Recreational Activities: Mount Kenya is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and adventure enthusiasts. There are several routes to the summit, each varying in difficulty and offering different experiences. The most common routes include the Chogoria, Sirimon, and Naro Moru routes.
- Conservation: The mountain and its surrounding forests were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to their natural and cultural significance. The area is protected by various conservation efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems and ensure sustainable tourism.
- Challenges: Despite its protected status, Mount Kenya faces challenges such as deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change, which impact its ecosystems and wildlife.
Overall, Mount Kenya is not only a remarkable natural landmark but also a place of cultural importance and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
6 DAYS Mount Kenya Climbing: Sirimon – Down Chogoria Route
| Destination |
MT KENYA CLIMBING: SIRIMON – DOWN CHOGORIA ROUTE |
| Depature |
Yes Required |
| Departure Time |
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| Return Time |
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| Included |
• Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
• Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
• Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
• Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
• Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
• All park entrance fees to include government taxes
• Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
• Start and finish Nairobi
• Treated water on the trek |
| Excluded |
• Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gears
• International flights
• Visas to Kenya
• Items of personal nature
• Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
|
Details
After pick up in Nairobi drive to Nanyuki town for lunch crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate(2660m). From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 – 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Up the spectacular Mackinder Valley past strange giant groundsel and lobelia plants to emerge onto what looks like a set from Star Trek – Shipton’s Camp at 4,236m. This is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, with its resident populations of bizarre rock hyrax and beautiful sunbirds.
For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure. N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization – but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!
From Shipton’s camp the trail leads to Kami camp below the north face of Batian. Continuing west – southwest the trails climbs up switchbacks in the fine snow before reaching Hausberg Col at 4590m. We will descend into the upper Hausberg valley and rest at the oblong and Hausberg tarns. Ascending to the crest of a ridge known as Arthur’s seat we see the trail winding along a beautiful series of rock ledges. We will descend to Mackinder’s camp for the night.
An early 2.30 am start for an attempt to reach point Lenana in time for sunrise. The climb takes 4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon. Descend to mintos hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya bandas through the gorges valley for dinner & overnight. You can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the Bandas!
After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicle for the return to Nairobi – usually arriving mid to late afternoon.
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