Mt Kenya Climb Sirimon-Naromoru combines the drier, easier Sirimon route with the shorter but steeper Naromoru route. Accommodation is either in a bunkhouse or a tent.
Overview:
Mount Kenya has been thought of and held in reverence by the local communities as God`s residence. The snow on the peaks astonished the explorers, who could not figure out its existence right at the equator. The roads were initially dug for military purposes to help access the forest to flush out Maumau freedom fighters. The mountain has not escaped the attention of notable filmmakers who have shot award-winning films and documentaries. {Nowhere in Africa, The Night Climbers of Cambridge, and No Picnic on Mt. Kenya are just but a few.} Book writers have also written some best-selling titles, including “The Ascent”
Mt. Kenya was recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and later as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mt. Kenya is regarded as the most visually stunning of the ice-capped African peaks and is home to a great diversity of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and buffalo. The ascent is an exhilarating and diverse trek, with relatively few hikers compared to Kilimanjaro. Many would argue that Mt. Kenya, despite not being as high as Kilimanjaro, is certainly the more enjoyable, interesting, and dramatic of the two mountains.
The Sirimon route is considered by many to represent Mt. Kenya as one of the easiest routes 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.
The Naromoru route is the fastest and therefore also one of the most popular routes onto the mountain, though its steepness and direct approach to the peak make it more challenging to acclimatise to than others. The “Vertical Bog”- is a steep complex of wet moorland that can be extremely taxing and unpleasant after rains. We do recommend prior exposure to high altitudes and ample time for acclimatisation.
Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Old Moses camp (Judaimier)
Pick up from your hotel or residence at 7:00 am, or just assemble in Nairobi CBD for departure at 7:00 am. The drive to Nanyuki takes about 3½ to 4 hours, where we shall meet our mountain crew. Stop checking for supplies and proceed to Mt Kenya National Park’s Sirimon gate at 2,600m a.s.l. for registration and payment of park fees. A picnic lunch will be served here. We shall hike for 9km through the tropical rainforest, bamboo belt, and Haegenia rosewood to the open moorland to reach our camp, Old Moses Camp, at 3,300m a.s.l. Dinner and accommodation in the bunkhouse.
Day 2: Old Moses camp – Shipton’s camp via Mackinder’s Valley.
After breakfast, we hike 13km through Mackinder’s valley to Shipton’s camp, 4,300m a.s.l. This takes roughly 6-7 hours through rivers and ridges. We pass the new meteorological station for eastern Africa. On a clear day, the main peaks can be seen clearly. Lunch is served en route. Dinner and overnight in a bunkhouse.
Day 3: Shipton’s camp – Point Lenana – Mackinder’s camp – Met station.
Wake up at 2:00 am for some hot snacks before the ascent to our main target point, Lenana, at 4,985m a.s.l. for sunrise. On a clear day, Kilimanjaro at 320km can be sighted. The panoramic view is unforgettable and this will be recorded by our cameras. We descend to Austrian hut {Top hut} 4750m a.s.l. Descend further to Teleki Valley, Mackinder`s camp (3,300m a.s.l.), American camp, and Rangers camp. A hot brunch awaits you at the camp before we descend through the alpine moorland to the bamboo zone where our camp Met Station. It takes 4½ to 5 hours. hot lunch is served at the camp. Syke monkeys among wild animals are sported with ease. Dinner and overnight at Met Station Hut.
Day 4: Met station camp – Nairobi
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Naromoru Park gate headquarters. We will sign out and bid the crew farewell to head to your next destination, or we will travel back to Nairobi. The expected time of arrival is 5:30 pm.
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.
