5 Days Mt Kenya Hiking – Up Sirmon Down Chogoria

Sirimon route is Mount Kenya’s most gradual ascent route profile and best acclimatization options most interesting route since its on the drier side on the mountain. The trek route passes through impressive Yellow wood forests in the lower reaches and features abundant wildlife and beautiful alpine scenery higher up.

Day 1: Nairobi – Sirimon gate- Old Moses camp. ( 3,300m) 3-4 hrs, 9km, 680 ascent

Leave Nairobi at 7.30am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmaier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D

Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton camp (4200m). 7 hrs, 14km, 900m ascent

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D

Day 3: Shipton Camp (acclimatization day)

For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure.
N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization – but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!

Day 4: Shipton – Point Lenana(4,985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 785 ascent

Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving Mount Kenya point Lenana (6km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut (6km), 2hrs, for breakfast and 20km, 4-5hrs further down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for dinner and overnight on Mount Kenya, B,L,D
Here can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the Bandas.

Day 5: Meru Bandas- Chogoria town. 2 hrs, 10km – Nairobi

Descend 2hr, 15km to forest clearance to catch a 4×4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, B,L.