The 4-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon Route Trek is a rewarding adventure for travellers who want to reach Point Lenana while enjoying some of Mount Kenya’s most beautiful scenery.
Sirimon is one of the gentler routes on the mountain, making it a popular choice for first-time high-altitude hikers and experienced trekkers looking for a shorter climbing itinerary. The route approaches Mount Kenya from the drier northern side and is generally less crowded than some of the other trails.
During the trek, the landscape changes from thick mountain forest to open moorland and rocky alpine terrain. You will also pass through Mackinder Valley, where you can enjoy excellent views of Mount Kenya’s main peaks and unique high-altitude plants.
The gradual ascent helps your body adjust to the altitude before the final climb to Point Lenana at 4,985 metres.
With professional guides, experienced porters, a mountain cook, and full trekking support, this four-day adventure offers a memorable and well-organized way to climb Mount Kenya.
The Sirimon Route is an excellent choice for travellers looking for a shorter and relatively gradual Mount Kenya climbing experience.
Its location on the northern side of the mountain means the route is often drier than other trails. The steady ascent also allows climbers to adjust to the altitude as they move from forest and heathland into the high alpine zone.
The route passes through Mackinder Valley, one of the most scenic areas on Mount Kenya, and offers impressive views of the mountain’s main peaks.
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with a morning pick-up from Nairobi.
You will drive north through Kenya’s central highlands towards Nanyuki. The journey takes approximately four hours and offers beautiful views of farmland, small towns, and the surrounding countryside.
After lunch in Nanyuki, continue to Sirimon Gate, where you will complete the park registration and meet the mountain support team.
The trek begins through a scenic forest trail that gradually climbs towards the heathland zone. As the vegetation changes, the views open up and the air becomes cooler.
After approximately three to four hours of hiking, you will arrive at Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmier Camp. Dinner will be served before you settle in for your first night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Sirimon Gate
Ending Point: Old Moses Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,300m
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Hiking Time: Around 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: Approximately 680m
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue your ascent towards Shipton’s Camp.
The trail climbs steadily through open moorland before reaching a junction leading towards the Ontulili River. You will stop briefly near the river to rest and refill your water bottles.
From here, continue through the Liki North area and into the impressive Mackinder Valley.
The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you gain altitude, but the surrounding scenery makes the effort worthwhile. On a clear day, you will enjoy excellent views of Mount Kenya’s main peaks, including Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana.
You will arrive at Shipton’s Camp in the afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the early summit attempt.
Starting Point: Old Moses Camp
Ending Point: Shipton’s Camp
Elevation: Approximately 4,200m
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Hiking Time: Around 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the most demanding and rewarding part of the trek.
You will wake at around 3:00 AM for a light snack and hot drink before beginning the climb towards Point Lenana.
The trail is rocky and steep in some sections, and you will hike in darkness using a headlamp. Your guide will maintain a slow and steady pace as you approach the summit.
After approximately three hours, you will reach Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, ideally in time to watch the sunrise.
As daylight spreads across the mountain, you may enjoy breathtaking views of Batian, Nelion, the surrounding valleys, and the distant Kenyan landscape. On very clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro may also be visible on the horizon.
After taking photographs and celebrating your achievement, begin the descent back to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast and a short rest.
You will then continue descending through Mackinder Valley towards Old Moses Camp, where you will enjoy dinner and spend your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Shipton’s Camp
Highest Point: Point Lenana – 4,985m
Ending Point: Old Moses Camp
Distance: Approximately 21 km
Hiking Time: Around 10–12 hours
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is the highlight of your Mount Kenya adventure.
Your guide will wake you around 2:30 AM for a light snack before beginning the climb towards Point Lenana.
Walking under a sky filled with stars, you'll steadily climb rocky trails towards the summit. As dawn approaches, you'll reach Point Lenana (4,985 metres) just in time to witness one of Africa's most spectacular sunrises.
On a clear morning, you may even see Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the distant horizon.
After taking photographs and celebrating your achievement, begin your descent via the Sirimon Route.
You'll arrive at Shipton's Camp for breakfast before spending the rest of the day relaxing and recovering from the summit climb.
Starting Point: Minto's Camp
Highest Point: Point Lenana – 4,985m
Ending Point: Shipton's Camp
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Hiking Time: Around 7–9 hours
Accommodation: Shipton's Camp
After breakfast, continue descending through the beautiful Sirimon Route.
Today's trail passes through the spectacular Mackinder Valley, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kenya's peaks, valleys, and alpine landscapes.
The area is famous for its giant groundsels and lobelia plants, unique species that thrive in the mountain's high-altitude environment.
As you continue descending, you'll also pass near the Sendeo and Terere Peaks before reaching Old Moses Camp.
After dinner, enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Shipton's Camp
Ending Point: Old Moses Camp
Elevation: 4,200m to 3,300m
Hiking Time: Around 6 hours
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
After breakfast, begin your final descent towards Sirimon Gate.
The trail follows a gentle path through the heathland and forest zones, giving you one last opportunity to enjoy Mount Kenya’s scenery and fresh mountain air.
After approximately two hours, you will arrive at the park gate, where your driver will be waiting.
You will then travel back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
Your four-day Mount Kenya adventure ends with unforgettable memories and the achievement of reaching Point Lenana.
Starting Point: Old Moses Camp
Ending Point: Sirimon Gate
Hiking Time: Around 2 hours
Transfer: Sirimon Gate to Nairobi
Meals: Breakfast
