The 4-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon–Sirimon Route is a compact trekking itinerary that approaches Mount Kenya from the north-west through Sirimon Gate, ascends to Shipton’s Camp, and makes a pre-dawn summit attempt on Point Lenana (4,985 m) before descending by the same route. The Sirimon side is generally regarded as one of the drier approaches to Mount Kenya.
Sirimon Route
Route at a glance
Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp → Shipton’s Camp → Point Lenana → Old Moses Camp → Sirimon Gate → Nairobi
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Highest point: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
- Starting point: Sirimon Gate
- Ending point: Sirimon Gate
- Accommodation: Mountain camp/hut arrangements, depending on package
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Summit: Point Lenana
- Best suited for: Fit hikers with limited time and preferably some prior altitude experience
4-Day Sirimon–Sirimon Route Summary
| Day | Route | Approx. Distance | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sirimon Gate → Old Moses | 9 km | 2,650 → 3,300 m |
| Day 2 | Old Moses → Shipton's | 14–17 km | 3,300 → 4,200 m |
| Day 3 | Shipton's → Point Lenana → Old Moses | ~20–21 km | 4,200 → 4,985 → 3,300 m |
| Day 4 | Old Moses → Sirimon Gate | 9 km | 3,300 → 2,650 m |
Distances and walking times can vary according to the exact trail variation, weather, group pace and conditions on the mountain. Published itineraries commonly put Old Moses–Shipton's at roughly 6–7 hours and the summit/descent day at around 9–11 hours.
Important acclimatization note
The 4-day version is a short and demanding Mount Kenya itinerary because there is no dedicated acclimatization day. A 5-day itinerary can provide more time for the body to adapt to altitude. Some operators specifically recommend the longer version for improved acclimatization.
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Starting elevation: Sirimon Gate, approximately 2,650 m
Camp elevation: Old Moses Camp, approximately 3,300 m
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early-morning departure from Nairobi. Drive north towards Nanyuki, passing through Kenya's scenic Central Highlands and crossing the Equator.
After a short stop in Nanyuki, continue towards Sirimon Gate, where you complete park registration and meet the mountain crew.
The trek begins through the montane forest, where you may see birds, colobus monkeys and other wildlife. As you gain elevation, the forest gradually gives way to bamboo and then open heath and moorland.
The trail continues gently uphill toward Old Moses Camp, situated at around 3,300 m. The approximately 9 km walk from Sirimon Gate to Old Moses is commonly completed in about 3–4 hours.
Arrive at camp in the afternoon, settle in, have dinner and rest.
Overnight: Old Moses Camp.
Distance: Approximately 14–17 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Starting elevation: 3,300 m
Shipton's Camp: approximately 4,200 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Shipton's Camp
After breakfast, begin the long climb towards Shipton's Camp.
The trail leaves the lower moorland and continues through the spectacular high-altitude landscape of Mount Kenya. You cross streams and open valleys while gradually gaining elevation.
Depending on the exact trail conditions and route variation used, the trail may pass through the Liki North area and Mackinder Valley before continuing towards Shipton's.
As you climb higher, the vegetation becomes increasingly characteristic of Mount Kenya's afro-alpine zone, with giant groundsel and lobelia plants creating a unique landscape.
The peaks of Batian and Nelion gradually become more prominent as you approach Shipton's Camp.
Shipton's Camp is located at approximately 4,200 m, making this a demanding day because of the altitude as well as the distance.
After arriving, have dinner and prepare for the early-morning summit attempt.
Important: Drink plenty of water, eat well and rest as much as possible. Your guide will monitor your condition and discuss the summit schedule with you.
Overnight: Shipton's Camp.
Start: Approximately 3:00 AM
Summit: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
Hiking time: Approximately 9–11 hours total
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Old Moses Camp
Summit Day
This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the trek.
You wake at approximately 2:00–2:30 AM, have a light breakfast and prepare for the summit ascent.
Around 3:00 AM, begin climbing toward Point Lenana, the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya at 4,985 m.
The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you approach the summit area. Your guide will maintain a slow, steady pace to conserve energy and help you manage the altitude.
The objective is to reach Point Lenana around sunrise.
Point Lenana – 4,985 m
At the summit, enjoy spectacular views of:
- Batian
- Nelion
- Mount Kenya's surrounding valleys
- The Aberdare Range
- The Central Highlands
- The sunrise over the Kenyan landscape
On exceptionally clear days, distant mountains may also be visible.
Take photographs and enjoy a short rest at the summit before beginning the descent.
Descent to Shipton's Camp
Descend carefully from Point Lenana to Shipton's Camp.
Have breakfast and take a short rest before continuing down the Sirimon route.
Shipton's Camp to Old Moses
Continue descending through the alpine zone and moorland towards Old Moses Camp.
This is a long day, so the descent is taken at a controlled pace with regular breaks.
Arrive at Old Moses Camp in the afternoon or evening, have dinner and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Overnight: Old Moses Camp.
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking time: 2–3 hours
Starting elevation: 3,300 m
Sirimon Gate: approximately 2,650 m
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, begin the final descent from Old Moses Camp towards Sirimon Gate.
The trail gradually descends through the moorland and forest zones. After several days in the high-altitude environment, the return to the forest provides a noticeable change in scenery.
The walk to Sirimon Gate normally takes around 2–3 hours, depending on walking pace and trail conditions.
At Sirimon Gate, meet your vehicle and drive back towards Nanyuki.
Depending on your arrangements, stop for lunch in Nanyuki before continuing to Nairobi.
Arrival in Nairobi is normally in the afternoon or early evening, depending on road and traffic conditions.
End of the Mount Kenya Sirimon–Sirimon 4-Day Trek.
Includes
- Private or group Mount Kenya trekking arrangement as booked
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees for the trek
- Mountain/camping fees applicable to the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide
- Porters to carry shared camping, food and group equipment
- Mountain cook where camping meals are part of the package
- 3 nights of mountain accommodation at the designated camps/huts
- All meals on the mountain — breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Packed lunch where required during the trekking days
- Drinking water during the trek, according to the package
- Camping equipment, including tents where camping is used
- Sleeping mats/mattresses where provided in the package
- Dining/cooking equipment for camping groups
- Mountain crew wages
- Guide and porter support during the summit attempt
- Park registration and applicable trekking permits
- Ground evacuation assistance by the mountain crew, where applicable
- Pre-trek briefing
- Summit attempt to Point Lenana (4,985 m)
- Transport from Sirimon Gate back to Nanyuki/Nairobi, if included in your selected package
- Driver and vehicle costs for the included transfers
- Government taxes/levies applicable to the quoted package
Excludes
- International flights
- Domestic flights, unless specifically stated
- Kenya visa/eTA and related immigration costs
- Travel insurance
- High-altitude medical or evacuation insurance
- Emergency air evacuation, unless specifically included
- Personal medical expenses
- Personal medication
- Accommodation in Nairobi before or after the trek, unless specified
- Hotel meals outside the trekking itinerary
- Personal hiking equipment and clothing
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm summit clothing
- Sleeping bag, unless specifically included
- Trekking poles, unless specifically provided
- Headlamp and batteries
- Personal water bottles/hydration bladder
- Snacks, energy bars and personal drinks
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Laundry
- Wi-Fi/internet expenses
- Personal porter, if additional to the standard porter arrangement
- Tips for guides, porters and cooks
- Toilet tent/private toilet, unless specifically requested and included
- Extra accommodation caused by early arrival, late departure or itinerary changes
- Additional transport caused by personal itinerary changes
- Rescue or evacuation costs not covered by the package or insurance
- Anything not specifically mentioned under “Included”
