The Chogoria Route
The Chogoria Route
4 nights / 5 days
Description
Mount Kenya stands alone in the highlands of central Kenya. Once an ancient volcano, estimated to have once been almost 22,000 feet tall, what now remains is a steep, eroded core, just over 17,000 feet in height, this is the massif. It’s nearby neighbour Kilimanjaro, though a couple of thousand feet higher and hence much better known, does not offer nearly the climbing challenge and alpine character of Mount Kenya.
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.
In Brief
- Day 1:Special camp
- Day 2: Lake Ellis Camp
- Day 3: Lake Michaelson camp
- Day 4: Simba col
- Day 5: Summit attempt and descend to old Moses
Itinerary In full
- 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 and guide 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 campsite.
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.
- 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.
- LAKE MICHAELSON
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 into 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 wander around the Lake.
- 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 and 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 breathtaking 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 to the summit.