4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon Route

Mount Kenya National Park , Kenya

4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon Route

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About this experience

Much more scenic than Naromoru and it is on the drier side of the mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain. Though Mount Kenya summit can be reached in 4 days as per the below itinerary, we strongly recommend an overnight acclimatization at the base in Nanyuki town. This can be arranged for at an extra fee.

Available options

4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing - Sirimon Route

Pickup included

What's included

Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation

Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner

Full board accommodation whilst on the trek

On completion, successful climb Certificate

All park entrance fees to include government taxes

Transfer to and from the base of the mountain

Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Leave Nairobi at 8 am 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 Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D

Stop 2

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

Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving point Lenana at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Shipton Camp, 2hrs, for breakfast and further, 4hrs, down to Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight, B,L,D

After breakfast, walk down through the rainforest for 2 hours to connect with your transport vehicle back to Nairobi, B,L

What's not included

Laundry, sleeping bags, beverages/Drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gears

International flights

Visas to Kenya

Items of personal nature

Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most iconic natural wonders. It is home to the second-highest peak in Africa and offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The park is a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and adventurers seeking to explore its glacial peaks, alpine meadows, and dense forests.

Top Attractions

Mount Kenya

The second-highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major climbing destination. It offers three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana, each with different levels of difficulty.

Nature 3 to 6 days for summit expeditions, shorter for day hikes Moderate to expensive, depending on the tour package

Naro Moru

A popular starting point for treks to the summit of Mount Kenya, Naro Moru offers lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. It is also home to the Naro Moru River and the famous Naro Moru Trail.

Nature 1 to 3 days for day hikes and short treks Budget to moderate

Sirimon Trail

The Sirimon Trail is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Mount Kenya. It starts in the dry and scenic northern side of the mountain and offers a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes.

Nature 3 to 5 days for the full trek Moderate to expensive, depending on the tour package

Burguret Forest

Burguret Forest is a lush, dense forest located on the western side of Mount Kenya. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species. The forest offers scenic walking trails and is a great place for birdwatching.

Nature 1 to 2 days for day hikes Budget to moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ugali

A dense, dough-like dish made from maize flour, often served with stews or vegetables

Staple food Vegetarian

Nyama Choma

Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, seasoned with local spices

Main dish Contains meat

Sukuma Wiki

Collard greens cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices

Side dish Vegetarian

Githeri

A traditional dish made from boiled maize and beans, often served with vegetables or meat

Main dish Vegetarian (can be made with meat)

Popular Activities

Mountain climbing Hiking Game drives Horseback riding Birdwatching Nature walks Picnicking Wildlife viewing

Best Time to Visit

January to February, July to October

These months offer the best weather for hiking and wildlife viewing, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. The trails are in good condition, and the views are spectacular.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Kikuyu, Maasai, Meru, Embu
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in remote areas

Mount Kenya National Park is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions. Wildlife encounters, altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather are some of the main concerns.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night
• Carry a map and compass, as GPS signals can be unreliable in some areas
• Stay on marked trails and follow the advice of local guides

Getting there

By air

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport • 180 km (112 miles) from Mount Kenya National Park
Moi International Airport • 250 km (155 miles) from Mount Kenya National Park

By bus

Nairobi, Nanyuki, Embu

Getting around

Public transport

Matatus are the most common form of public transport in Kenya, but their coverage within the park is limited. They are useful for traveling to and from nearby towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Nanyuki Embu Chogoria

Day trips

Laikipia Plateau

100 km (62 miles) from Mount Kenya National Park • Full day

The Laikipia Plateau is a vast, scenic landscape offering a range of activities, from game drives and horseback riding to cultural visits and birdwatching. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.

Aberdare National Park

150 km (93 miles) from Mount Kenya National Park • Full day

Aberdare National Park is a protected area in the Aberdare Mountain Range, offering a range of activities, from hiking and game viewing to birdwatching and waterfall visits. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and rare bongo antelopes.

Sweetwaters Sanctuary

120 km (75 miles) from Mount Kenya National Park • Full day

Sweetwaters Sanctuary is a wildlife conservancy located in the Laikipia Plateau, offering a range of activities, from game drives and walking safaris to cultural visits and birdwatching. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and giraffes.

Festivals

Mount Kenya Cultural Festival • Annual, usually in July Nanyuki Horse Race • Annual, usually in October Embu Coffee Festival • Annual, usually in September

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for safety and navigation, especially when trekking or climbing
Acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness, especially when climbing Mount Kenya
Carry a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications
Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions
Respect local customs and traditions, and be open to learning about them