Mount Kenya Hiking Safari: 4 Days on the Sirimon Route

Safari Overview

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Distance: 53 km

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging because of altitude and summit day effort

Route: Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp → Shipton’s Camp → Point Lenana → Old Moses Camp → Sirimon Gate

Accommodation: Camping as per the itinerary

Pricing: Cost is determined by the number of pax

Why Choose This Mount Kenya Hiking Safari

This Mount Kenya Hiking Safari uses the Sirimon Route because it gives easy access to the northern side of the mountain and offers strong scenery. It is also drier than other routes for much of the year.

There are two permanent camps on this route. Old Moses sits at 3,300 m. Shipton’s Camp sits at 4,200 m and looks toward the main peaks. From Mackinder Valley, where Shipton’s stands, you get panoramic views of Batian, Nelion, Point Lenana, Terere, and Sendeyo.

Water is plentiful on the route, and there is also a chance to cross the Equator near Nanyuki and again on the way to Old Moses.

Route Highlights

• Scenic walk to the summit area of Mount Kenya
• Beautiful peaks and strong alpine views
• Drier conditions than many other routes
• Two permanent mountain camps
• Panoramic views from Mackinder Valley
• Reliable water points
• Equator crossings near Nanyuki
• Moderate, non-technical climb
• Good for fit trekkers without technical climbing experience

Though this Mount Kenya Hiking Safari can be completed in four days, an overnight acclimatization stay in Nanyuki is strongly recommended. This can be arranged at an extra fee.

Mount Kenya Hiking Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Nanyuki to Old Moses Camp

Pick up from Nanyuki and sort out the equipment needed for the climb. This is the last chance for shopping before the trek begins. Transfer with lunch en route to Sirimon Gate.

Start the trek from Sirimon Park Gate at 2,600 m and hike to Old Moses Hut at about 3,340 m.

Ascent: 740 m
Distance: about 9 km
Walking time: about 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest, bamboo, Hagenia, and heather zones

This first stretch is important for acclimatization. It also gives an interesting walk through several vegetation belts, including tropical forest, bamboo, rosewood, and heather. These lower zones are also among the best for wildlife sightings.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp

Day 2: Old Moses to Shipton’s Camp

Start hiking at about 0700 hrs and continue via the newer Sirimon Route through the alpine moorland zone.

Trek from Old Moses, also called Judmaier Camp, at 3,340 m to Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 m.

Ascent: about 900 m
Distance: about 14 km
Walking time: about 6 to 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone

Stop halfway for a picnic lunch. Arrival at Shipton’s Camp is usually in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp

Day 3: Shipton’s Camp to Point Lenana to Old Moses

A pre-dawn start at 3:00 am is essential on summit day. This gives the best chance of reaching Point Lenana and seeing clear views at sunrise.

Trek from Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 m to Point Lenana at 4,985 m, then descend back through Shipton’s and continue to Old Moses.

Ascent to summit: 749 m
Distance from Shipton’s to Point Lenana: about 6 km
Total distance from Shipton’s to Point Lenana and down to Old Moses: about 21 km
Time: about 9 to 10 hours
Habitat: Scree, rocky summit, and moorland

On a clear morning, you may even see Mount Kilimanjaro far to the south. After photographs at the summit, descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast, then continue to Old Moses for lunch, dinner, and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp

Day 4: Old Moses to Nairobi

After an early breakfast, descend for about 3 hours to Sirimon Park Gate and meet the vehicle for the return journey to Nairobi.

An optional lunch stop can be made at Tree Trout Restaurant. Arrival in Nairobi is expected by about 17:00 hrs.

Meals: Breakfast

What Is Included in This Mount Kenya Hiking Safari

• All park entrance fees and government taxes
• All food while on the mountain
• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook services
• Transfers to and from the base of the mountain
• Full board accommodation in camping as per the itinerary
• English-speaking professional guide
• Treated or boiled water on the trek
• Successful climb certificate on completion
• Rescue from the mountain in case of illness by road only

What Is Not Included

• Kenya visa
• Personal insurance
• Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
• Beverages while not on the mountain
• Climbing equipment
• Optional excursions not detailed in the itinerary
• Laundry, telephone, beverages, and other personal expenses
• Items of a personal nature

What to Pack for This Mount Kenya Hiking Safari

Warm Clothing

• One set of thermal underwear, top and bottom
• Warm walking trousers, not jeans
• One warm wool sweater or jersey
• One polar fleece or down vest
• One waterproof jacket with hood and waterproof pants
• One pair of light loose cotton trousers
• One to two long-sleeved shirts in cotton or wool
• Two to three T-shirts
• One wool hat
• One wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
• One bandana
• One pair of lightweight inner gloves
• One pair of warm heavyweight gloves or mittens
• One poncho raincoat

Footwear

• Four pairs of thermal hiking socks
• Waterproof hiking boots that are well broken in
• Walking shoes
• Two extra pairs of thermal socks liners
• One pair of leg gaiters

Sleeping Gear

• 3- to 4-season sleeping bag, comfort rated to at least -5°C
• Sleeping bag liner in cotton, fleece, or silk, optional
• Stuff sack for sleeping bag
• Thick foam mat or self-inflating mat

Personal Items

• Sunglasses
• Walking poles
• Favourite snack bars
• Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
• Power pack for charging phones
• Wash kit, noting there are no showers on the mountain
• Passport, money, and insurance papers
• Two water bottles
• Flask for hot drinks on summit night
• Sunscreen with factor 30 to 50
• Wet wipes and tissues
• Anti-bacterial hand gel
• High-energy snacks, dried fruit, nuts, and sweets
• Ladies should carry sanitary toiletries because altitude may affect the cycle

First Aid Suggestions

• Personal first aid kit
• Essential medication
• High-factor sunscreen and lip salve
• Antiseptic wipes
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Knee or ankle support
• Personal medication such as anti-malaria tablets, inhalers, anti-histamine, and ibuprofen

Useful Equipment

• Large rucksack for gear carried by porter
• Day pack for daily hiking needs
• Big polyethylene bag to protect clothes from rain
• Two 2-litre water bottles, camel bags preferred
• Head torch with spare batteries
• Pocket Swiss army knife
• Trekking poles
• Two to three packets of wet towels
• Travel pillow, optional

A mountain trip depends on safe pacing, altitude management, route knowledge, and a dependable crew. That is why it is worth placing this Mount Kenya Hiking Safari in the hands of a professional operator.