Climbing Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route is widely considered the most scenic and gradual route on the mountain. A 4-day itinerary takes you through diverse landscapes—from dense rainforests to high-altitude moorlands—culminating in an early-morning summit of Point Lenana (4,985m).
4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Sirimon Route
Itinerary
- Day 1: Nairobi to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Depart Nairobi for the 4-hour drive to Nanyuki Town and then on to the Sirimon Gate (2,650m). Trek for 3 to 4 hours (9km) through lush montane forests and bamboo zones to Old Moses Camp, where you will stay overnight to acclimatize. - Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton Camp (4,200m)
Trek 6 to 8 hours (14km) across the picturesque Likii and Mackinder’s Valleys. You’ll cross rivers and pass striking flora like giant groundsels before arriving at the scenic Shipton Camp for dinner and an early night. - Day 3: Summit Day (Point Lenana, 4,985m) & Descent
Begin the summit push around 3:00 AM. You will hike a steep, stony trail for 3 to 4 hours to reach Point Lenana in time for a breathtaking sunrise. Afterward, you’ll descend back to Shipton Camp for breakfast, followed by a further descent to Old Moses Camp (or down to the Chogoria route) for the night. - Day 4: Descent to Park Gate & Return to Nairobi
Descend 2 to 3 hours from Old Moses Camp through the forest to the Sirimon Gate. From here, you will meet your transport vehicle for the drive back to Nairobi, concluding your trek.
4 Days Mount Kenya Climb - Sirimon Route
Distance: 53 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Start/Finish: Nairobi Sirimon Route Summary
Mount Kenya is East Africa's second highest mountain after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This Mount Kenya climbing route is much more scenic than Naro Moru route.
4-day Sirimon route is on the drier side of the mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climbing up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki Town. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain.
Attempting the summit can be done in 4 days hiking. Those with additional time can opt to spare an extra night at Liki North Camp in between Old Moses Camp and Shipton Camp. The summit at Lenana Peak can be reached in 4 days hiking as per the below itinerary.
However, we recommend an overnight acclimatization at the base in Nanyuki town. Mount Kenya Climbing Tours
Leave Nairobi early morning at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Mount Kenya National Park Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the Sirimon Park Gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley. From the valley, there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
Attempting the summit at Lenana Peak. Leave early morning at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns. Arrival at Point Lenana (Lenana Peak) is at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Shipton Camp, 2hrs, for breakfast. Then hike further 4hrs down to Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight, B,L,D
After breakfast, walk down through the rainforest for 2~3 hours to reach Sirimon Gate to sign out of Mount Kenya National Park. From Sirimon park gate, you will now connect with your transport to Nanyuki Town for lunch. This will be followed by vehicle transfer back to Nairobi arriving at approximately 3pm, B,L