Our Recommendation: Sirimon Route

Fit adventure trekkers will find the Sirimon Route on Mount Kenya to be a fun and easily accessible trekking route. There is greater scenery than Naromoru, and some of the best walking is available on the dry side of the mountain.

Ascend through the woodland and onto a broad slope to reach the summit location. The route begins close to Nanyuki on the northwest face of the mountain.

The bunkhouse amenities are the greatest on this side of the mountain, and access is sufficient.

Starting from the bottom and hiking your way up, you’ll be treated to a truly diverse landscape. The trail takes you through a mix of deciduous forest, gallery forests, and the lush Afroalpine rainforest at the base of the massif. As you continue, you’ll pass through mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and unique plant life like giant heaths and coso trees, bogs, and grasslands.

As you ascend, you’ll encounter impressive senzenzias and lobelias before reaching the top with its stunning rock and ice formations. There are 800 plant species in this area, with 81 found nowhere else – a colorful display of rare and tropical nature that’s truly a sight to behold.

If you hang out on the lower slopes among the lush forests and bamboo thickets, you might catch a glimpse of elephants, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, and even buffalo. On the other hand, the Afroalpine heights are home to massive tree heaths, quirky giant senecias and giant lobelias, with rock hyraxes keeping hikers and climbers company.

4 Days Up and Down Sirimon Route

Here’s a breakdown of the four days of trekking to Point Lenana on Mount Kenya.

Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Old Moses

Departure from Nairobi at 0700 hrs from your hotel and transfer to Nanyuki, arriving after 3 hours. Later transfer to Sirimon gate and hike to Old Moses camp for overnight (3300m), 3 to 4 hour hike (9kms).
Old Moses camp is where you acclimatize as you also come across different vegetation.

Old Moses Camp is not just a resting spot; it’s where the magic of acclimatization begins.

As you traverse through various vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna. This initial leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the diverse ecosystems that characterize Mount Kenya.

Time hiking: 3-4 hours

Day 2: Old Moses – Shiptons

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic hike to Shipton’s Camp, situated at an elevation of 4200 meters. The trail meanders through Liki and Makinders valleys, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of rugged landscapes and towering peaks. This portion of the journey typically spans 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance that varies based on the pace and stops along the way.

Shipton’s Camp serves as a high-altitude base for trekkers, offering essential amenities amidst the raw beauty of Mount Kenya.

Keep your camera handy to capture glimpses of wildlife, such as rock hyraxes, duikers, and various bird species that inhabit these high-altitude regions.

Time hiking: 6-8 hours

Day 3: Shipton Camp / Point Lenana / Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp)

This is the pinnacle of your Mount Kenya adventure as you set out for the summit bid in the early morning hours. Departing from Shipton’s Camp at 3 am, the ascent begins with a challenging climb up a steep stony quarry, which eventually leads to Lower Hall Tarns.

The trail offers awe-inspiring views as you ascend towards Point Lenana, Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak, standing at approximately 4985 meters above sea level.

Reaching Point Lenana around sunrise rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the surrounding peaks and the vast expanse below. After soaking in the majestic sunrise, the descent back to Shipton’s Camp takes around 2 hours, where a well-deserved breakfast awaits.

The journey continues as you descend further to Old Moses Camp, retracing your steps through familiar terrain for approximately 4 hours.

Hiking time: 4 hours

Day 4: Judamaier Camp (Old Moses) / Sirimon / Nairobi

On the final day of your trek, after a satisfying breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the mountain and begin the descent through the lush rainforest. The trail winds its way down for about 2 hours, offering trekkers a chance to reflect on their journey amidst the tranquility of the forest.

As you emerge from the dense vegetation, you’ll reunite with your transport vehicle, marking the end of your Mount Kenya adventure.

The return journey to Nairobi is filled with memories of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie forged during the trek.

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

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