What is the altitude of Mt Kenya?

It is 4895m or 16355 ft above sea level.

Is Mt Kenya easier than Kilimanjaro?

The only thin that makes it "easier" is the altitude gain as it is not as high as Kilimanjaro but it is still a very step climb to summit. Different routes also offer different degrees of difficulty

Will we see much game and wildlife on Mt Kenya?

Mt Kenya is in a national wildlife park and so the chance of seeing animals like Giraffe and Buffalo as well as monkeys is high.

How many routes are there on Mt Kenya?

There are three main routes on the mountain that cater for 90% of all trekkers visiting the mountain- Naro Moru to the West, Sirimon on the North West and Chogoria on the South East. Most people go up and down a combination of these three. You can camp or use huts on all three and the trek is normally 5 days to go up to Point Lenana and back down again.

How long does it take to climb Mount Kenya?

Typically Mount Kenya Climb takes a minimum of 3 days along the shortest routes, but it is best done in 5 days to get the most out of the trek and ensure better acclimatization.

When is the best time to climb Mt Kenya?

Like Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru in Tanzania, June to October is the best. Kenya is equatorial which means minimal variation between the seasons. However, there are two rainy seasons; the first is from March to May (short rains) and November to December (longer rains) which can make the forest track very muddy and of course, snow and/or rain higher up.

SIRIMON

Q: Do we stay in tents or huts on Kenya?

It really depends on which route you take as some have shared mountain huts and others use tents. A number of huts are found on all the main routes. The mains camps on the western ascent routes are: Sirimon - Old Moses Camp, Liki North Camp and Shiptons Camp and then on Naro Moru route there is Met Station, Mackinders Camp and Austrian Hut just below Pt Lenana. On the Chogoria route there is also the Chogoria Bandas

SIRIMON ROUTE

The Sirimon Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic and accessible routes to the summit of Mount Kenya, offering trekkers the easiest access to the northern side of the central peaks and the North Face Standard Route on Batian Peak. This beautiful trek provides exceptional views of the surrounding landscape, including Sendeo Peak, Terere, and the main peaks of Mount Kenya.

Many consider it the best ascent route for those looking to reach the summit of Kenya's highest mountain, and it is well within the capabilities of fit hill walkers.

Why Choose the Sirimon Route to Mount Kenya?
The Sirimon Route stands out not only for its accessibility but also for its stunning scenery. As you ascend, you’ll experience ever-changing landscapes, from the dry lowlands to lush forests, and finally, the dramatic volcanic terrain leading to the summit. Compared to the Naro Moru Route, the Sirimon Route is considered by many to be more scenic, making it a popular choice among trekkers seeking both a challenging and visually rewarding experience.

The Sirimon Trek: A Step-by-Step Journey
The trek begins at the Sirimon Park Gate, where trekkers head up an old 4x4 road track that winds through the dusty lowlands of Mount Kenya. As the path climbs, the terrain changes, entering a dense forest on a narrow single track that leads to Old Moses Hut (3,350 meters), where trekkers can rest in self-service accommodation.From Old Moses Hut, the route climbs steeply for 300 meters toward a communications station, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Just beyond this station, the path splits, offering trekkers two options:
* The left-hand route leads directly to Mackinder Valley.
* The right-hand route takes you to Liki North Hut, providing an extra day to acclimatize before the final ascent.

The Liki North Hut route is particularly favored as it allows trekkers to adjust to the altitude, giving them a better chance to summit Batian Peak safely. While this route involves an additional day of camping, it significantly enhances the trekking experience.

The Direct Route to Mackinder Valley
For those opting for the direct route, the trail contours across moorland and over a series of ridges, offering stunning views of the valley below. After crossing the Liki North River, trekkers climb a ridge to enter Mackinder Valley, known for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic vistas.From Mackinder Valley, the path continues upward toward the cliffs beneath Shipton’s Cave. Shipton’s Camp (4,250 meters) offers accommodation for 40 people and serves as the perfect resting point before summiting Batian Peak.Scenic Highlights of the Sirimon Route:Breathtaking views: Enjoy spectacular vistas of Sendeo Peak, Terere, and the central peaks of Mount Kenya.

Acclimatization at Liki North Hut:
A stop at Liki North Hut offers trekkers an opportunity to acclimatize, improving the chances of a successful summit.
Mackinder Valley:
The direct route to Mackinder Valley is known for its stunning moorland ridges, rugged terrain, and dramatic landscapes.
Shipton’s Camp:
Located beneath Shipton’s Cave, this camp offers a comfortable resting point before the final ascent to Batian Peak.
A Perfect Trek for Hill Walkers
With its steady ascent, scenic views, and ample opportunities to acclimatize, the Sirimon Route offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for fit hill walkers. Whether you’re trekking for the summit of Mount Kenya or simply to enjoy its diverse landscapes, the Sirimon Route provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the best of this ancient volcano.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here

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SIRIMON route at a glance

Overnight in huts on the mountain

From 4 trekking days but best done in 6 days

The track starts at Sirimon Gate and heads up through McKinders Valley

SIRIMON ROUTE ITINERARY

Day-1: Old Moses camp 3300m

After an early morning breakfast, transfer from Nairobi to Sirimon Park Gate (2600m) where you will meet your trekking crew. Today is a relatively short acclimatisation walk to Old Moses camp situated at 3300m for our overnight stay. (4-5 hours)

Day-2: Shiptons camp, 4200m

Todays trek starts with a short 300m climb up the hill behind the hut to an old communications station. Just beyond this point the track splits with the left hand route proceeding to the Mackinder Valley direct, and the right hand route going via the Liki North Hut. The route via Liki North hut is tougher but also more beautiful with better acclimatisation chances. Liki North routes heas up towards a rounded hill called the Barrow and then along a marshy trail down to the Liki North Hut (3,990m). The hut no longer exists but there is a camp area to pitch tents. The direct route favoured by most hikers contours the moorland across a series of ridges, and then into the Mackinder Valley. The path continues up the valley to the cliffs beneath Shipton’s Cave. From here the path climbs steeply up to the right and continues to Shipton’s Camp (4,250 m).

Today's hike is tougher than the day before, and we will take about 5 to 7 hours to reach our overnight stop at Shiptons camp, situated at 4200m for our overnight stay. (5-7 hours)

The direct route contours the moorland across a series of ridges, dropping down to cross the Liki North River (where there is a bridge and picnic site) and then climbing the ridge to enter the Mackinder Valley. The path continues up the valley to the cliffs beneath Shipton’s Cave. From here the path climbs steeply up to the right and continues to Shipton’s Camp hut (4,250 m).

Day-3: Shiptons - Old Moses

Rising very early, we will shuffle off into the morning at about 03h00to make our pre dawn attempt of Point Lenana 4985m. The route will take us via two screed sections up to 4600m before the final ascent to Point Lenana. We enjoy a leisurely descent to Old Moses to Camp for our overnight (5-6 hours).

Day-4: Sirimon Park Gate (2600m)

Today, we descend to the road head through the groundsels and lobelia to reach our transfer vehicle back to Nairobi. Breakfast and lunch are provided. ( 3 hours)

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about mount KENYA

Is Mt Kenya a technical climb?

Mt Kenya comprises three peaks, two of which are technical climbs and one which is a trekking peak. The two major technical rock and ice climbing peaks are called Nelion and Batian. The third peak is known as Point Lenana and is a trekking peak, easily achieved via hiking or walking. Our Mt Kenya treks all go to Lenana, so our tours are to the trekking peak where no technical expertise is needed.

What is the highest peak of Mt Kenya?

The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian 5,199 metres (17,057 ft), followed by Nelion 5,188 metres (17,021 ft) and finally Point Lenana 4,985 metres (16,355 ft).

How long does it take to climb Mt Kenya?

The shortest number of days required to climb to Lenana on Mt Kenya is three days. The longest trek is around 6 days. It all depends on which route you choose. As a general rule of thumb, any trek where the ascent is very quick makes the overall success rate, lower, so it is better to add on extra days to increase your chances of success.

What are the routes to climb Mt Kenya?

• The following are the major and frequently used routes:-
• The Chogoria route leads from Chogoria town up to the peaks circuit path
• The Naromoru route is taken by many of the trekkers who try to reach Point Lenana in a few days.
• The Sirimon route approaches Mount Kenya from the plains in the Nanyuki Timau area on the north-west.

When is the best time or months to climb Mt Kenya?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

How will the altitude affect me?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Mount Kenya?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

Do we stay in tents or huts on Sirimon route?

It really depends on which route you take on Sirimon as some have shared mountain huts and others use tents. . The mains camps on the western ascent routes are: Sirimon - Old Moses Camp, Liki North Camp and Shiptons Camp. There are huts at each place except if you add Liki North.