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Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mount Kenya offers a diverse range of unique and amazing landscapes, from lush rainforests to high-altitude moorlands and rugged alpine terrains. A 5 days – 4 nights Mount Kenya trek is a fantastic adventure most especially for those seeking to explore one of the East Africa's highest peaks.
The Sirimon Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kenya, offering stunning sceneries and a relatively gradual ascent. This itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, which is essential for avoiding altitude sickness and maximize the chances for summit trek success possibilities.
All accommodations via Sirimon route will be in tents.
Day 1: Nanyuki to Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp
On this first day of your adventure, you will be picked up early in the morning at around 8:00 am from your hotel / lodge at Nanyuki; a small town at the base of Mount Kenya. Your driver and team together will thence take a drive to the Sirimon Gate (2,650 meters), which serves as the starting point for the Sirimon Route. You will commence your hike through the dense montane rain forest to the Old Moses Camp located at 3,300 meters’ elevation. Prior to your arrival at the camp you will spend your time for relaxation followed up by dinner and overnight.
Distance: Approximately 9-10 kilometers.
Time: 3 - 4 hours of hiking.
Altitude gain: 650 meters.
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp (basic huts or tents).
Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton Camp
On this second day, you will begin the hiking adventure early in the morning after having taken a well prepared breakfast. You will hike from Old Moses Camp (3,300 meters) through the moorland and bamboo forests as you head to the Shipton Camp (4,200 meters) with a well packed lunch to be taken on the way at a perfect picnic spot. The today’s hike is going to be long and a little challenging with a significant gain in altitude. Prior to your arrival at the Shipton Camp you will take a short rest followed up by a hot dinner and overnight.
Distance: Approximately 14-15 kilometers.
Time: 6 - 7 hours of hiking.
Altitude gain: 900 meters.
Accommodation: Shipton Camp (basic huts or tents).
Day 3: Acclimatization at Shipton Camp (4,200 meters)
Activity on this day will be basically spent relaxing at Shipton Camp to energize yourself and let your body familiarize with the high altitude climate. Proper acclimatization is crucial for higher altitudes and it is therefore inevitable to take a short hike to viewpoints and explore the surrounding area at a higher elevation and return to the Shipton Cam for Lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Shipton Camp to Point Lenana and Back to Shipton Camp
We will leave the Shipton Camp in the late night after having taken a hot meal to resize your belts and start the ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 meters), the third-highest point on Mount Kenya. We ought to arrive at Point Lenana in the early morning to catch a beautiful sunrise with spectacular views of the plains underneath. Having successfully reached to the summit, we will take a few captions and descend back to Shipton Camp for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Distance: Approximately 13-14 kilometers (round trip).
Time: About 7 - 8 hours to summit and return.
Accommodation: Shipton Camp (basic huts or tents).
Day 5: Shipton Camp to Sirimon Gate
After an early morning breakfast, we will leave the Shipton Camp and descend to Sirimon Gate through the Mackinder Valley. On the way you will have a chance to take captions of the stunning valleys and the surrounding vegetation zones as you approach the Sirimon Gate for the exit. Our team driver will be waiting for you at the Sirimon gate for a transfer back to Nanyuki to conclude your trek.
Distance: Approximately 15-16 kilometers.
Time: 5 - 6 hours of hiking.
Altitude loss: 1,350 meters
What is Included
- Porterage
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labelled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver / guide
- All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
- All Taxes / VAT
- All Meals as per the itinerar
What is Not Included
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- International flights (From / to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and / or park fees
Mount Kenya is in central Kenya, within Mount Kenya National Park. It lies approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) north of Nairobi.
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, with its highest peak, Batian, at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet). Other notable peaks are Nelion (5,188 m) and Lenana (4,985 m).
3. What are the climbing routes on Mount Kenya?
There are three main routes:
• Sirimon Route: Popular for its gradual ascent and scenic views.
• Naro Moru Route: Known for being the quickest but steepest route.
• Chogoria Route: Offers stunning scenery, including waterfalls and tarns.
Many climbers combine routes for a varied experience.
• Point Lenana (4,985 m): A trek accessible to most fit individuals without technical climbing experience.
• Batian and Nelion: Require technical rock climbing skills and equipment.
The dry seasons are ideal:
• January to March: Warmer temperatures and clear skies.
• July to October: Cooler but dry, making it a good climbing period.
Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November).
Most treks take 4–6 days, depending on the route and acclimatization schedule.
Guides are highly recommended, especially for Point Lenana. For Batian and Nelion, professional guides with climbing expertise are necessary.
Costs vary but typically include:
• Park Fees: ~$150–200 for a 4-day trek (for non-residents).
• Guide and Porter Fees: ~$100–150 per day.
• Gear rental and food may add to the expense.
Mount Kenya is home to diverse wildlife, including:
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Colobus monkeys
• Hyraxes
• Rare birds like sunbirds and Lammergeyers.
Yes, altitude sickness can be an issue. To prevent it:
• Ascend gradually.
• Stay hydrated.
• Spend extra days acclimatizing.
Yes, camping is common, with designated campsites along the routes. Some trekkers prefer huts, such as the Mackinder’s Camp or Shipton’s Camp, for shelter.
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