The Sirimon route is the most popular and best-acclimatizing ascent on Mount Kenya, approaching from the north through dense montane forest and bamboo before opening onto the spectacular Mackinder Valley moorland. The gradual elevation profile — Old Moses Camp (3,300m) night one, Shipton Camp (4,200m) night two — gives you optimal acclimatization, the highest summit success rate for first-time high-altitude trekkers, and a genuine sunrise on Point Lenana (4,985m). ~53km round trip, no technical climbing required.
07:30 depart Nairobi — 4hr drive to Nanyuki (195km) for lunch, equipment check and mountain crew collection. 13:30 drive 1hr on murram road to Sirimon Gate (2,650m) for park registration and fee payment. Hike 3–4hrs up the 4×4 track through dense montane forest, bamboo and giant heather before the forest opens to heathland. Track veers right to Old Moses Camp (also called Judmier Camp) — large wooden bunkhouses with running water, resident rock hyrax. Dinner and overnight. | Elevation gain: +650m | Distance: 9km | Habitat: Montane forest to moorland
After breakfast, follow the track uphill and fork left at the junction. After ~1hr cross the Ontulili River (3,600m), then contour right through moorland and cross the Liki North River (3,900m). Enter the spectacular Mackinder Valley — giant lobelias and groundsels line the trail with panoramic views of Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) rising ahead. Final gentle 2km ascent to Shipton Camp (4,200m / 13,780ft), set at the base of the main peaks with a surreal view below the glaciers. Altitude is serious here — hydrate well, pole pole. Full board overnight. | Elevation gain: +900m | Distance: 14km | Time: 6–7hrs | Habitat: Moorland and Mackinder Valley
The longest day — 21km total, 10–12hrs. 02:30 wake-up, hot tea and biscuits. 03:00 depart by headtorch up the steep frozen scree quarry that cuts through the cliff to Lower Hall Tarns (4,600m), then a rocky scramble to the summit ridge. 06:00–06:30 arrive Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft) for the African sunrise — on a clear day Kilimanjaro, 320km away, is visible on the horizon. 20–30 minutes at the top for photos and celebration. Descend 2hrs back to Shipton for a full breakfast (08:30), rest 1hr and pack. Then full descent via Mackinder Valley — retracing Day 2 — all the way down to Old Moses Camp, arriving late afternoon for early dinner. This low-sleep recovery night at 3,300m makes an enormous difference. Overnight Old Moses Camp. | Ascent: +785m (Shipton to Lenana) | Total descent: –1,685m | Breakdown: Shipton→Lenana 3km/3–4hrs, Lenana→Shipton 3km/2hrs, Shipton→Old Moses 14km/4–5hrs
After breakfast, gentle 2–3hr descent through the rainforest — a welcome contrast after the high alpine terrain. Watch for colobus monkeys, Sykes' monkeys and many bird species in the canopy. At Sirimon Gate (2,650m) connect with the transfer vehicle. Drive via Nanyuki town for a celebratory lunch, then return to Nairobi, arriving approximately 16:30–17:30hrs. | Descent: –650m | Hike distance: 9km | Time: 2–3hrs hike + 4–5hrs drive
I only had one free day in Nairobi and CKS made it count. The Sirimon day hike took me past giant groundsels and old man's beard to around 3,900m — proper alpine scenery without needing a full expedition. David paced it perfectly and I was back at my hotel by evening. The best day trip I've ever done.
Mount Kenya is the most underrated mountain I've climbed. The Sirimon route was quiet — we barely saw other trekkers. Shipton Camp beneath the peaks felt like a Himalayan basecamp. Summit morning to Point Lenana at dawn, with Kilimanjaro floating on the horizon, was breathtaking. David's guiding was world-class. I'll be back for Batian.
The Chogoria route is the most beautiful trek I have ever done. Giant groundsels, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and the dramatic view of Batian and Nelion from Mintos Hut. We crossed the Nithi Gorge and saw Mount Kenya's peaks reflected in Lake Michaelson. Far quieter than Kilimanjaro and every bit as spectacular. David is a brilliant and patient guide.
What set CKS apart was the tree planting. After our Mount Kenya climb, we each planted a cedar seedling at the Sirimon buffer zone with the crew. It turned a great trek into something meaningful — we left something behind on the mountain. This is real conservation, not a marketing slogan. We'll climb with CKS again because of this.
We climbed as a couple and the Naro Moru–Sirimon traverse was the perfect choice — fast ascent, scenic descent. The Vertical Bog was an adventure in itself. Summit morning was clear and we could see both peaks glowing at dawn. The crew looked after us like family. Mount Kenya is a hidden gem and CKS knows it inside out.
Yes. It is mandatory by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations to climb Mount Kenya with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted. All our guides are KWS-certified and wilderness first-aid trained.
Point Lenana (4,985m) is Mount Kenya's trekking peak — reachable on foot without technical climbing. Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are the true summits and require technical rock climbing (Grade IV+). About 95% of climbers aim for Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya climbing costs from $480 for a day hike to around $850 for a 4-day Sirimon trek to Point Lenana, and from $2,450 for a 7-day technical Batian summit. Prices are per person and include park fees, crew, food and camping gear.
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.
The best months to climb Mount Kenya are January–February and July–October, when the weather is driest and the trails are clearest. March–May and November are the long and short rains. Technical Batian climbs are best in the July–September dry window.
For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.
All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.
Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.
The Chogoria route is widely considered the most beautiful path up Mount Kenya — a 6-day traverse that climbs through montane forest, past L…
The Naro Moru route is the fastest and most direct path to Point Lenana — great for trekkers short on time. It ascends the notorious Vertica…
Three route options, one unforgettable day on Africa's second-highest mountain. Choose the Sirimon route (best for beginners and families, r…
