5 days discover Mount Kenya hike

5 Days Mt Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria Route Hike

One of the most well-liked hiking treks in Africa is this imaginative ascent. It connects Sirimon and Chogoria, two of the most picturesque paths up Mount Kenya, creating an incredibly varied and breathtaking walk. Coming from the west of Mount Kenya, Sirimon travels through the mountain’s arid side, which is home to enormous trees and rocky terrain. The descent onto the Chogoria trail, on the other hand, is a completely different experience, with lush bamboo and highland forests.While the rest of the journey is widely regarded as simpler than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris, the last nighttime ascent of Point Lenana can be as challenging as any mountain in East Africa, and this is the climb that offers the best chance of actually spotting big game. On this hike, lodging is in a mountain huts.

Day 1: Nairobi – Sirimon gate- Old Moses camp. ( 3,300m) 3-4 hrs, 9km, 680 ascent.

After being collected in Nairobi, we will embark on a journey to Nanyuki Town for a delightful lunch. Along the way, we will cross the equator before reaching the Sirimon Park gate, situated at an elevation of 2660 meters. Our trek will commence through a breathtaking montane forest, adorned with towering heather, bamboo, and high-altitude moorland. We will continue until we reach our first accommodation, the Old Moses camp, located at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Here, we will spend the night and indulge in a delicious dinner. This moderate hike will involve ascending 680 meters over a duration of 3 to 4 hours.

Day 2: Old Moses – Shipton camp (4200m). 7 hrs, 14km, 900m ascent

Following breakfast, head uphill on the track, veering right at the intersection. Following a water break, the trail continues across the Ontulili River before veering right and contouring into the Moorland. It then crosses the Liki North River and climbs to Mackinders Valley, which offers sweeping views of the valley up towards the Shipton Camp.This camp is situated beneath the glacier and towering peaks in a dreamlike landscape. Sunbirds and Rock Hyraxes comprise the resident population.

Day 3: Shipton Camp – Acclimatisation Day

For better acclimatization you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. Afternoon is at leisure.

N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization – but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!

Day 4: Shipton – Point Lenana(4,985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 785 ascent, 2,085 descent.

Kick off at 3.am to reach point Lenana in time for the African Sunrise.

The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. with a good moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon then the pollution-free sky bangs on the ground giving you as goog a view of the Stars as almost anywhere on Earth.

The climb takes 3-4 hours and to add to the exhilaration, Mt Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon
Descend to Minto`s hut for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Mt Kenya Bandas along the Gorges valley where you can enjoy good views of the Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom rocks and Giants billiards table Mountain.

Dinner and overnight at the Mt Kenya Bandas.

Here can enjoy log fires, hot showers and bed at the Bandas.

Day 5: Meru Bandas- Chogoria town. 2 hrs, 10km

After having breakfast, proceed down a wide path that cuts through bamboo and untouched rainforest until you reach the designated vehicle for transportation to Chogoria town. From there, continue the journey to Nairobi, with an estimated arrival time of 17:00hrs.