Chogoria Route
Lake Michaelson, Gorges Valley, and the Nithi Gorge. The most visually dramatic approach to the peaks.
- Duration
- 5-6 days
- Summit
- 4,985 m
- Gate
- Chogoria Gate
- Group
- 2-12 people
Day-by-day
Route itinerary
- Day 1 ·
Chogoria Gate→Meru Mount Kenya Bandas
8 km+600 m3–4 hrsSleep: 3,000 mDrive or walk from Chogoria Gate (2,950 m) to the Meru Mount Kenya Forest Bandas through dense montane forest.
- Day 2 ·
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas→Mintos Camp
16 km+1200 m6–8 hrsSleep: 4,200 mA long ascent through bamboo, giant heather and into the moorland. Mintos Camp (4,200 m) sits above Lake Michaelson in the heart of Gorges Valley.
- Day 3 ·
Mintos Camp→Austrian Hut
8 km+585 m4–5 hrsSleep: 4,790 mTraverse Hall Tarns and climb steeply to Austrian Hut (4,790 m). Superb views of the summit glaciers.
- Day 4 ·
Austrian Hut→Point Lenana → Mintos Camp
12 km+195 m-980 m6–8 hrsSleep: 4,200 mPre-dawn summit attempt from Austrian Hut — the highest starting point on any route. Summit Point Lenana, then descend to Mintos Camp.
- Day 5 ·
Mintos Camp→Chogoria Gate
24 km-1250 m6–8 hrsLong descent through bamboo and forest, passing the Nithi Waterfall. Exit at Chogoria Gate.
Is the Chogoria Route right for you?
Why choose this route
- +The most scenic route on Mount Kenya — multiple iconic viewpoints
- +Lake Michaelson and Gorges Valley are unmatched
- +Austrian Hut is the highest starting point for the summit push
- +Good chance of seeing the mountain's technical rock faces
Limitations to consider
- -Wetter than Sirimon — the eastern slopes receive more rainfall
- -Longer descent on the same route can feel repetitive
- -The road section from the gate can be rough in a vehicle
Not sure which route fits your experience and timeline?
Read our route comparison guideAll-inclusive
Packages & pricing
Chogoria Route - 6 Days All-Inclusive
6 days all-inclusive
Price per person (USD)
Solo
$1150
per person
2 people
$950
per person
4 people
$820
per person
6 people
$750
per person
Larger groups pay less per person. Contact us for groups of 8+.
What's included
- KWS national park fees
- Camping fees (all nights)
- KWS-licensed lead guide
- Porter service (up to 15 kg per trekker)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, dining tent)
- Cook and camp crew
- Transport from Nanyuki to gate and return
- First aid kit and basic altitude medication
- Trekking completion certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory - must be arranged before travel)
- Kenya entry visa
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, trekking poles)
- Gratuities for guide and porters
- Personal snacks, drinks, and extras
- Accommodation in Nanyuki before/after the trek