2 Days Mount Kenya Trekking Safari (Sirimon Route)

A 2-day Mount Kenya trekking safari via the Sirimon Route overnights at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) on night 1 and pushes to Shipton's Camp (4,200m) on day 2. This is the minimum itinerary that reaches the upper mountain zone and provides acclimatisation time at altitude. Point Lenana summit attempt is not included on a 2-day itinerary; this is a high-altitude acclimatisation and exploration trek for fit trekkers who want to reach 4,200m. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included.

Trek at a Glance

Who Is This Safari For?

Ideal for: Trekkers who want to experience Mount Kenya's upper moorland and Mackinder Valley without committing to a summit attempt
Ideal for: Those testing high-altitude response before a future longer Kenya or Kilimanjaro climb
Ideal for: Fit travellers with 2 days available who want a genuine mountain overnight experience
Not ideal: those seeking Point Lenana summit; 2 days does not allow safe acclimatisation for a Lenana attempt
Not ideal: those new to physical activity; 2 days of sustained uphill trekking requires a solid fitness base

Why 2 Days

One night at altitude changes the mountain experience completely. Sleeping at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) gives your body its first significant acclimatisation period and allows a genuine upper mountain day. Day 2 pushes from Old Moses through the spectacular Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp at 4,200m, where the views of Batian, Nelion, and the Lewis Glacier are immediate and dramatic. Reaching 4,200m on a 2-day itinerary without a summit attempt is the honest version of what this duration can safely deliver.

Katulu guide note: We occasionally see clients arrive on a 2-day trek expecting to reach Point Lenana. We do not offer Lenana attempts on a 2-day itinerary. The acclimatisation profile is insufficient and the return journey would be dangerously rushed. A 4-day or 5-day itinerary is the minimum we offer for Lenana.

Tipping guide (per trek, paid at end in cash): Mountain guide: USD 15 to 20 per day
Porters: USD 8 to 12 per day each
Cook: USD 10 to 15 per day
Tips are appreciated and important to crew livelihoods. Your guide can advise on current KES equivalent amounts.

⚠  Altitude and health note: General guidance only. Not medical advice. Consult a travel medicine clinic before any high-altitude trek.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a genuine risk above 3,000m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Never ascend further if symptoms are present.
‘Climb high, sleep low’ is the cardinal acclimatisation rule. Your guide enforces this on all Katulu Africa Safaris Mount Kenya treks.
Severe altitude illness (HACE or HAPE) is a medical emergency requiring immediate descent regardless of how close you are to the summit.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) is used by some trekkers for altitude sickness prevention. Consult your doctor about suitability before travel.
Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking cover and emergency evacuation is required as a condition of booking with us. A KWS mountain rescue fee applies and is included in our package price.
Certain medical conditions (heart disease, severe asthma, recent surgery) may contraindicate high-altitude trekking. Consult your doctor if uncertain.

Gear Checklist

Mount Kenya Gear Checklist
Tick off before departure. Hire equipment note: sleeping bags, trekking poles, and gaiters are available for hire in Nanyuki and through some operators. Confirm availability when booking.
□  Layering system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer (fleece or down), waterproof outer shell (jacket and trousers)
□  Warm hat (balaclava recommended for summit treks; a warm beanie is sufficient for a day hike to 3,300m)
□  Insulated gloves and inner liner gloves
□  Trekking trousers (not cotton; quick-dry or softshell)
□  Thermal underwear base layer
□  3 to 4 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks
□  Well-worn trekking boots with ankle support and waterproof lining
□  Trekking poles (strongly recommended; reduces knee strain on descent and assists on steep terrain)
□  Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for forest entry at dawn; summit treks depart at 02:00 to 03:00)
□  Sunglasses with UV protection (strong equatorial UV above treeline)
□  Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with SPF (extreme UV at altitude)
□  Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres capacity; drinking 3 to 4 litres per day is recommended at altitude)
□  Water purification tablets or filter (backup for mountain water sources)
□  High-energy snacks for the trail (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit)
□  Personal first aid kit: blister plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antiseptic
□  Diamox (Acetazolamide) if prescribed by your doctor for altitude sickness prevention
□  Personal prescription medications with doctor's note if controlled
□  Sleeping bag rated to -10C minimum (camp temperatures below zero above 4,000m)
□  Small daypack (25 to 30 litres) for the trail
□  Waterproof pack cover or dry bags for electronics and documents
□  Camera with charged batteries (cold kills batteries fast; keep camera warm in your jacket)
□  Power bank
□  Passport and booking documentation
□  Travel insurance documents with emergency contact number
□  Cash (KES or USD) for crew tips and any personal purchases in Nanyuki or Chogoria town
□  Gaiters (recommended for Naro Moru Vertical Bog and scree on summit approach)
□  Crampons or microspikes (optional; useful on icy sections near Lenana in cold months)
□  Hand warmers (chemical, single-use; for summit night)

Best Time

How to Book

Common Safari Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming 2 days is enough for the summit

Fix: It is not safe for most people. Lenana is a serious high-altitude objective. Book the 4-day or 5-day itinerary if summiting is your goal.

Mistake 2: Not breaking in trekking boots before the trek

Fix: New boots on a 2-day mountain trek cause blisters that can end the hike on day 1. Wear your boots on several long walks before departure.

Mistake 3: Packing too much in your personal daypack

Fix: Porters carry the main camp equipment. Your daypack should carry only what you need for the trail: water, snacks, layers, camera, and first aid. A heavy daypack on a sustained uphill saps energy quickly.

Mistake 4: Ascending from Nairobi to 3,300m in one day without allowing rest at Old Moses

Fix: Some trekkers want to push directly to Shipton's on day 1 to save time. This compresses the acclimatisation profile dangerously. Old Moses at 3,300m is where you sleep on night 1; Shipton's at 4,200m is reached on day 2. This sequence exists for a reason.