Chogoria Route: Mount Kenya’s Scenic Trail to Point Lenana

The Chogoria route comes at Mount Kenya from the east and crosses forest, bamboo, open moorland, alpine lakes and bare rock on its way to Point Lenana. Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley all sit on this line.

Chogoria route itineraries usually allow four to six days. The actual length depends on the route combination and the time set aside for acclimatisation. A climb can also finish on the Sirimon side, which turns the trip into a traverse instead of a return along the same path.

What to expect on the Chogoria route

Chogoria Gate sits at about 2,950 metres. The access road can be muddy or rough, so operators normally travel by 4×4 and drive only as far as conditions allow.

Nithi Falls is an early landmark on the forested approach. Vivienne Falls lies below Lake Michaelson in the Gorges Valley area and is visible from the higher traverse towards the lake.

Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley

Lake Ellis sits at about 3,470 metres. Lake Michaelson is higher at about 4,000 metres. It fills a steep basin below the Temple, a natural amphitheatre of cliffs.

Gorges Valley preserves landforms and deposits left by Mount Kenya’s former glaciers. Tills and palaeosols sit beside the Nithi River, which drains the valley.

The climb to Point Lenana

Point Lenana is the 4,985-metre trekking summit. Batian at 5,199 metres and Nelion at 5,188 metres rise higher. Both are technical climbs that need specialist skills and equipment.

Other Mount Kenya approaches

Sirimon, Chogoria and Naro Moru are the three principal trekking approaches. Route guides also describe Burguret, Timau, Kamweti and other less-used lines. Our Mount Kenya route comparison explains how the main options differ.

Planning the climb

Before booking, ask which side you descend, where vehicle access ends and how road conditions affect the start of the Chogoria route. Confirm how the itinerary handles acclimatisation. Camps, food, water and pickup arrangements all follow the same route plan.

Our Mount Kenya fees and planning guide covers the fee categories and other checks.

Our 5-day Mount Kenya climb via Chogoria is one example of a guided Chogoria route plan. Not sure whether the route fits your dates and trekking experience? Get in touch and we will help you compare the options.