The 5-Day Mt. Kenya Climb Sirimon Route is termed an “easy climb”. It is a 5-day, 4-night trip to Point Lenana (4,985m) and back. Accommodation in Old Moses camp, Shipton’s camp via Mackinder’s valley. Sunrise from Mt Kenya.
The Sirimon route is considered by many to represent one of the easiest routes in Mt Kenya to reach Point Lenana. The route is on the dry side of the mountain and affords walks through old-growth forests on lower slopes and giant heather, alpine flowers, and lobelia at higher elevations.
Day 1: Nairobi – Old Moses Camp.
Pick up from your city hotel or residence at 7:00 a.m. The drive to Nanyuki will take four and a half {4½} hours. Here we meet the crew for the hike. Consequently, we replenish our supplies before heading to Sirimon Park Gate, 2,650m. As park formalities and payments are finalised, we prepare and serve a picnic lunch. We hike for nine {9km} to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) for dinner and overnight in bunkhouses.
Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton’s Camp
After breakfast, leave at 7:00 a.m. for Shipton’s camp, 13km away. We hike across several small streams to reach the crest of the ridge between the Ontulili and Liki North Valleys, then into Mackinder’s valley. Lunch will be served en route. Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp, 4,200m a.s.l.
Day 3: Shipton’s – Acclimatization Day.
It is an acclimatisation day in preparation for the summit ascent. We explore the adjacent cols & ridges neighbouring the camp. Leisurely ascend to Hausberg col. 4,600m. The drill is, as always, to climb high and sleep low.
Day 4: Shipton’s – Point Lenana – Old Moses Camp
Wake up at 2:00 a.m. and have tea and biscuits before leaving at 3:00 a.m. for the Lenana summit. This section is a long, hard slog, and the path is indistinct in places. Expected to reach point Lenana at 4,985m a.s.l. at 06:30 hrs. and catch the sunrise.
After enjoying the views and taking your pictures, descend to Shipton’s camp for a hot brunch at 9:00 a.m. We take a short break and rest; approximately one hour will certainly relax the muscles and rejuvenate the energy levels. As a result, the descent to Old Moses camp will be easier. Dine and stay overnight in the camp.
Day 5: Old Moses – Sirimon gate – Nairobi
We descend to Sirimon Gate after breakfast, where we meet our transfer vehicle to Nanyuki. After lunch, we proceed to Nairobi after a very memorable climb up Mt. Kenya! Expected to be back in Nairobi by 17:00 hrs.
Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year, and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although, during the heat of the day, shorts and T-shirts should suffice.
Sleeping bag: one rated for four (4) seasons is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large, there will be more cool air for the body to warm
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- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
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- Optional comfort accessories:
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Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance
Options are, of course, many and varied, and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
