4 Day Mount Kenya Hiking via Sirimon Route (Up & Down)

4 Days | 3 Nights

From $715/ person

Your trip overview

Mount Kenya, standing tall as Africa’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro, is a trekking paradise that combines dramatic alpine landscapes, glacial valleys, and unique high-altitude flora and fauna. Though slightly overshadowed by its taller sibling, Mount Kenya offers a quieter, more intimate trekking experience, ideal for adventure seekers who appreciate both challenge and natural beauty.

The Sirimon Route, located on the drier northwest side of the mountain, is a favorite among trekkers thanks to its gentle gradient, excellent acclimatization profile, and incredible scenery. With expansive views of the Mackinder Valley, rocky ridges, and ancient glaciers, the trail is both scenic and rewarding.

Unlike the more varied Sirimon – Chogoria traverse, this 4-day round-trip hike via Sirimon (up and down) is perfect for those short on time but still looking to summit Point Lenana (4,985m) the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya. It provides a complete alpine adventure, from lush montane forests and moorlands to the glacial heights of the summit, all while maintaining a manageable and steady pace.

This route is ideal for hikers seeking a less crowded, scenic, and well-supported ascent of one of East Africa’s greatest natural wonders.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Judmaier Camp

Mount Kenya

Shipton’s Camp

Mount Kenya

Judmaier Camp

Mount Kenya

Shipton’s Camp

Mount Kenya

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Nairobi - Sirimon Gate - Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp) - 3,300m

Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with a morning departure from Nairobi, either by public transport or private vehicle, heading toward Nanyuki, a lively town at the base of the mountain. Upon arrival, you’ll stop for lunch and meet your mountain crew, including porters and guides.

After lunch, continue to Sirimon Gate (2,650m), the official starting point of your trek. Once park registration is complete, begin a 3-4 hour hike through a series of changing ecosystems, from lush montane forest to bamboo thickets, and into the high-altitude heather and moorland zones. The trail is gentle but steadily gains altitude, offering your first taste of Mount Kenya’s dramatic scenery.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Judmaier Camp (also known as Old Moses Camp), situated at 3,300 meters. Here you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the mountain hut, resting and acclimatizing for the climb ahead.

Accommodation: Judmaier Campsite (Budget Mountain Hut)

Elevation (m):
2,440m-3,300

Distance:
9km,

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest.

Where to stay

Judmaier Campsite

Day 2: Judmaier (Old Moses) Camp - Shipton Camp (4,200m)

After breakfast at Judmaier Camp, your trek continues upward through the spectacular moorland landscape. You’ll follow the trail as it gradually ascends, forking right at a junction before crossing the Ontulili River. The route then contours through open moorland dotted with giant lobelias and senecios, iconic plants of Mount Kenya’s high-altitude zones.

You’ll cross the Liki North River, then begin a steady climb into the stunning Mackinder’s Valley, where sweeping views open up toward the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion. As you approach Shipton Camp, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with the camp nestled just below the towering summits and surrounded by glacial moraines.

At 4,200 meters, Shipton Camp offers a surreal and awe-inspiring setting to rest and acclimatize. The area is home to rock hyrax, sunbirds, and other high-altitude wildlife. Enjoy dinner and a good night’s sleep as you prepare for the summit bid to Point Lenana in the early hours of the next morning.

Accommodation: Shipton Camp (Budget Mountain Hut)

Elevation (m):
3,300m – 4,200m

Distance:
14km,

Time:
6-7 hours

Habitat:
Moorland

Where to stay

Shipton Campsite

Day 3:Shipton Camp - Point Lenana (4,985m) - Judmaier (Old Moses) Camp (3,300m)

Your summit day begins in the pre-dawn darkness at 3:00 a.m., as you set off on the exhilarating ascent to Point Lenana (4,985m), Mount Kenya’s trekking peak. The trail climbs steeply over frozen scree and rugged terrain, with a few sections of minor scrambling near the top. After 3 to 4 hours of steady climbing, you’ll reach the summit just in time to witness a spectacular African sunrise.

From the summit, the panoramic views are simply unforgettable. On clear days, you can spot Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon, as well as sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and tarns far below.

After savoring your achievement and snapping some summit photos, descend back to Shipton Camp for a hearty breakfast and a brief rest. Then continue your descent to Judmaier (Old Moses) Camp, retracing your steps through the picturesque Mackinder’s Valley and moorland landscape.

Arrive at camp in the late afternoon for dinner and your final overnight stay on the mountain.

Accommodation: Judmaier Campsite (Budget Mountain Hut)

Elevation (m):
4,200m-4,985m-3,050m

Distance:
21km

Time:
6-7 hours

Habitat:
Moorland –alpine desert –mountane forest

Where to stay

Judmaier Campsite

Day 4: Judmaier (Old Moses) Camp - Sirimon Gate - Nanyuki – Nairobi

After breakfast, begin your final descent from Judmaier Camp down a broad and scenic trail through the bamboo and montane forest zone. This gentle trek takes you to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,650m), where you’ll exit Mount Kenya National Park.

Here, a transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to Nanyuki town, where you can either board a shuttle van or private car for the return journey to Nairobi. You’ll arrive back in the city by early afternoon, around 1:00 PM with memories of an unforgettable trek to Point Lenana, Mount Kenya’s crown jewel.

This marks the end of your 4-day Sirimon Route trekking adventure, an experience filled with alpine beauty, high-altitude challenge, and East African wilderness at its finest.

Elevation (m):
3,300m – 2,440m

Distance:
9 km,

Time:
2-3 hours,

Habitat:
Mountane forest

Rates Per Person

Start dates	Single 1 room	2+ people sharing rooms
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$815	$715
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$815	$715

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Porterage

Rescue fee

Park fees (For non-residents)

All activities (Unless labeled as optional)

All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)

Camping equipment

A professional driver/guide

All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Exclusions

Climbing gear

International flights (From/to home)

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Sleeping bag

Bath towels

Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)

Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

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4 Day Mount Kenya Hiking via Sirimon Route (Up & Down)

4 Days | 3 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Judmaier Camp

Shipton’s Camp

Judmaier Camp

Shipton’s Camp

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

Design your own trip

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