This 5-Day Mount Kenya Climbing Sirimon Route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area; it is the driest route up the mountain and the walk along the Gorges Valley is truly spectacular. The Sirimon Route is a beautiful and scenic climb in Mount Kenya National Park.
Day 1: Transfer from Nairobi to Mount Kenya (Nanyuki)
Following an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Nanyuki, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach and arrive in time for lunch. Nanyuki town is well-known for its location at the foot of Mount Kenya; most trekkers opt to spend the night here to acclimate and prepare for the trip the next morning; the entire afternoon is spent preparing for the hike.
Unlike many Tanzania Safaris that begin in Arusha, this Mount Kenya expedition kicks off from Nairobi and transitions into cooler, mountainous terrain.
Meal Plan: All meals are included
Day 2: Hike from Nanyuki to Old Moses Camp (3300m)
The Sirimon trail will be your route because it is usually regarded as Mountain Kenya’s shortest way to Point Lenana. The trail follows the mountain’s dry side, offering hikes through old-growth woodland on the lower slopes and massive heather, alpine flowers, and lobelia at higher elevations. The Sirimon trail is also thought to be one of the quickest ways to descend.
The trip begins at Sirimon Gate and lasts three and a half hours and nine kilometers through the rainforest and heath region on a meandering path. Arrive at Old Moses Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 3: Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp (4200m), 6-7 hours hiking time
After an early breakfast, go uphill and to the left at Liki North junction, about an hour from Old Moses Camp. This track follows the Ontulili River and contours across the moorland, passing Likii North Valley. An upward climb now leads to the lovely Mackinders Valley. From this location, you can see the primary summits of Point Lenana, Nelion, and Batian – some of the most iconic peaks in East Africa, rivaled only by Tanzania’s mountain trekking routes in terms of grandeur. At 4200m, you are going to arrive at Shipton Camp for dinner and the night.
The panoramic scenes from Mackinders Valley are often compared to those found along the 5-day Tanzania wildlife safari, but with a mountainous twist.
Meal Plan: All meals are included
Day 4: hike from Shipton camp to Point Lenana (4985m) then descend to Chogoria gate camp
On this day, you will make your summit attempt after an early breakfast. It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit of Lenana. You’ll hike through steep scree to Simba Cole and rocky terrain on your way to Lenana Peak, stopping to take photos before arriving at the Mintos hut. Continue on to Mount Kenya’s Chogoria gate camp, which is located along the gorges valley and gives wonderful views of the Gorges temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and the Giant Billiards table after lunch. Chogoria Gate Camp (2990m) provides dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 5: Descend from Chogoria gate camp to Chogoria village and transfer back to Nairobi
After breakfast, descend for two hours to Chogoria Village, at which point you will obtain a forest clearance and meet your driver to return to Nairobi for supper and a restful night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner