Tour Overview
This creative climb joins two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon, coming off the west of the mountain, passes through the dry side of Mount Kenya with its giant trees and rocky terrain, while the descent on the Chogoria path is entirely different, with lush bamboo and highland forests. The final night-time ascent of Point Lenana can be as demanding as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris.
Fit hikers without technical climbing experienceTrekkers who want to see both sides of the mountainTravellers short on time
Safari Highlights
Sunrise on Point Lenana (4,985m), with Kilimanjaro on the horizon
Two contrasting sides of the mountain in one trek
Mackinder Valley, Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and the Temple
Log fires and hot showers at the Mount Kenya Bandas
Day-by-Day Itinerary
D1
Nairobi - Sirimon Gate - Old Moses Camp
Nairobi → Sirimon Gate (2,660m) → Old Moses Camp (3,300m) · 3-4 hrs, 9km, 680m ascent
After pick-up in Nairobi, drive to Nanyuki town for lunch, crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park Gate (2,660m). From the gate we trek up through magnificent montane forest, bamboo and the giant heather zone before reaching the high-altitude moorland and our first hut, Old Moses Camp (3,300m), for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek of 3-4 hours, gaining 680m of elevation.
D2
Old Moses - Shipton's Camp
Old Moses (3,300m) → Shipton's Camp (4,200m) · 7 hrs, 14km, 900m ascent
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, continue on the track crossing the Ontulili River before turning right, contouring through the moorland, crossing the Liki North River and continuing uphill into the Mackinder Valley, with panoramic views up the valley towards Shipton's Camp. The camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers, home to rock hyrax and sunbirds.
D3
Shipton's - Point Lenana - Mount Kenya Bandas
Shipton's (4,200m) → Point Lenana (4,985m) → Mt Kenya Bandas (2,800m) · 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent, 2,085m descent
Start at 3am 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 one, the pollution-free sky gives you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth. The climb takes 3-4 hours and, to add to the exhilaration, Mount Kilimanjaro is often visible on the horizon. Descend to Minto's Hut for a full breakfast, then continue down to the Mount Kenya Bandas along the Gorges Valley, with views of the Temple, Lake Michaelson, the Mushroom Rocks and the Giant's Billiards Table. Dinner and overnight at the Bandas - log fires, hot showers and a real bed!
D4
Meru Bandas - Chogoria Town - Nairobi
Mt Kenya Bandas → Chogoria → Nairobi · 3 hrs, 10km walk
After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rainforest to meet the vehicle for the transfer to Chogoria town and on to Nairobi, arriving by about 5pm.
What's Included
- Shared shuttle Nairobi - Sirimon Gate and Chogoria - Nairobi
- Full-board meals on the mountain
- Accommodation (mountain huts / Bandas)
- All park entrance fees
- Guide, porters and chef (mountain crew)
- Treated drinking water throughout the hike
What's Excluded
- Climbing gear
- Items of a personal nature
- Flights
- Drinks
- Tips
- Shopping
- Any other extras not mentioned
Accommodation & Safari Vehicle
Accommodation: Mountain huts and Mount Kenya (Meru) Bandas
Vehicle: Shared shuttle Nairobi - Sirimon Gate and Chogoria - Nairobi
Best Time to Visit
The two driest windows are mid-January to end of February and July to October, offering the most stable trekking conditions. The mountain can be climbed outside these windows, but expect wetter trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trek technical?
No - Point Lenana is a trekking summit. The summit night involves frozen scree and a little very easy scrambling, but no ropes or technical skills.
How hard is summit day?
Day 3 is long (11-12 hours) with a pre-dawn start, so good fitness matters. The rest of the trek is generally considered easier than Kilimanjaro.
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