5-Day Mount Kenya Climbing Safari via Sirimon Route

Join Africa Terrain Safaris on a thrilling 5-day Mount Kenya climb to Point Lenana (4,985m), the trekker’s summit of Africa’s second-highest mountain, via the scenic Sirimon Route. Camp at Old Moses and Shipton’s Camps, guided by our expert team trained in mountain safety and navigation. Ideal for fit hikers, this trek offers stunning views of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) peaks, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Indian Ocean, and Mount Elgon, with a peak circuit for acclimatization.

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi to Sirimon Park Gate – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a departure from Nairobi in a private 4×4 vehicle, driving through the Central Highlands to Nanyuki, arriving by 11:00 AM. From Nanyuki, you’ll transfer to Sirimon Park Gate (2,650m) for a brief orientation with your expert guide and porters. The trek starts with a 3–4-hour hike (9 km, 650m ascent) through lush rainforest and bamboo to Old Moses Camp at 3,300m. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot lunch prepared by the crew, followed by an afternoon of rest to aid acclimatization, with opportunities to spot birds and rock hyrax. Dinner is served at the camp, and you’ll spend the night at Old Moses Camp, either in a basic mountain hut or tented camp, with temperatures possibly dropping to 5°C.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp (4,236m)

After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, you’ll embark on a 6–7-hour hike (14 km, 936m ascent) from Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp at 4,236m. The trail takes you through the scenic Liki Valley and Mackinder’s Valley, crossing moorlands adorned with giant heather and groundsel. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as rock hyrax and eagles, with stunning views of Mount Kenya’s peaks. Upon arrival at Shipton’s Camp, a hot lunch awaits, prepared by your dedicated crew. The afternoon is reserved for rest to support acclimatization, with optional short walks near the camp to explore the surroundings. Dinner is served, and you’ll spend the night at Shipton’s Camp in a tented camp or hut, where night temperatures may drop to 0°C.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Peak Circuit for Acclimatization – Shipton’s Camp (4,236m)

Following breakfast at 7:00 AM, you’ll set out on a 4–5-hour acclimatization hike (6–8 km) along the Peak Circuit, ascending a steep ridge to Kami Hut at 4,430m. This circuit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Batian and Nelion peaks, helping prepare your body for the summit push. You’ll return to Shipton’s Camp for a hot lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring nearby trails with your expert guide. This restful day at Shipton’s Camp, situated at 4,236m in a tented camp or hut, is crucial for acclimatization. Dinner is served early to ensure you’re well-rested for the summit day, with overnight temperatures potentially reaching 0°C.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shipton’s Camp to Point Lenana (4,985m) – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

The summit day begins at 2:30 AM with hot tea and biscuits to fuel your ascent. You’ll hike for approximately 3 hours (4 km, 749m ascent) to Point Lenana at 4,985m, involving light scrambling over scree. Arriving by sunrise around 5:30 AM, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s Kibo and Mawenzi peaks to the south, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Mount Elgon to the west, weather permitting. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Shipton’s Camp for brunch in 2–3 hours, then continue via the Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp (4–5 hours, 936m descent, 14 km). A hot dinner awaits at Old Moses Camp, where you’ll spend the night in a tented camp or hut at 3,300m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Park Gate – Nairobi

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, you’ll descend 2–3 hours (9 km, 650m descent) from Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Park Gate through rainforest and bamboo. At the gate, your private 4×4 vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Nanyuki for a well-earned lunch, approximately a 1-hour drive. From Nanyuki, you’ll continue to Nairobi, a 3-hour drive (180 km), arriving in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM. Check into the Sarova Stanley Hotel or a similar property, such as Nairobi Serena Hotel, on a bed and breakfast basis to celebrate your summit success. Dinner is on your own account, allowing you to explore Nairobi’s dining options. Overnight at Sarova Stanley Hotel or similar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

• Round-trip transport from Nairobi to Sirimon Park Gate in a private 4×4 vehicle
• knowledgeable, English-speaking mountain guide trained in first aid and rescue.
• Porters and cooks handle gear transport (max 20kg per person) and meal preparation.
• Bottled drinking water is supplied during the trek (1 liter per person per day). Full-board accommodation in tented camps or huts is included, except on Day 5, which covers breakfast and lunch only.
• Nairobi hotel accommodation on Day 5 is provided on a bed and breakfast basis.
• All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats; sleeping bags available for rent).

Exclusions

• Park and camping fees.
• Personal climbing gear, such as hiking boots, warm clothing, and trekking poles, is your responsibility, though rentals are available.
• Optional activities or detours, such as additional acclimatization hikes, are excluded. Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities for guides and porters are not covered.
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and dinner on Day 5 in Nairobi are at your own expense.
• Accommodation in Nairobi before the trek (Day 0) is not included.

Notes

Recommended gear includes neutral-colored clothing, layered warm clothing (fleece, down jacket), waterproof jacket and pants, sturdy hiking boots, gaiters, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, a 30L daypack, eco-friendly water bottle, camera, and binoculars.

Sleeping bags and other gear can be rented; contact us for details.

Physical preparation is essential, requiring good fitness and prior hiking experience; train with hill walking and cardio 2–3 months in advance and consult a doctor about altitude sickness medication.

The best time to climb is January–March and July–October for dry conditions and clear skies; avoid rainy seasons (April–June, November) due to muddy trails and poor visibility.

Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects unique flora (giant lobelias, groundsel) and fauna (colobus monkeys, buffalo).

Accommodation consists of tented camps or huts with basic facilities at Old Moses and Shipton’s Camps.

For booking, contact Africa Terrain Safaris at +254 708 221 664 or visit africaterrainsafaris.co.ke.