Hiking Trails in Meru
Chogoria Hiking Trail: Mount Kenya
Most hikers aiming to hike Chogoria Route make Chogoria town 58 km north of Embu and 41 km south of Meru town via B6 Road their jumping-off place. One of the most scenic and popular trails for ascending Mount Kenya, the Chogoria Route leaves Mutindua village above Chogoria to the east of the mountain, and follows a ridge north of the Nithi River to the Urumandi Hut (10,100 ft.) at the forest edge. It continues along a well-marked path along the north ridge of the Gorges Valley to Hall Tarns and finally traverses the eastern and southern slopes of Point Lenana.
Considered the most beautiful approach to the summit, offering stunning views, diverse landscapes, and a less crowded experience compared to other routes like Sirimon or Naro Moru, it was the traditional trail up the mountain in the 1920s, now occasionally used by hikers who require the assistance of Meru porters. Its drawback is its length, for the ascent to Top Hut requires three days. Chogoria Route stretches out for 30 km from Chogoria Gate to Point Lenana on the eastern side of Mount Kenya and it is the longest route to Point Lenana, and perhaps the most difficult of the eight hiking trails. It has some dreaded steep sections to boot.
For all the difficulties of using it, hikers are rewarded with memorable views of Lake Ellis, the Temple, Lake Michaelson, Hall Tarns, the epic Giant Billiard Table, Ithaguni Hills, Nithi Falls, Vivienne Falls and Mugi Hill. It has spectacular cliffs, too. The ascent typically takes 4-5 days, depending on your pace and acclimatization schedule. Most hikers on arrival at the Chogoria Gate opt to drive up through the Bamboo Forests to Mount Kenya Bandas and the first stopover. This shortens the journey to 4 days. The descent is often done via Sirimon or Naro Moru for variety.
Day 2 takes on the 17 km stretch to River Nithi Camp over a wide forest track with plenty of wildlife to sights en route. The popular Urumandi Hut near Nithi Falls is no longer in service. Trek through the Gorges Valley, enjoying breathtaking views of waterfalls and cliffs. From here hikers can scout Nithi Falls, Lake Ellis or Mugi Hills. From Nithi Camp it is 5 hours to Minto’s and the jumping-off camp to Point Lenana. The pre-dawn final push for Point Lenana begins around 3 am and takes about 3 hours, arriving in time for sunrise. The descent goes through Shimpton, the pretty Mackinder’s Valley to Judmiere’s Camp and the last overnight layover.
Hiring a guide and porters is highly recommended, as the trail can be challenging to navigate, especially in poor weather. take note to obtain all necessary permits from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in advance. Mount Kenya’s weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, cold, and strong winds, especially at higher altitudes. Pack warm clothing, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, sleeping bag, headlamp, and high-energy snacks. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning landscapes! Take your time to acclimatize. Consider adding an extra day if needed.
Hiking in Kenya offers a diverse range of landscapes and trails, from lush forests to arid deserts, and from high-altitude mountains to scenic coastal paths. The apex hiking trail in Kenya is Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. There are eight hiking routes about it, the most popular of these being Sirimon and Chogoria.
Index of Hiking Trails Around Kenya
Elgeyo Marakwet - Kessup Falls, Torok Falls, Embu County - Kirimiri Forest & Nthenge Njeru Falls, Irangi Trail (Mount Kenya), Homa Bay County - Homa Hills, Mount Kwitutu, Kajiado County - Ngong Hills, Mount Olorgesailie, Mount Suswa, Nguruman-Entasopia Falls, Ol Doinyo Orok, Mount Kilimanjaro, Kakamega County - Kambiri Hill, Kiambu County - Gatamaiyu Camp, Kirinyaga County - Kamuruana Hill, Kamweti Route, Kisii County - Sameta Hill, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk, Kanzalu Range, Lukenya Hills, Kiima Kimwe, Makueni County - Nzaui Range, Mbooni Hills, The Kenze Gorges, Meru County - Kaithandu Hill, Sirimon Route, Chogoria Route, Themwe Route, Marania Route, Nairobi County - Ololua Forest Trail, Karura Forest, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot, Eburru, Table Mountain, The Sleeping Warrior, Nandi County - Ngabunat Cave, Nyandarua County - Kijabe Hills, Ragia Forest Trail, Elephant Hill, Rurimeria Hill Trail, Satima Trail Aberdare Range, The Table Mountain, Kinangop Hill, Nyeri County - Njigari Forest Trail, Samburu County - Mount Ololokwe, Mount Poi, Taita Taveta County - Vuria Hill, Trans Nzoia County - Wagagai Peak, Koitoboss Peak - Mount Elgon Park
Famous for its wildlife, rich agricultural lands, and stunning natural attractions, Meru County, on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, is the immemorial enclave of the Ameru nation. Inhabited mainly by the sub-tribes of Imenti, Tigania, Igembe, and Tharaka, Meru County has one of the best developed touring circuits.
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Explore Destination Nearby Chogoria Gate, Mount Kenya
A Guide to Meru County
A Summa Digest of Meru
About Meru Way Back When
65 Destinations in Meru County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, east then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kierra Valley, Kierra Ridge, St. Mary’s High School, Anabas Resort Trout and Seafood Grill, Tharuu Springs, Giitune Sacred Forest, M.Mpuri Cultural Centre, Meru Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Meru Sports Club, Alba Hotel, Kathita Falls, Irine (Devil's Bridge) Falls, Cool Stream Garden, Thiiri Cultural Centre, Kaaga Methodist Church, Kaaga War Memorial, Kiathandi Hill, Mpogoro Forest, Stone Woman Kieiga Forest, Njuri Ncheke Headquarters at Nchiru, Ngaya Forest, Meru National Park, Twin Baobab Tree, Elsa’s Kopje, Ikweta Safari Camp, Adamson Falls Bridge, Rhino River Camp, Giant Meru Oak, Lake Nkunga, Mucheene Forest Station, Mucheene Cave, Lake Thai, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House, Nyambene Reserve, Liga Ria Ngutu, Lake Magado, Ngare-Ndare Forest Reserve, Ngare-Ndare Falls, Mount Kenya National Park, Sirimon Route, Mount Kenya One Day Trip, Theemwe Route, Theemwe Springs, Marania Route, Lake Rutundu, Rutundu Log Cabins, Chogoria Route, Nithi Falls, The Gates Falls, Lake Alice, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Vivienne Falls, Timau River Lodge, Wonky House, Tamalu Farm, Charanna Farm, Kisima Farm, Kisimani Resort, Mwonyo Valley, Giant Footprints
Know More About Meru County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Meru County’s positioning on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya and the equator has highly influenced its natural conditions and economic prospects. Altitude ranges from 300m to 5,199m asl.
The topography of Meru County has a critical influence on its climate. Temperatures range from a low of 8 Degrees to a high of 32 Degrees Celsius during the cold and hot seasons respectively.
