The 3-day Mount Kenya Chogoria trek is a scenic mountain adventure featuring montane forest, spectacular waterfalls, moorland landscapes, and beautiful views around Lake Ellis. This itinerary is designed for hikers who want to explore the Chogoria side of Mount Kenya without attempting the summit of Point Lenana.
Related
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Route..Nairobi – Chogoria – Chogoria Bandas – Nithi Falls – Lake Ellis – Nairobi
Highest overnight point
Lake Ellis area, approximately 3,450–3,500 m
Accommodation
Chogoria Bandas and camping near Lake Ellis, subject to booking and park regulations
Related
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi – Chogoria – Chogoria Bandas | Chogoria Bandas |
| Day 2 | Chogoria Bandas – Nithi Falls – Lake Ellis | Lake Ellis campsite |
| Day 3 | Lake Ellis – Chogoria Bandas / vehicle pickup – Nairobi | Return to Nairobi |
Depart Nairobi early in the morning, around 6:00 a.m., and drive towards Chogoria town on the eastern side of Mount Kenya. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Upon arrival, meet your mountain guide and support team, organize supplies, and have lunch before proceeding towards the Mount Kenya forest entrance. A suitable 4x4 vehicle may be necessary for the mountain access road, depending on current conditions and the drop-off point.
Begin the trek through the montane forest, enjoying the cool mountain air, indigenous trees, and beautiful natural surroundings. Continue towards Chogoria Bandas, where you will settle into your accommodation and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.
In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day's hike to Nithi Falls and Lake Ellis. Enjoy dinner and rest before the longer trekking day.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: Chogoria Bandas.
- Estimated hiking: Depends on the vehicle drop-off point and road access.
After an early breakfast, depart Chogoria Bandas and continue towards the upper Chogoria route. The trail passes through forest, heathland, and open moorland as the landscape gradually changes with altitude.
Visit the spectacular Nithi Falls area, where you can enjoy the cascading water and take photographs from safe viewpoints. The rocks and paths near the falls can be slippery, so follow your guide's instructions and keep a safe distance from steep edges.
After exploring the falls, continue along the route towards Lake Ellis. Enjoy the open mountain scenery, distinctive high-altitude vegetation, and views of surrounding features such as Mugi Hill and Ithanguni when weather conditions permit.
Arrive at Lake Ellis in the afternoon and set up camp. Enjoy lunch, relax by the lake, and explore the surroundings if time and weather allow. Your guide will prepare you for the following day's descent and return journey.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: Camping at Lake Ellis.
- Estimated hiking: Approximately 4–6 hours or longer, depending on the route, waterfall detour, and conditions.
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at camp while taking in the views of Lake Ellis and the surrounding mountain landscape. Pack your camping equipment and begin the descent towards the agreed vehicle pickup point on the Chogoria route.(YOU CAN HIKE TO MUGI HILLS ON THIS DAY)
As you descend, enjoy the changing scenery from open moorland towards the lower mountain vegetation. Take regular breaks, maintain a comfortable pace, and follow your guide's instructions.
Meet your driver at the prearranged pickup point, subject to road conditions and vehicle access. Transfer to Chogoria town, where you may stop for refreshments or lunch before driving back to Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon or evening, depending on the descent, road conditions, and traffic, marking the end of your Mount Kenya Chogoria adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch, depending on departure arrangements.
- Accommodation: None.
- Estimated hiking: Approximately 4–6 hours or longer, depending on the descent and pi
Includes
- Transport from Nairobi to Chogoria and back to Nairobi.
- 4x4 mountain transfer on the Chogoria access road, subject to road conditions and the agreed pickup point.
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees for the three-day itinerary.
- Accommodation at Chogoria Bandas for the first night, subject to confirmation.
- Camping arrangements at Lake Ellis for the second night.
- Services of a qualified mountain guide.
- Cook and mountain support crew.
- All meals during the trek as specified in the itinerary.
- Drinking water or water-treatment arrangements.
- Camping equipment, if provided by Africa Outdoors Ltd as part of the confirmed package.
- Visit to Nithi Falls and Lake Ellis.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges, where included in the final quotation.
Excludes
- Personal hiking clothing, hiking boots, and other personal gear.
- Personal sleeping bag and sleeping mat, unless specifically provided.
- Porter services and personal luggage carrying, unless agreed in advance.
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover.
- Personal expenses, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for the guide, cook, driver, and support crew.
- Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before or after the trek.
- Additional accommodation or meals caused by delays or itinerary changes.
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Any additional park, camping, or accommodation charges not included in the agreed package price.