Mount Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria Route(5 Days)

Starting elevation: Sirimon Gate – approximately 2,650 m
Camp elevation: Old Moses Camp – approximately 3,300 m
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp

Your adventure begins with an early-morning departure from Nairobi. Travel north through Kenya's Central Highlands toward Nanyuki, the main gateway to the northern side of Mount Kenya.

Depending on your arrangements, there can be a stop in Nanyuki for lunch and final supplies. From Nanyuki, continue towards Sirimon Gate, where you complete park registration and meet your mountain crew.

The trek begins through montane forest before gradually entering bamboo and giant-heather vegetation. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens into the high-altitude moorland.

Continue along the Sirimon track to Old Moses Camp at approximately 3,300 m. The first day is deliberately moderate, allowing your body to begin adapting to the increasing altitude.

Enjoy dinner and rest at camp.

Overnight: Old Moses Camp.

Starting elevation: 3,300 m
Camp elevation: approximately 4,200 m
Distance: Approximately 14–17 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Shipton's Camp

After breakfast, begin the climb toward Shipton's Camp.

The trail continues through the spectacular Mount Kenya moorland. You cross the Ontulili River and continue towards the Likii North area before entering the Mackinder Valley. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine, with giant groundsel, lobelia and other distinctive high-altitude vegetation.

As you approach Shipton's Camp, the main Mount Kenya peaks become increasingly impressive.

Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) dominate the skyline, while Point Lenana rises nearby.

Arrive at Shipton's Camp at approximately 4,200 m, have dinner and settle in for the night.

Because this is a significant altitude gain, the guide will encourage a slow pace, regular hydration and plenty of rest.

Overnight: Shipton's Camp.

Altitude: Approximately 4,200–4,600 m
Hiking time: 3–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Shipton's Camp

Day 3 is dedicated to acclimatization.

Rather than immediately attempting the summit, you spend additional time at altitude. Depending on weather and the condition of the group, your guide may lead a short acclimatization hike toward areas such as Kami Hut, Hausberg Col or the upper ridges before returning to Shipton's Camp. Different operators use slightly different acclimatization walks.

The principle is to climb higher during the day and return to a lower sleeping altitude, helping your body adapt before the summit attempt.

The day also gives you an opportunity to:

• Rest and recover
• Hydrate properly
• Check your summit equipment
• Prepare warm clothing
• Discuss the summit plan with your guide
• Observe the weather
• Become familiar with the high-altitude environment

In the evening, have an early dinner and prepare for the pre-dawn summit ascent.

Overnight: Shipton's Camp.

Start: Approximately 2:30–3:00 AM
Summit: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
Hiking time: Approximately 10–12 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mount Kenya Bandas / Chogoria side

Summit Day

Wake early and have a light breakfast before beginning the summit attempt.

You start in darkness with headlamps, following your guide through the high alpine terrain toward Point Lenana.

The climb becomes progressively steeper as you approach the summit ridge. The objective is to reach Point Lenana around sunrise.

Point Lenana – 4,985 m

Reaching Point Lenana at 4,985 m is the main objective of the trek.

At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of:

• Batian and Nelion
• Mount Kenya's glaciers and alpine landscape
• The Kenyan highlands
• The Rift Valley region
• The surrounding mountains and valleys
• Sunrise over the African landscape

On exceptionally clear mornings, distant Mount Kilimanjaro may also be visible.

After photographs and a short rest, begin the descent towards the Chogoria side.

The landscape changes dramatically as you descend. The route passes through the upper alpine zone toward Hall Tarns and the Lake Michaelson area, with dramatic cliffs and valleys surrounding the trail.

Continue towards Mintos/Minto's area and then descend through the spectacular Gorges Valley.

Depending on the exact itinerary, trail conditions and group pace, the overnight can be arranged at Mount Kenya Bandas, with some itineraries using a different camp arrangement on the Chogoria side.

After this long summit day, enjoy dinner and a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Mount Kenya Bandas / Chogoria side.

Starting elevation: Approximately 2,900–3,000 m
Hiking: Approximately 3–6 hours depending on the exact finishing point
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the lush Chogoria forest.

This side of Mount Kenya is very different from the drier Sirimon approach. The trail passes through bamboo and montane forest, with excellent opportunities for bird watching and views of the surrounding forest landscape.

Continue towards the Chogoria road head/gate, where your vehicle will meet you.

Depending on road and trail conditions, drive to Chogoria town for lunch before beginning the journey back towards Nairobi.

Arrival in Nairobi is normally in the afternoon or evening depending on traffic, road conditions and the exact transfer arrangements.

End of the 5-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon–Chogoria Trek.