Destination: Mount Kenya National Park
Route: Sirimon
Highest Point: Point Lenana – 4,985 meters (16,355 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain huts or tents (as preferred)
Best Time to Go: January–March and July–October

Overview

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak which is good for trekking safari
experience for climbers looking for challenging ascents, alpine scenery, and unique
flora and fauna. This 5-day Sirimon Route is good for acclimatization, it also provide
excellent chances of a successful summit to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak of
Mount Kenya which can be accessed by trekkers without technical climbing skills.
The route passes through rainforest, moorland, and high alpine zones, making for a
visually stunning and diverse trek.

Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Your kenya trekking safari adventure will begin with an early morning departure from
Nairobi. The journey takes about 4–5-hour drive towards the north and through
central kenya highlands to the town of Nanyuki which is the town where you will stay
for the night on your preparations to climb Mount Kenya. Here you will have your
final preparations which are —gear checks, permit registrations, and a light lunch.
Afterward, you will be transferred to Sirimon Gate (2,650m) which Mount kenya
National park entrance.
From the gate, the trek begins with a gentle ascent through montane forest and
bamboo zones. The trail winds through ancient hardwood trees this place is home to
colobus monkeys, bushbuck, and a variety of birdlife. After the forest, you enter the
moorland ecosystem with giant heathers and tussock grass. The day’s hike takes
about 3–4 hours and ends at Old Moses Camp (3,300m), also known as Judmaier
Camp. You will have dinner and settle in for the night in either a mountain hut or tent,
depending on your preference.

Day 2: Old Moses Camp – Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)

The second day trek is longer and more strenuous and also more rewarding. After
an early breakfast, the trail leads through expansive moorland and into the alpine
heath zone. You’ll cross two river valleys—the Liki and Mackinder’s—before
gradually climbing to the Sirimon ridge. The hike offers panoramic views of the peaks
ahead and chances to spot alpine wildlife such as hyraxes, sunbirds, and, with luck,
the elusive mountain duiker.

The vegetation transitions to include lobelias and giant groundsels, signature plants
of Mount Kenya’s high-altitude zones. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at
Shipton’s Camp (4,200m), nestled below the towering spires of Batian and Nelion
peaks. This base camp offers dramatic views and is a hub for climbers attempting
technical summits. After a hot meal, you’ll receive a briefing for the summit attempt
and retire early to rest and acclimatize.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Shipton’s Camp

Today is a rest and acclimatization day, crucial for adjusting to the high altitude and
improving your chances of a successful summit. After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll go
on a short acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge or tarn, such as Hauseberg Col or
Kami Hut, reaching altitudes of 4,400 to 4,600 meters before returning to Shipton’s
for lunch.
The aim is to “climb high, sleep low,” which aids the body in adjusting to the thin air.
The hike also allows you to explore the lunar landscape surrounding the
peaks—dotted with rocky outcrops, glaciers, and alpine tarns. The rest of the
afternoon is spent relaxing, hydrating, and preparing for the summit push. Dinner is
served early and then followed by an early night sleep in anticipation of an alpine
start.

Day 4: Summit Day – Point Lenana (4,985m) – Old Moses Camp (3,300m)

Summit day begins before dawn, usually around 2:30 AM. After a hot drink and light
snack, you’ll begin the slow ascent up scree slopes and rocky switchbacks toward
Point Lenana, the trekker’s summit of Mount Kenya. The aim is to reach the summit
at sunrise, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding
landscape including the distant lights of Nairobi, the Aberdare Range, and even
Kilimanjaro on clear mornings.
Point Lenana which is 4,985 is the third-highest peak on Mount Kenya and does not
require technical climbing skills making it accessible to well-acclimatized hikers. The
summit is cold and windy but also rewarding with great views.
After enjoying the view and taking photos, descend back to Shipton’s Camp for a
warm breakfast. Followed by a short rest then continue the descending to Old Moses
Camp on the same route. This is a long trek of about 10–12 hours before reaching a
lower attitude stop for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Old Moses Camp – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi

Your final morning on Mount Kenya begins after breakfast and an easy 2–3 hour
descent through the forest zone to Sirimon Gate. Along the way, keep an eye out for
colobus monkeys and mountain birds on the trees. Once at the gate, you’ll receive
your Mount Kenya trekking certificate—proof of your achievement.

You’ll then be transferred back to Nanyuki for lunch and a quick freshen-up before
proceeding to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Depending on
your travel plans, you may be dropped off at your hotel or the airport. Your Mount
Kenya adventure ends here—but the memories of sunrise at Point Lenana, the
alpine vistas, and the camaraderie on the mountain will stay with you forever.

What to Pack

Waterproof clothes (jacket and pants)
Hiking boots
Headlamp with extra batteries
Gloves, wool socks, and hat
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Sleeping bag (rated -5°C or below)

Conclusion

This 5-day trek through the Sirimon Route is ideal for those looking to experience
diverse habitats, physical challenge, and summit one of mount kenya peaks that
does not require technical climbing skills. With proper acclimatization and a
supportive team, Point Lenana is within reach for fit and determined hikers.