Sirimon to Naro Moru is the most common traverse on Mt. Kenya. Although the trip offers reasonably good chances of reaching the summit, those unable to make it to the summit may cross-over through the easier summit circuit trail and join up with other hikers at the Mackinder’s Camp or optionally return back on the Sirimon trail.
Accommodation is available in mountain huts throughout the trip.
Day 1: OLDMOSES CAMP (3,340m.)
- Transfer Sirimon Gate. Approx. 225Kms / 4hrs.
- Trek to OldMoses hut. Approx.10Kms. / 2-3hrs. Ascent: +700m.
D1 Details: Transfer from Nairobi to Mountain Rock Lodge, Mt Kenya for lunch. Afterwards cross the equator en-route, to the Sirimon Park Gate, then trek through forest, bamboo, rosewood and heather zones to our OldMoses Mountain Hut/Camp.
Day 2: SHIPTON’S CAMP (4,200m.) Trek to Shipton’s Camp (4236m). Approx.14Kms/ 7-8hrs. Ascent: +900m. Habitat: Moorland zone.
D2 Details: Trek to Shipton’s camp. The hike is awesome but a good test on individual endurance. The exciting trek up takes you across hills and valleys through the entire stretch of the sprawling moorlands where you see several unique and interesting plants and animals including the giant groundsels, lobelias and the mountain rock hyrax.
Day 3: Summit PT. LENANA (4,985m.) – MACKINDER’S CAMP (4,300m.).
Trek via Pt. Lenana to Mackinder’s Camp (4,300m). Approx. 7.5 kms / 7hrs. Ascent: 749m Descent: -685m.
D3 Details: Predawn start (3am) for the summit attempt. Up steep screes and a bare rocky track to reach the hikers summit, Pt Lenana in time for sunrise – Kilimanjaro is usually visible 340kms to the south. The climb is on frozen scree going through the Harris tarn and requiring some scrambling on final stretch to reach the summit. This is unavoidable on any route but we aim to reach the summit and witness the magical sunrise over the equator at 6.30am. Descent via Naromoru route on the opposite end of the peaks to reach Mackinder’s camp for breakfast. We feel tired but absolutely ecstatic.
Day 4: NAIROBI (1965m.)AM. Hike to Naromoru gate (2600m).
Approx. 22Kms/ 5-6h. Descent: -1700m. PM Transfer – Naro Moru park gate to Nairobi. 210kms / 4-5hrs.
D4 Details: Descent on a trodden trail past the famed vertical bog to Met Station in approximately 4 hours then farther on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet vehicles at the park gate for your return journey to Mountain Rock Lodge for a hot shower and lunch before proceeding with your onward plans. Those Returning to Nairobi today should expect to arrive by early evening.