Point Lenana via Chogoria Route
SET DEPARTURE
Booking Code:
(for prices please access the MEMBER AREA)Why This Itinerary?
The Chogoria route takes you up the Eastern side of the mountain past some of the bigger lakes and, which are teaming with rainbow trout and offer a slightly different alpine fly fishing experience. This route has a fairly gradual ascent profile, which helps with acclimatization. It’s certainly regarded as being one of the more scenic routes with some fantastic views of the Gorges Valley and peaks above.
Description
The Chogoria Route approaches Mount Kenya on the Eastern side via Chogoria town. It is much quieter on this side compared to the busy western slopes. The route is longer and more gradual which is perfect for acclimatisation over a great 5 day trek. The scenery is so stunning on this route and it has a fantastic charm as it brings a feeling of solitude and peace into a magnificent mountain hike. This route brings to life some of the most beautiful and scenic sites on the mountain, the trek passes two of the most iconic lakes on Mount Kenya, Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. Lake Michaelson is considered to be the most stunning location on this great mountain. Set at the head of the Gorges Valley surrounded by 200m rock walls on each side that make up the Temple.
The Lakes are regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout, providing a unique opportunity for the avid fly fisherman or woman, and if you’re not it is an amazing place to camp and relax after a long days trekking.
The Chogoria route is also your best chance to see wildlife and birdlife whilst on Mount Kenya, some at higher altitudes than expected. Buffalo and Elephant is regularly seen at lower just above the forest and bamboo zones, and an abundance of zebra, eland, duiker at higher altitudes.
All in all, the route is best done following this 5 day itinerary, with campsites set up by our team of trained local porters and guides, many of which are from Chogoria Town. The team accompany you throughout your expedition.
Highlights
All the best parts of Mt Kenya, stunning views of the peaks, tarns and fantastic endemic flora. A chance of seeing some wildlife and arguably the prettiest high altitude hike in East Africa. And for those who are keen to fly fish, this is a beautiful setting to do so.
ITINERARY
IN BRIEF
Hike Distance - 25miles / 40km
Vertical Gain - 8,612ft / 2625m
Drop - 6,381ft / 1945m
Trekking Time - 28 hours
In Detail
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL
Your Driver will pick you up from the Airport and transfer you to your hotel. On arrival the hotel staff will help you get settled in and relax after your flight. Later on, you will be met by your guide and the Climbs Manager who will brief you thoroughly on what to expect while on the mountain and will also conduct a kit check to make sure you have everything you need for the trip.
DAY 2 – SPECIAL CAMP
START – 7,743FT / 2360M
END – 8,301FT / 2530M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 5 HRS
After an early breakfast, you will meet your driver who will drive you to the start of the route. The first day’s walk takes you up through the forest for about two hours where you check into the park at the Kenya Wildlife Service entrance and then walk another hour to the camp site. If it is a clear afternoon you can generally get a good sense of the landscape from this point; where the Afro- alpine forest ends and the moorland begins. The afternoon is a good opportunity to walk around the area and acclimatise.
DAY 3 – LAKE ELLIS
START – 8,301FT / 2530M
END – 11,417FT / 3480M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 4 HRS
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 short hike and you should be in camp a little earlier than the previous day, which gives you a great chance to sit back and relax after lunch and simply enjoy the views around Lake Ellis. We go by the general rule of thumb to “climb high and sleep low” to allow for better acclimatisation. An evening walk up to nearby Mugi Hill can be a wonderful 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.
DAY 4 – LAKE MICHELSON
START – 11,417FT / 3480M
END – 14,075FT / 4290M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 7 HRS
This day is a beautiful walk which takes you up along the ridge overlooking the Gorges valley and later on in the day Lake Michelson comes in to view. We will break for lunch overlooking the Lake with a spectacular view, and then continue on a gentle traverse and descend to Lake Michaelson camp site. You can rest in the afternoon or have a wonder around the Lake.
DAY 5 – LAKE MICHELSON
START – 14,075FT / 4290M
END – 14,075FT / 4290M
DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 2 HRS
The morning’s warm rays will bring chatting bird calls, beautiful vistas and vibrant colours of the scenery around the camp site.
This is a good day to enjoy life around the lake and acclimatize to the elevation.
DAY 6 – SIMBA TARN
START – 14,075FT / 4290M
END – 15,256FT / 4650M
DISTANCE – 2 MILES / 3KM
TIME – 2 HRS
The mornings tend to be slow as the immense beauty at the breakfast table make for a great opportunity to relax enjoy a late start. The walk up to the Simba Col is steep and short so best to find your slow and steady pace and enjoy the breath taking views as you walk out of the Gorges valley. Simba col camp is nestled in a bowl on the shoulder of Point Lenana at 4500 meters. This makes for a great camp for an approach of the summit.
DAY 7 – LENANA SUMMIT / MET STATION
START – 15,256FT / 4650M
END – 9,974FT / 3040M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 17KM
TIME – 8 HRS
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 southern side along the Sirimon route where you will have brunch in the Teleki Valley. Then it’s a final walk down to the MET station for collection. You will be back in the Nanyuki area by 3 pm for a late lunch.
Depending on weather conditions the descent route may be alerted to the Sirimon Route.
DAY 8 – DEPART
After one last breakfast, your driver will collect you from the lodge at a time previously arranged time in order to take you to the airport in good time for your return flight or onward travel arrangements.