6 days Sirimon down Chogoria

Sirimon and Chogoria Description:
Sirimon route is considered by many to represent Mt Kenya one of the easiest route
to reach Point Lenana.The route is on dry side of the mountain and affords walks
through old growth forest on lower slopes and giant heather,alphine flowers and
lobelia in higher elevations.Chogoria is on the wetter (east) side of the mountain
and the Chogoria Forest offers some exceptional walking.
We always suggest starting low-down by the Forest Gate or half way giving
you a half day of walking before reaching the Park Gate. This is important for
acclimatisation not to mention spectacular walking beneath the Podocarpus and Cedar.
The track always liberally marked with elephant and buffalo spoor. The bamboo forest
is also thickest on this side of the mountain. Beyond the Park Gate we usually
access the mountain via Lake Ellis and its remote campsite before climbing up
through the Tussock Grass to Mintos, from which point we launch our attack on Peak
Lenana.
The Chogoria Route can be combined with a decent of the Sirimon Route for best effect.

Day 1
Leave Nairobi at 8.00 am to Nanyuki, which normally takes 4hrs drive, arriving at
12.00, then proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon gate, picnic lunch will be
provided.  After lunch, follow the track uphill for10 kms, forking left at the
junction to reach Old Moses camp which is situated at 3,300m.  The ascent from
Sirimon gate to Old Moses is 690m. Dinner/overnight.
Day 2
After breakfast, leave at 8.00 am, follow the directions for the direct route, until
you reach the fork after one hour.  The track becomes a path, and swings right and
south round the head of a large valley, crossing several small streams to reach the
crest of the ridge between the Otulili and Liki North Valleys.  A walk of 3 to 4
hours to Liki North hut at 3,993m.
Dinner/overnight.

Day 3
After breakfast, ascend the west side of the Valley, over a ridge, then down into
the Mackinders Valley to meet the direct route, taking one to two hours. From here,
follow the Mackinders Valley to reach Shipton camp, a total of 4 hours from Liki to
Shipton camp at 4,250m.  Dinner/overnight.

Day 4
Wake up at 2.00 a.m., have tea and biscuits, then  leave at 3.00 a.m. for the Lenana
summit.  This section is a long, hard slog, and the path is indistinct  in places.
Continue walking across a tough scree, until you come across Harris Tarn. From
Harris Tarn, continue up the north face of Point  Lenana 4,985m, reaching the summit
after approx., 45 minutes for the sunrise  at 6.30 a.m. After enjoying the views and
taking your pictures,descend  down to Mintos  hut for your overnight.

Day 5
After breakfast continue descending down to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas above Chogoria,
following the Gorges Valley. It will take 5 hours to reach the bandas,
Dinner/overnight.

Day 6
After morning breakfast, continue walking down through the bamboo and indigenous
forest to reach Bairunyi to meet up with your transport back to Nairobi.