Destination Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya via the Sirimon Route - 4-Day Adventure Distance: 53 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Starting/Ending Point: Nairobi
Overview of the Sirimon Route Mount Kenya stands as East Africa's second-highest peak, following Tanzania's Kilimanjaro. The Sirimon Route, spanning four days, offers a more scenic journey compared to the NaroMoru Route. It takes you through the drier side of the mountain, promising some of the most captivating walks. The route leads you from the forested areas to a wide ridge approach towards the summit region. It begins on the northwest side of the mountain, near Nanyuki Town. Access is convenient, and the bunkhouse facilities on this side of the mountain are among the best.
The summit, Lenana Peak, can be reached in four days of hiking, as outlined in the itinerary below. However, we strongly recommend an overnight acclimatization stay in Nanyuki town before commencing the climb. Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions can assist in arranging an extra day at an additional cost.
4-Day Sirimon Route Hiking Itinerary This comprehensive 4-day trek program can also serve as an acclimatization hike for those planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa:
Depart Nairobi early at 8 am for Nanyuki town, where you'll have lunch, taking approximately 4 hours. Proceed to Mount Kenya National Park's Sirimon Gate (1 hr, 2440m). From the Sirimon Park Gate, follow the track as it winds uphill through the forest, transitioning into heathland after about 3 hours. Roughly 3½ hours from the gate, the track veers right to Judmier Campsite at 3300m, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. Meal Plan (Lunch, Dinner).
After breakfast, continue uphill, taking the left fork at the junction. After an hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Proceed right, contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North before continuing uphill to Mackinders Valley. From the valley, you'll have panoramic views of the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Campsite, 4200m. Meal Plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Today, you'll aim for the summit at Lenana Peak. Start early at 3 am, ascending a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff, eventually revealing the lower Hall Tarns. You'll reach Point Lenana (Lenana Peak) at approximately 6:30 am, a journey of about 3 hours. After witnessing the sunrise, descend to Shipton Camp in 2 hours for breakfast. Then continue hiking for 4 more hours, descending to Old Moses Campsite for dinner and overnight. Meal Plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Following breakfast, hike down through the rainforest for 2 to 3 hours until you reach Sirimon Gate to sign out of Mount Kenya National Park. From Sirimon Park Gate, you'll connect with transportation to Nanyuki Town for lunch. Subsequently, you'll be transferred by vehicle back to Nairobi, with an estimated arrival time of around 3 pm. Meal Plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Destination Kenya
Destination Tanzania
Mountain Climbing
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Here is a list of travel information you may find useful when planning your safari holiday tour of Kenya and Tanzania. If you require any further details or have questions on something not covered by this list, please get in touch with the Grayton Expeditions team.
Tourists visiting Kenya must have a valid visa. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months after the date
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