Route Duration: 4 days on the mountain
Total Hiking Distance: Approximately 55 km

Preamble: This itinerary uses a gentle ascent track that’s also very spectacular. It passes through montane forest, bamboo and heather zones to glaciers, then down past crevasses, jagged peaks, and scree to connect with the Teleki Valley. Sirimon to Naro Moru is the most common traverse on Mt. Kenya. Although the trip offers reasonably good chances of reaching the summit as scheduled here on Day 3, it is advisable to add on an extra day at 4,000 m for better acclimatization. This extra day is usually spent at Shipton’s Camp (4,236 m), with short hikes along the summit circuit trail, or trek farther on the summit trail and overnight at Mackinder’s Camp to attempt the summit from there. Unless preferred, camping is not necessary, as accommodation is available in mountain huts throughout the trip. An optional night spent at our base lodge before the trek allows for preparation and the chance to do a nature hike in the Mt. Kenya forest, kicking off the much-needed acclimatization. If time does not permit for this, it is still passable.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: OLDMOSES CAMP (3,340 m)
A.M. transfer: Nairobi - Sirimon Gate (225 km / 4 hrs).
P.M. trek: Sirimon Park Gate – Old Moses Hut (2,600 m - 3,340 m).
Span: 10 km / 2-3 hrs. Ascent: +700 m.
Habitat: Montane Forest - Lower Moorland Zone.

D1 Details: Leaving Nairobi behind, we travel north past great views of farmlands en route to the base of Mount Kenya (190 km, approximately 4 hours). We aim to arrive at our lodge in time for lunch. Mountain Rock Lodge is an old country hotel tucked away in the forest on the western slopes of Mt. Kenya at an altitude of 2,000 m. (A night here prior to the trek helps with acclimatization and preparations.) After lunch, there will be a full briefing and equipment check before we begin the trek. We’ll meet the crew at this point; each one has a personal porter, and there are extra porters for mountain equipment and food. It takes about one hour to get to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,600 m), crossing the equator en route. From here, it is an interesting 2-3 hour walk through the forest, bamboo, rosewood, and heather zones to Old Moses Camp (3,340 m) as we gain 740 m on the ascent and begin to truly acclimatize. The forest and bamboo are home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, and many species of brightly colored birds such as the scarlet-winged turaco. Accommodation is in the Old Moses Hut (3,340 m). (B, L, D)

Day 2: SHIPTON’S CAMP (4,236 m)
Trek: Old Moses - Shipton’s Camp (3,340 m - 4,236 m).
Span: Approximately 14 km / 7-8 hrs. Ascent: +900 m.
Habitat: Moorland Zone.

D2 Details: Our second day on the mountain involves a long hike over a slightly steeper stretch. After an early breakfast, we commence this challenging 7-8 hour trek to Shipton's Camp (4,236 m). The hike is a good test of individual endurance as you gain close to 900 m in altitude. The exciting trek takes us across hills and valleys on the sprawling moorlands where you will see several unique and interesting plants and animals, including the Giant Groundsel, lobelias, and the mountain rock hyrax. Overnight is in Shipton’s Hut (4,236 m). (B, L, D)
Note: An additional free day at this elevation boosts your acclimatization greatly and helps you relax before attempting the demanding climb to the summit.

Day 3: VIA LENANA (4,985 m) – MACKINDER’S CAMP (4,300 m)
Summit climb: Shipton’s Camp (4,236 m) – Pt. Lenana (4,985 m) – Mackinder’s Camp (4,300 m).
Ascent: +749 m to summit / Descent: -685 m to Mackinder’s Camp.
Span: Approximately 3 km / 4 hrs to Pt. Lenana and 3.5 km / 3 hrs to Mackinder’s Camp.
Habitat: Scree / Rocky Summit / Moorland.

D3 Details: Before dawn, we’re woken by our guides and hot tea is served before we begin the last leg of our trek up to the summit. The trek begins beneath the stars as we zigzag our way up a large scree slope, guided only by torchlight, to reach Pt. Lenana. It’s an exhilarating 3-hour trek from here to reach the hiker’s summit, Pt. Lenana (4,985 m), in time for the sunrise! To add to the joy, Kilimanjaro is usually visible 340 km to the south on a clear day. Afterward, we take a further 2 hours down to Mackinder’s Camp (4,300 m) for a hearty breakfast. This is a reasonably hard day - you'll feel tired but absolutely ecstatic after reaching the summit. Overnight is in Mackinder’s Hut. (B, L, D)Tip: Resilient groups of trekkers may opt to use this day to descend further to Met Station (4 hours) to reduce the walking distance on the last day. Those who wish may also call for transport to Met Station today (at an extra cost) and exit from the mountain altogether.

Day 4: NAIROBI (1,965 m)
A.M. hike: Mackinder’s Camp - Naro Moru Gate (4,300 m - 2,600 m).
Descent: -1,700 m. Span: Approximately 22 km / 5-6 hrs.
Habitat: Moorland / Bamboo / Montane Forest Zone.
P.M. transfer: Naro Moru Park Gate to Nairobi (210 km / 4-5 hrs).

D4 Details: We will descend on a well-trodden trail past the infamous vertical bog to Met Station in approximately 4 hours. We then continue farther on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rainforest for approximately 2 hours to meet the vehicles at the park gate for your return journey to Mountain Rock Lodge for a shower and lunch before proceeding with your onward plans. Those returning to Nairobi today should expect to arrive by early evening.

Ascending Mount Kenya is not only about reaching the summit; it’s about experiencing the rich tapestry of its landscapes, cultures, and wildlife along the way. Join us at Mountain Rock Safaris for an unforgettable expedition to this majestic peak, and discover the thrill of adventure and the beauty of nature that awaits you at every turn. Your journey to the roof of Africa starts here!