Lake Michaelson Trek
The Chogoria Route is perhaps the most iconic of Mount Kenya’s trekking routes. Starting on the eastern side of the mountain the trail begins in forest, takes you through sweeping moorland and passes lakes and rivers on the way up to Point Lenana. The dramatic Gorges Valley with Lake Michaelson nestled at its head is a defining feature of the route. The Lakes Circular is a short trip which does not include Pount Lenana, it is aimed at those wanting to enjoy Mount Kenya for the scenery and without the stress of a summit bid. Excellent for families and those wanting to experience views of Lake Michaelson and Lake Ellis.
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Distance: ~6 km
Elevation Gain: +379m
Walking Time: 2 - 3 hours
On Day 1 you’ll be collected from your hotel after breakfast (or arrangements specific to your group) and driven to the park gate. Depending on your departure point this transfer should take between 3 and 5 hours. At the gate you’ll be met by our team, sign into the park and have lunch. After the meal the first day’s trek is a relaxed afternoon walk through timberline forest where open glades are punctuated by stands of towering cedar and African rosewood trees. The vehicle track is followed out of the trees and into the moorland until it terminates at the Chogoria roadhead. Shortly thereafter the route leaves the main Chogoria trail and takes you off the beaten path and down to our secluded campsite which is nestled in a valley beside a clear stream.
Camp: Swiss Army Camp (3,366m)
Temperature: 0°C - 5°C at night -
Distance: ~10 km
Elevation Gain: +619m
Walking Time: 5 - 7 hours
This is a big day of walking, and you’ll carry a packed lunch to enjoy on the trail. The majority of the day’s trek goes up a long ridgeline with sweeping views over the Gorges Valley and Vivienne Falls. After the lunch point you’ll continue the traverse that takes you above 4000m before descending sharply into the crater-like basin where Lake Michaelson lies. Camp here at one of Mount Kenya’s most breathtaking alpine lakes, surrounded by towering cliffs. There are rainbow trout that breed naturally in the lake so if you’d like to try your luck at fly fishing this is a good opportunity. The fact that you will ‘climb high and sleep low’ should help to aid with acclimatisation.
Camp: Lake Michaelson Camp (3,366m)
Temperature: -2°C - 1°C at night -
Distance: ~13.7 km to Chogoria Gate or 7.5km to Lake Ellis
Elevation Loss: 1027m
Walking Time: 5-7 hours to the gate or 3-5 to Lake Ellis
After enjoying the sunrise at Lake Michaelson and eating an early breakfast you’ll set off. The first hour or so of the hike involves a very steep ascent out of the Michaelson basin. This is sure to get you warmed up! Thankfully once this ascent is completed its all downhill to Lake Ellis and beyond. As you trek down a long ridgeline the eastern flanks of Mt Kenya will be spread below you, including such landmarks as the Giant’s Billiards Table, Mugi Hill, Lake Ellis and the dark green of the forest. Sometimes Eland can be spotted on this trail.
Lake Ellis should be reached around midday and could be the end of the trek if you prefer, or just a nice place to pause and have a bite to eat before the final stretch down to the gate. Once at the gate you’ll be signed out of the park and transfer by vehicle to your onward destination.