6 DAYS 5 OVERNIGHTS IN SIRIMON OUT CHOGORIA

Your Mount Kenya trek begins with an early departure from Nairobi at 6:00 am. By mid-morning, you’ll arrive in Nanyuki town, the gateway to Mount Kenya, where lunch is served. At 11:30 am, the journey continues to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,600m), the official entry point into Mount Kenya National Park.

After completing park formalities, the trek starts with a gentle afternoon walk designed for acclimatization. The trail winds through montane forest and bamboo zones, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and mountain birds. By evening, you’ll reach Old Moses Camp at 3,300m, where high-altitude cabins provide a comfortable overnight stay. Expect around 5 hours of trekking on this first day, setting the pace for the adventure ahead.

The trek begins at 08:00 hrs, with a full day of walking—around 8 hours at a steady, leisurely pace. This stage of the Sirimon route is a true test of patience, endurance, and determination, offering trekkers a deeper immersion into the mountain’s alpine landscapes.

From Old Moses, the trail ascends into the Likii North Valley, a beautiful valley lying beneath the subsidiary peaks of Teleki and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks. At 3,990m, this valley provides breathtaking views and a sense of isolation in pristine alpine terrain. The climb continues out of the valley into the expansive Mackinder’s Valley, one of the broadest valleys on Mount Kenya, famous for its giant groundsels and lobelias.

By evening, trekkers arrive at Shipton’s Camp (4,300m), located directly beneath the imposing peaks of Batian and Nelion. This iconic base camp offers a dramatic setting for the night, with towering cliffs and star-filled skies marking the transition into high-altitude trekking.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization at the base of Mount Kenya’s main peaks. From Shipton’s Camp, trekkers ascend to the viewpoints overlooking Oblong Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn, two scenic alpine lakes nestled beneath the towering cliffs. Time permitting, the trek continues further to glimpse the other side of the mountain, offering unrivaled panoramas of Batian Peak, Nelion Peak, and Point John. From this angle, trekkers also enjoy views of the Diamond Couloir and the natural amphitheater formation known as the “Amphitheatre.”

This acclimatization day not only enhances physical readiness for the summit push but also provides some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities of the entire trek. Overnight remains at Shipton’s Camp, preparing for the early alpine start on Day 4.

The day begins at 02:00 hrs, with an alpine start designed to reach the summit at sunrise. This is the most demanding stage of the Mount Kenya trek, requiring stamina, determination, and a strong mindset. The route ascends the north face, a less-frequented trail that offers solitude and dramatic views. After approximately 4 hours of stiff climbing, trekkers reach Point Lenana (4,985m), the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya. Sunrise here unveils breathtaking panoramas of Batian, Nelion, and the vast Kenyan plains.

At around 07:30 hrs, the descent begins toward Mintos Hut, where breakfast is served against the backdrop of alpine tarns and rugged cliffs. Overnight is spent camping in tents at the Mintos Campsite, offering a true wilderness experience under the stars. This night in the alpine zone provides recovery and reflection after the summit achievement, before continuing the traverse via the Chogoria side.

The day begins at 08:00 hrs, with breakfast before continuing the descent along the scenic Chogoria Route. The trek winds through alpine valleys and rugged terrain, gradually transitioning into lush vegetation zones. Midday, lunch is served at the Roadhead Campsite, a popular stopover along the trail.

Time permitting, trekkers may take a short detour to visit the spectacular Nithi Waterfalls, a hidden gem of the Chogoria side. Afterward, the journey continues toward the Meru Bandas, where comfortable cabins provide overnight accommodation. This section of the trek offers a gentler pace compared to the summit day, allowing time to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the Gorges Valley and Hall Tarns before reaching the bandas.

After breakfast at Meru Bandas, the trek begins at 9:00 am with a 10 km walk through dense forest, rich in birdlife and occasional wildlife sightings. From here, a rugged 4x4 Land Rover transfer covers the remaining 22 km out of the park—an adventurous ride along bumpy tracks that highlight the remoteness of the Chogoria side.

By midday, trekkers arrive in Chogoria town for lunch, marking the official end of the mountain traverse. In the afternoon, the journey continues back to Nairobi, with an onward airport transfer to conclude the expedition. This final day blends wilderness trekking with cultural immersion, offering a smooth transition from alpine adventure to urban comfort.