6 Days Mt Kenya Climbing
SIRIMON – NARO MORU ROUTE VIA THE PEAK CIRCUIT
Overview
This 6-day Mount Kenya climbing itinerary combines the scenic Sirimon ascent with the Naro Moru descent, incorporating the spectacular Peak Circuit. The route provides a gradual approach to high altitude, allowing climbers time to acclimatize before the summit attempt on Point Lenana, the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya at 4,985 metres.
The climb passes through Mount Kenya’s distinctive ecological zones, including montane forest, bamboo, heathland, moorland and alpine desert, with spectacular views of the mountain’s major peaks, valleys, tarns and glaciers.
| Destination |
Mount Kenya |
| Departure |
Yes Required |
| Departure Time |
Depend on Arrival date |
| Return Time |
Depend on arrival date |
| Included |
•Professional, English-speaking guide/other language guide on request
• Mountain crew (cook & porters)
• Mountain tents.
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables, etc.)
• Private mountain Chemical toilet
• Mountain Camp Shower Available.Warm water Shower on request and extra cost.)
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water
• All national park fees
• All mentioned transfers
• 24/7 phone support including consultations with our doctor when needed |
| Excluded |
• Sleeping bag
• Personal trekking equipment
• Flights
• Laundry services.
• Alcohol
• Visa fees
• Tip recommended for the mountain crew > $250
• Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
• Travel insurance |
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Details
The Sirimon Ascent down Chogoria Descent is widely celebrated as the absolute finest traverse of Mount Kenya. This path perfectly balances safety and spectacle: ascending via the northwest Sirimon Route offers a dry, steady, and gradual climb that maximizes your body's high-altitude acclimatization. Once you reach the trekking summit of Point Lenana (4,985 m), you cross over and descend the eastern Chogoria Route, treating your knees to an easier slope while walking through the mountain’s most theatrical landscapes—including plummeting gorges, waterfalls, and high-alpine tarns.
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: Approximately 860 m
Starting elevation: Sirimon Gate – approximately 2,650 m
Overnight: Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp) – approximately 3,300 m
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Depart Nairobi at approximately 8:00 am and drive to Nanyuki, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, continue to Mount Kenya National Park and proceed to Sirimon Gate.
After completing park entry formalities, begin the trek through the montane forest. The trail gradually ascends and, as the forest gives way to bamboo and heathland, the landscape becomes increasingly open.
Continue along the track towards Judmaier Camp, commonly known as Old Moses Camp, situated at approximately 3,300 metres above sea level. Arrive at camp in the afternoon, allowing time to rest and begin acclimatizing acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.
Dinner and overnight at Judmaier Camp.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: Approximately 3,900 m
Overnight: Liki North Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, begin the trek from Judmaier Camp towards the higher moorland zone of Mount Kenya.
The trail climbs gradually through open moorland characterized by giant heather, tussock grass and spectacular alpine vegetation. The increasing altitude provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization, while the views towards the mountain’s main peaks become progressively more impressive.
Continue towards Liki North Camp, situated at approximately 3,900 metres. Arrive at camp in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day resting and acclimatizing.
Dinner and overnight at Liki North Camp.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Elevation: Approximately 4,200 m
Overnight: Shipton’s Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, continue the ascent towards Shipton’s Camp.
The trail traverses the high-altitude moorland and alpine desert, with increasingly dramatic views of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. The terrain becomes more rugged as the vegetation becomes sparse.
Proceed towards Shipton’s Camp, situated at approximately 4,200 metres above sea level. Shipton’s Camp is located beneath the dramatic northern side of Mount Kenya’s main peaks and provides an excellent base for acclimatization.
Upon arrival, settle into camp, have lunch and spend the afternoon resting. A short acclimatization walk may be undertaken, depending on the group’s condition and weather.
Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp.
Distance: Approximately 10–14 km, depending on conditions and exact circuit
Walking time: 6–8 hours
Maximum elevation: Approximately 4,600 m
Overnight: Mackinder’s Camp – approximately 4,200 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, embark on the spectacular Peak Circuit around Mount Kenya’s major summits.
The route traverses the high-altitude terrain beneath the dramatic peaks of Batian and Nelion. Depending on weather and trail conditions, the circuit passes through areas including Kami Hut, Hausberg Col and the upper Hausberg Valley.
The trail climbs towards approximately 4,590 metres at Hausberg Col before descending through the alpine valleys. Along the way, trekkers encounter some of Mount Kenya’s characteristic high-altitude features, including rocky ridges, tarns and dramatic glacial landscapes.
Continue along the circuit towards the southern side of the mountain, eventually reaching Mackinder’s Camp.
The Peak Circuit provides an important acclimatization opportunity before the summit attempt while allowing climbers to experience some of the most spectacular scenery on Mount Kenya.
Dinner and overnight at Mackinder’s Camp.
Distance: Approximately 20–23 km
Walking time: 7–9 hours
Summit elevation: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
Overnight: Met Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake at approximately 2:00 am and prepare for the summit attempt.
After a light snack and hot drink, begin the ascent towards Point Lenana under the early morning sky. The climb is undertaken slowly and steadily because of the high altitude and challenging terrain.
The route leads towards the Austrian Hut area before continuing up the rocky slopes towards Point Lenana, the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya at 4,985 metres.
Aim to reach Point Lenana around sunrise, weather permitting. From the summit, enjoy spectacular views across the surrounding landscape, including the peaks of Batian and Nelion and, on clear days, distant views across the Kenyan plains.
After spending time at the summit, begin the descent towards Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast.
Continue descending through the alpine zone towards the lower slopes of Mount Kenya. Proceed to Met Station, situated at approximately 3,000 metres, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Dinner and overnight at Met Station.
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Walking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, begin the final descent through the forest towards Naro Moru Gate.
The trail gradually descends through the lower montane forest. The final section may be muddy, particularly during periods of rain, and trekking poles are recommended.
Upon reaching Naro Moru Gate, complete the park exit formalities and meet your vehicle for the transfer back to Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, marking the end of the Mount Kenya climbing adventure.
End of the 6-day Mount Kenya Sirimon–Naro Moru climbing expedition.
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