Mt Kenya Traverse Sirimon-Naromoru is a combination that guarantees an easy climb to the summit and gives two different viewing perspectives of the mountain.
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 forest 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 makes it more challenging to acclimatise on 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 acclimatization.
Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki – Old Moses camp (Judimier)
Assemble in Nairobi CBD for departure at 8:00 am. We drive to Nanyuki to where we shall meet our mountain crew. Stop check for supplies and proceed to Mt Kenya national park’s Sirimon gate 2600m a.s.l for registration and payment of park fees. Picnic lunch will be served here. We shall hike for 9km through the tropical rainforest, bamboo belt, haegenia rosewood to the open moorland to reach our camp Old Moses camp 3300m 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 at 4,200m a.s.l. This takes roughly 6-7 hours through rivers and ridges. We pass the newly GAW 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 the 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 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. Further, descend to Teleki valley, Mackinder`s camp 3,300m a.s.l through American camp and Rangers camp. 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 4-5hrs. Hot lunch is served at the camp. Syke monkeys among other wild animals can be spotted. Dinner and overnight at Met station Hut.
Day 4: Met station camp – Nairobi
After breakfast descends through the rainforest to Naromoru park gate headquarters. We will sign out and bid the crew farewell. 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 four (4) season 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.
