2-Day Mount Kenya Trek — Lake Ellis & Nithi Waterfall via Chogoria Route. Not every Mount Kenya adventure needs to end at a summit. This 2-day trek via the Chogoria Route takes you to two of the mountain’s most beautiful natural features — the serene alpine Lake Ellis at 3,470m and the thundering Nithi Waterfall — without the altitude demands of a summit climb. You spend the night at Chogoria Bandas with hot showers, a warm bonfire, and mountain views from your doorstep.
The Chogoria Route is widely considered the most scenic approach to Mount Kenya — lush rainforest, clear rivers, heathland, and dramatic moorland. On this 2-day itinerary you experience the best of the lower and mid sections at a relaxed pace ideal for beginners and families.
Who Is This 2-Day Mount Kenya Trek For?
Ideal for: first-time trekkers and beginners with moderate fitness, families with children, nature photographers and birdwatchers, weekend escape seekers from Nairobi, and anyone wanting Mount Kenya’s beauty without a summit commitment.
It is also a great option for anyone looking for a beginner Mount Kenya trek or a short introduction to Mount Kenya hiking.
Full Itinerary — Day by Day
Day 1: Nairobi to Chogoria Gate (2,950m) — Overnight at Chogoria Bandas
Drive: 3-3.5 hours Nairobi to Chogoria Town | Trek: 10km | Altitude Gain: +650m | Trek Time: 3–4 hours | Overnight: Chogoria Bandas (2,950m)
Depart Nairobi in the morning, driving east and north to Chogoria Town on Mount Kenya’s eastern side. Transfer by 4×4 through the Chogoria Forest to the park gate, passing bamboo groves where colobus monkeys, Sykes’ monkeys and buffalo are regularly seen.
Begin trekking through the lush Chogoria forest — a cool, green, birdsong-filled world that transitions gradually into open heathland as you gain altitude. The trail follows the Nithi River valley through rosewood and cedar. Arrive at Chogoria Bandas in the late afternoon. Hot showers available. Your chef will have dinner ready. After eating, gather around the bonfire under a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Chogoria Bandas to Lake Ellis (3,455m) to Nithi Waterfall — Return to Nairobi
Distance: 12km round trip | Altitude: ±520m gain/loss | Trek Time: 4–5
After breakfast, the trail climbs through heathland toward Lake Ellis at 3,470m. The landscape opens dramatically as you leave the forest — giant lobelias appear, the sky becomes enormous, and the mountain’s upper peaks are visible on clear mornings. Lake Ellis sits in a wide moorland bowl at 3,455m — a perfectly still alpine lake ringed by giant heather, tussock grass and scattered lobelias. On clear mornings the upper peaks of Batian and Nelion are reflected in its surface. The water is cold, clean and extraordinarily quiet. Most summit trekkers pass this lake quickly on their way up or down — but on this itinerary, you have time to walk along the shore, sit with it, and experience it properly. It is one of those places that is genuinely difficult to leave.
Continue to the Nithi Waterfall — a dramatic cascade where the Nithi River drops over volcanic rock shelves. Impressive in every season. Your guide finds the best viewpoint for photographs. Return to the Bandas to meet your vehicle, then drive back to Nairobi. Expected arrival 7:00–8:00 PM.
Altitude Sickness — What You Need to Know
The maximum altitude on this trek is 3,470m at Lake Ellis. Mild headache is possible and some people feel short of breath on the uphill sections. Serious AMS is uncommon at this altitude on a 2-day itinerary.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs when the body struggles to adapt to reduced oxygen at altitude. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Mild symptoms above 3,500m are normal. Severe AMS — HACE or HAPE — is rare but serious and requires immediate descent.
How Ahambi Tours manages altitude risk on every trek:
- All guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor blood oxygen at every camp
- Guides are Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified and trained in AMS recognition
- If serious AMS develops, descent begins immediately — no exceptions
- Emergency helicopter evacuation coordination available from any camp on the mountain
2-Day Trek Pricing
| Number of People | Cost per Person |
| 1 Person | USD 500 |
| 2 People | USD 450 per person |
| 3+ People | USD 400 per person |
| Deposit: USD 100 per person | Balance: 5 days before | Deposit valid 12 months | Hut upgrade: +USD 20pp/night where available |
Included in the cost
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Mount Kenya and back
- Certified, KWS-licensed, English-speaking guide for the full duration
- Experienced mountain chef — all dietary requirements catered for (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal)
- All meals on the mountain, freshly prepared at each camp
- Drinking water throughout the trek
- Accommodation at Chogoria Bandas
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees.
- Emergency evacuation coordination — helicopter rescue from the mountain if required
- All government taxes and levies
Not Included
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent on request)
- Tips for the mountain crew — entirely voluntary, no set amount, paid directly to your team
What to Pack for the 2-Day Mount Kenya Trek – Lake Ellis
- Small to medium backpack (25–40L daypack)
- Comfortable hiking boots or trainers (for those used to walking in them on trails)
- Warm jacket (cold mornings and evenings)
- Light clothing for daytime hiking
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sleeping bag (for a comfortable overnight stay at the bandas)
- Reusable water bottle (1.5–2L)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medications
- Camera or phone for photos
- Hiking poles (optional, but helpful on uphill and downhill sections)
Best Time for Your Mount Kenya Trek
This 2-day Mount Kenya trek to Lake Ellis and Nithi Waterfall is available year-round. However, weather conditions can affect trail comfort, visibility, and overall experience.
Best Months (Recommended)
January to March — Short dry season with clear skies, warm days, and excellent views. January and February are the most reliable.
June to October — Long dry season with stable weather, minimal rainfall, and the best trekking conditions. July to September are peak months.
These periods offer the best experience for a Mount Kenya weekend hike and clear views around Lake Ellis.
Rainy Seasons (Still Possible, but Challenging)
April & May — Long rains
November — Short rains
During these months: Trails can be muddy and slippery, Visibility may be limited and Water levels at Nithi Waterfall are higher (more dramatic views)
This short Mount Kenya trek from Nairobi can still be done, but expect wetter conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions – 2 Day Mount Kenya Trek
Is this trek suitable for beginners and families?
Yes. This is a beginner-friendly trek with manageable daily distances (10–12km) and a maximum altitude below 3,500m. It’s ideal for first-time hikers, families, and anyone looking for a short and comfortable Mount Kenya experience.
Do I need special gear for this hike?
No technical gear is required. Comfortable hiking boots (or trainers if you’re used to them), warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and a daypack are sufficient. A sleeping bag is recommended for overnight comfort. Gear rental is available if needed.
Can I see wildlife during the trek?
Yes. In the lower forest sections, you may see colobus monkeys, bushbucks, buffalo, and occasionally elephants. Higher up, you may spot rock hyraxes, sunbirds, and Verreaux’s eagles.
What is the temperature like on this 2 day Mount Kenya trek?
Daytime temperatures are generally mild (15–20°C), while nights can be cooler (5–12°C). Warm clothing is important, especially for the evening and early morning.
Can I summit Point Lenana on this 2 day Mount Kenya trek?
No. This 2 day Mount Kenya trek to Lake Ellis is focused on scenic hiking rather than reaching the summit. The maximum altitude is 3,455m. If you are interested in a summit climb, we recommend our 4-day Chogoria–Sirimon trek, 5-day Chogoria–Sirimon trek, or 6-day Chogoria–Sirimon trek — all of which ascend via the same scenic Chogoria Route..
Is this a good Mount Kenya weekend hike from Nairobi?
Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed as a Mount Kenya weekend hike from Nairobi, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a Mount Kenya trekking experience.
Is accommodation private at Chogoria Bandas?
Chogoria Bandas offer simple, comfortable cabin-style accommodation. Rooms may be shared, but private arrangements can be organized on request.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Yes. This itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. You can choose to camp at Lake Ellis, add an extra day. It can also easily be paired with a wildlife safari, such as a visit to Samburu National Reserve, for a complete mountain and safari experience. Feel free to get in touch, and we’ll tailor the trip for you.
Why Trek Mount Kenya with Ahambi Tours?
For short treks, having a locally based guide matters most — the logistics are tighter and the margin for error is smaller. Our guides know the Chogoria Route and the Bandas intimately, and know how to pace a beginner group to Lake Ellis and back with time to properly enjoy what they came to see.
- 5-star rated on TripAdvisor — Travellers’ Choice Award winner since 2022
- Local experts since 2013 — over a decade guiding trekkers on Mount Kenya
- KWS-licensed guides — Wilderness First Aid certified, English-speaking
- Emergency support on every trek — pulse oximeters,helicopter evacuation coordination
- Flexible booking — USD 100 deposit, balance 5 days before the trip dates
- Gear rental available — quality kit if you need it
With Ahambi Tours, you’re not just booking a trek you’re trekking with a team that knows the mountain, understands your pace, and is committed to giving you a safe and memorable experience.
Book Your Mount Kenya Trek with Ahambi Tours
| WhatsApp: +254 725 727 167 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 ahambitours.co.ke Deposit: USD 100 per person | Balance: 5 days before the trip dates | Deposit valid 12 months | With us, you are never a stranger. |