5-Day Mount Kenya Climb - Sirimon Route

After an early pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, the drive north passes through Nanyuki, crossing the equator en route, to the Sirimon Gate on Mount Kenya's northwestern side. After registration, the trek climbs through montane forest along a vehicle track to Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp, on the edge of the moorland zone.

Distance: Approximately 3 to 4 hours driving from Nairobi, then 3 to 4 hours walking, 9 km

Activity: Drive to Sirimon Gate, afternoon trek to Old Moses Camp

Accommodation: Old Moses Camp / Judmaier Camp (bunkhouse, 3,300m)

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

The trail crosses open heath and moorland, with views opening out as the path enters the wide, glacier-carved Mackinder Valley. Giant lobelia and groundsel, the classic flora of Mount Kenya’s alpine zone, line the route as it climbs to Shipton’s Camp, set directly below the main peaks.

Distance: 5 to 6 hours walking, 14 km

Activity: Trek through the Mackinder Valley to Shipton’s Camp

Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp (bunkhouse, 4,200m)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A short, gentle walk toward Hut Tarn or Mugi Hill aids acclimatization ahead of summit night, following the mountaineering principle of climbing higher during the day before sleeping at a lower elevation. The afternoon is free to rest at camp, with close views of Batian and Nelion across the valley.

Distance: Short acclimatization walk, 2 to 3 hours, distance varies

Activity: Acclimatization walk and rest day

Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp (bunkhouse, 4,200m, second night)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A pre-dawn departure, typically around 2 to 3am, leads up scree and rock to Point Lenana (4,985m) for sunrise, with views across to the technical peaks of Batian and Nelion and, on clear mornings, as far as Mount Kilimanjaro. The long descent retraces the route back through Shipton’s Camp to Old Moses Camp.

Distance: Summit push approximately 3 to 4 hours, full descent day approximately 7 to 8 hours, 18 km total

Activity: Pre-dawn summit of Point Lenana, full-day descent to Old Moses Camp

Accommodation: Old Moses Camp / Judmaier Camp (bunkhouse, 3,300m)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A final descent through forest brings you to the Sirimon Gate, where your vehicle is waiting. The drive returns to Nairobi via Nanyuki, arriving by mid to late afternoon.

Distance: 2 to 3 hours walking, 9 km, then approximately 3 to 4 hours driving back to Nairobi

Activity: Final descent to the gate, then drive back to Nairobi

Accommodation: N/A, end of climb

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Extend your trip

Want the most scenic option, adding the Chogoria side of the mountain? See our 6-Day Sirimon-Chogoria Mount Kenya Traverse. Want to add a Kenya safari before or after your climb? Ask us about combining this trek with the Maasai Mara or Amboseli.