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Safaris
Mt. Kenya
Preparation
Mt. Kenya: Chogoria Route
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
The Chogoria route is said to be the most scenic and interesting of the three main routes on the mountain.
The route passes the enchanting Hall Tarns and looks down sheer cliffs into the spectacular Gorges Valley and onto the beautiful Lake Michaelson. This route leads from Chogoria town up to the peaks circuit. The 32 km (20 miles) from the forest gate to the park gate are often done by vehicle, but it is also possible to walk. There is much wildlife in the forest, with safari ant columns crossing the track, monkeys in the trees, and the potential for seeing elephant, buffalo and leopard. The road is not in good condition, and requires careful driving and walking. Near the park gate the bamboo zone starts, with grasses growing to 12 m high (40 ft).
Once in the park the track passes through rosewood forests, with lichens hanging from the branches. At one point the path splits, with the smaller track leading to a path up the nearby Mugi Hill and across to Lake Ellis.
The Temple is a large overhanging buttress overlooking Lake Michaelson, close to Hall Tarns.
Near the trailhead a small bridge crosses the Nithi stream. Following the stream downriver a few hundred metres (yards) leads to The Gates Waterfall. The path heads up a ridge above the Gorges Valley, with views to the peaks, Lake Michaelson, The Temple, and across the valley to Delamere and Macmillan Peaks. Hall Tarns are situated right on the path and above The Temple, which is a 300 m (1,000 ft) cliff above Lake Michaelson.
As the path carries on it crosses the flat head of the Nithi River and then the slope becomes steeper. The path splits, heading west to Simba Col, and south west to Square Tarn. These are both on the Peak Circuit Route.
Itinerary
| DAY 1 | 08:30 Hours depart Nairobi & transfer to Sirimon gate 2600m. Begin acclimatization hike to Old Moses Camp about 3300m for overnight [3 hrs] Picnic lunch & dinner. |
| DAY 2 |
After breakfast hike gradually through the Moorland into Mackinder's Valley to reach Shipton's camp 4200m for overnight [6-7 hours] Picnic lunch & dinner. |
| DAY 3 |
Proceed to American Camp 4250m via Hausberg Col. for camping [6 hours] |
| DAY 4 | Pre-dawn attempt Pt. Lenana 4985m and descend to Mintos/Hall tarn area 4300m for overnight in tents [6 hours] |
| DAY 5 |
Descend to Chogoria Park gate 300m for overnight in Meru Mount Kenya Bandas. |
| DAY 6 | Descend via the forest and connect with the vehicle to transfer you back to Nairobi. |
Pricing
6 Day Trek
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7 people | 8 people | |
| Price: | $1360 | $1070 | $1040 | $1030 | $1005 | $995 | $950 | $930 |
5 Day Trek
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7 people | 8 people | |
| Price: | $1150 | $1015 | $940 | $905 | $880 | $850 | $840 | $820 |