Mount Kenya Trek — Sirimon Route to Point Lenana (5 Days)
Five days up Africa's second mountain — no ropes, just steady legs and a sunrise at the roof of Kenya
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Mount Kenya is an extinct stratovolcano that last erupted about 3 million years ago. At 5,199 metres, it is Africa's second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro, but technically more interesting — Batian and Nelion, the two highest peaks, require rock climbing (Grade IV, UIAA V), while Point Lenana (4,985m), the trekking summit, requires no ropes or crampons. The mountain straddles the equator and acts as a water tower for much of central Kenya — its glaciers, though rapidly retreating, feed the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro rivers. The Sirimon Route, which this trek follows, approaches from the northwest through dry montane forest and moorland, giving a gentler altitude profile than the more common Naro Moru route. Vegetation zones on the ascent: montane forest (elephant, buffalo, colobus monkey) up to 2,500m; bamboo zone to 3,000m; heath and moorland with giant lobelia and groundsel to 4,000m; alpine rock and scree above. The Chogoria Route descent, which this itinerary uses, is widely considered the most scenic way off the mountain — the trail passes Lake Michaelson, the Gorges Valley, and waterfalls cascading through moorland. Porters and a cook accompany the trek. Oxygen saturation at Point Lenana is about 55-60 percent of sea level, which is noticeable but manageable for most people with proper acclimatisation.
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What's Included
- Transport from Nairobi to Sirimon gate and return from Chogoria gate
- Mount Kenya National Park entrance and camping fees
- Professional mountain guide (English speaking)
- Porters and cook (1 porter per trekker)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner plus hot drinks)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, mess tent) excluding sleeping bag
- Treated drinking water on the mountain
- Certificate of achievement upon successful summit
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, headlamp — packing list provided)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Tips and gratuities for guide and porters
- Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking cover)
Itinerary
Day-by-day breakdown of your adventure
Nairobi to Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
Depart Nairobi by 7:00 AM and drive north through the Kikuyu highlands to Nanyuki town, crossing the equator just before the turnoff to Sirimon Gate. Register at the park gate, meet your guide and porter team, and begin walking mid-morning. The first day is a gentle 9-kilometre hike on a dirt track through montane forest and into the bamboo zone. The altitude gain is about 700 metres — enough to feel, but not punishing. After three to four hours, you reach Old Moses Camp, a cluster of wooden bunkhouses set on a ridge with views across the northern plains towards Samburu. Afternoon walk to a nearby viewpoint acclimatisation. Dinner at camp, bed early.
Old Moses to Shipton's Camp (4,200m)
Today is the big day of scenery. From Old Moses, the trail climbs into the moorland zone — the bamboo gives way to giant heather, then tussock grass and scattered lobelia. The track follows the Mackinder Valley, a broad glacial trough with the peaks of Batian and Nelion appearing on your left as dark jagged spires against the sky. After about 5 hours and an ascent of 900 metres, you drop into Shipton's Camp, set at the edge of a small tarn at the foot of the peaks. The rock walls of the upper mountain loom overhead. Afternoon tea in the mess tent, then a short walk to acclimatise before dinner. At this altitude, the sun drops fast and the temperature drops with it. Stars here are unreal.
Acclimatisation Day at Shipton's (4,200m)
This is your body's best friend. Spend the day at Shipton's with a shorter hike up to Kami Tarn (4,450m) or to the Hausberg Col, returning to camp for lunch. The extra time at altitude dramatically improves your summit chances. Afternoon spent resting, reading, photographing the peaks and the resident rock hyrax that scamper around the camp boulders. Briefing on the summit push after dinner — your guide will explain the route, the timing, and what to wear.
Summit Night — Point Lenana (4,985m) — descend to Meru Bandas (2,950m)
Wake at 2:30 AM for tea and biscuits. Start hiking by 3:00 AM under headlamps. The trail climbs steeply onto the summit circuit path — a moon-like landscape of scree and bare rock above 4,600 metres. The air is thin and every step takes effort, but the route is non-technical — it's a walk, not a climb. After 2 to 3 hours, you reach Point Lenana. If the timing works, you stand on the summit as the first light hits Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), the true peaks of Mount Kenya, glowing copper and gold. On clear mornings you can see Kilimanjaro to the south, 300 kilometres away. The summit moment is brief — the cold at 5,000 metres is real — but unforgettable. Descend back to Shipton's for a hot lunch and a rest. Then begin the descent via the Chogoria route: past Lake Michaelson, through the stunning Gorges Valley, down into heathland and eventually into the forest. Reach Meru Bandas camp by late afternoon — a proper bed after the hardest day on the mountain.
Meru Bandas to Chogoria Gate — Return to Nairobi
A final 10-kilometre walk through bamboo and montane forest on a vehicle track. The descent is gentle and the forest full of bird calls — Hartlaub's turacos, silvery-cheeked hornbills, and mountain orioles. If the rains have been recent, the path is muddy and you'll be grateful for gaiters. At Chogoria Gate, the vehicle meets you. Drive to Chogoria town, then a long but scenic transfer back to Nairobi via Embu, arriving by early evening. Shower. Beer. Bed.
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