Up Hill Task through Chogoria to the Top of Mt Kenya
Climbing a mountain is not for the faint hearted. This is why hiking groups in Kenya require that you be physically fit and been on numerous drifts. Without the proper requirements, you could die up there from any one of a long list of things. Just looking at the list could put you off mountain climbing. Therefore, to climb Mt Kenya, you need to prepare for months. Take a weekend hiking trip at least every other weekend to build your endurance as well as get the best hiking gear in Kenya. After all is said and done, when you are on that Chogoria path walking up to the Lenana peak you will be glad you put in the work.
Key Attractions
- Other than the fact that it is mountain climbing and you get yourself a free pass to feel superior to others every once in a while, Mt Kenya has a lot to offer. The Chogoria trail is said to do the most when it comes to attractions along the way. If you the kind who needs distractions and things to keep you busy while you hike then the Chogoria route is the one to take on your summit of Mount Kenya.
- It will be a four day trip that starts off with a long car ride out of Nairobi. You will get to camp and stop over at different points like Lake Ellis, which is an absolutely ridiculous place to be. You will also get to be at Lake Michaelson and Halls Tarn. The Chogoria trail is often dubbed ‘dramatic’ and that description could not be more apt. At the end of the trip you will realize that you were really on a sightseeing tour of Mount Kenya with a sprinkling of mountain climbing.
Challenge Level
Like all other mountains, climbing Mount Kenya through the Chogoria route will be challenging. You will be tired because you will be climbing up to an elevation of more than 4000m as well as the fact that you will be on the move for four days. Bring the best hiking gear in Nairobi and your toughest self.
Logistics
The central meeting point is on the benches near Bata Hilton Nairobi CBD. From there, we head out to take public transport to Chogoria. The journey to the starting point is about five hours long.
The trail is also self-drive friendly in case you don’t want to take public transport.
What do you need for the trail?
Clothes
- Waterproof hiking boots*
- Trail runners or sandals for use at camp
- Woolen hiking socks (6 pairs)*
- Leg gaiters
- Hiking pants (2 pairs water-resistant, 1 pair waterproof)*
- Thermal pants (2 pairs, medium or heavy-duty, breathable)*
- Woolen or polyester underwear (briefs)*
- Thermal t-shirt (4, long sleeve)*
- Polyester t-shirts (4 )*
- Fleece jacket*
- Down jacket*
- Waterproof jacket/shell jacket/poncho*
- Fleece hat + wide-brimmed hat
- A scarf or tubular bandana or regular bandana*
- Waterproof gloves (summit gloves and fleece gloves)*
Camping Gear
- Hiking backpack (25l or 30l daypack, and a 60L backpack for your porter)*
- Warm Sleeping bag (four seasons/-5 degrees comfort recommended)*
- Headlamp and extra batteries*
- Hot water bottle
Accessories
- Snacks
- Thermal flask
- Hydration bladder/water bottle*
- Personal items (phone and charger, camera, ID, pocket money, hand sanitizer, facemask, lighter, pocket knife, whistle, basic first aid kit)*
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses + sunscreen
- Toiletries (wet wipes, dry wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, petroleum jelly)*
Here’s a list of resources for hiking gear you can check out.
Hiking Gear Vendors – Lets Drift
Can you bring your kids with you?
No. Climbing Mt Kenya is a wonderful experience and you should be proud to do it. But, you should make this a solo trip. The kids can come when they’re old enough to handle themselves.
Now that you know about Mt Kenya, we hope to see you on the trails!
Similar trails
If you are an enthusiast of challenging hiking trails in Kenya, Book now, be notified when tickets become available. Similar trails to Mt Kenya – Chogoria Route are:
