5 Days Mount Kenya Climb – Sirimon Route
Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Old Moses Camp
- Altitude: 3,300m / 10,827ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Itinerary:
- Depart from Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Nanyuki (3-4 hours).
- Stop in Nanyuki for lunch and final preparations.
- Transfer to Sirimon Gate (2,600m / 8,530ft), where you’ll begin the trek.
- Hike through dense forest and bamboo zones, encountering wildlife such as colobus monkeys and buffalos.
- Arrive at Old Moses Camp in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp (basic mountain hut)
Day 2: Old Moses Camp – Shipton Camp
- Altitude: 4,200m / 13,780ft
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 14km / 8.7 miles
Itinerary:
- After breakfast, begin the long ascent across the open moorland.
- Trek through the Liki and Mackinder’s valleys, with scenic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Observe the changing vegetation zones as you ascend higher.
- Arrive at Shipton Camp, located just below the towering peaks of Mount Kenya.
Accommodation: Shipton Camp (basic mountain hut)
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Shipton Camp
- Altitude: 4,200m / 13,780ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (optional hikes)
Itinerary:
- Spend the day at Shipton Camp to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Optionally, take a short hike around the camp, such as to Hausberg Col or Oblong Tarn, to enhance acclimatization.
- Rest in the afternoon and prepare for the summit push the next day.
Accommodation: Shipton Camp (basic mountain hut)
Day 4: Shipton Camp – Lenana Peak – Old Moses Camp
- Altitude: 4,985m / 16,355ft (Lenana Peak), 3,300m / 10,827ft (Old Moses Camp)
- Hiking Time: 10-12 hours (summit and descent)
- Distance: 20km / 12.4 miles
Itinerary:
- Wake up early (around 2:00 am) and begin the ascent towards Lenana Peak.
- Trek in the dark, aiming to reach the summit by sunrise.
- Enjoy stunning views from Lenana Peak (4,985m) as the sun rises over the African plains.
- Descend back to Shipton Camp for breakfast and a short rest.
- Continue descending to Old Moses Camp for overnight.
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp (basic mountain hut)
Day 5: Old Moses Camp – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi
- Altitude: 2,600m / 8,530ft (Sirimon Gate)
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 9km / 5.6 miles
Itinerary:
- After breakfast, descend leisurely through the forest back to Sirimon Gate.
- Transfer to Nanyuki for lunch and a brief rest.
- Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
What’s Included:
- Transfers from Nairobi to Nanyuki and back.
- Full-board accommodation on the mountain.
- Park entry fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees.
- Experienced mountain guides, porters, and a cook.
- Drinking water on the trek.
What’s Not Included:
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Travel insurance.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
This 5-day itinerary allows for an acclimatization day, which increases your chances of reaching the summit and ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable climb.