Tour Description

Experience a rewarding 5-day Mount Kenya trekking adventure
ascending and descending via the scenic Sirimon Route, with an
acclimatization day at Shipton's Camp before attempting
Point Lenana at 4,985 metres.

Point Lenana is the third-highest summit on Mount Kenya after
Batian and Nelion, and is the mountain's highest summit normally reached by
non-technical trekkers. Unlike Batian and Nelion, reaching Point Lenana does not
require technical rock-climbing skills, although the high altitude, cold
temperatures and long walking days make this a genuinely challenging mountain
adventure.

The Sirimon Route is one of the most attractive approaches to
Mount Kenya's high-altitude zone. Its generally gradual ascent provides excellent
opportunities for acclimatization while offering impressive views towards the
mountain's main peaks.

The itinerary passes through changing mountain landscapes, including montane
vegetation, open moorland, the Likii North Valley, Mackinder Valley and the
distinctive Afro-alpine zone characterised by giant groundsels and other
high-altitude vegetation.

An important advantage of this five-day itinerary is the dedicated
acclimatization day at Shipton's Camp. Spending an additional
day at approximately 4,200–4,300 metres allows trekkers more time to adjust to
the altitude before the early-morning summit attempt.

This Mount Kenya trek is especially suitable for adventurous travellers looking
to extend a Kenya wildlife safari with an active mountain experience
before returning to Nairobi.

Departure basis: Minimum 4 participants.

Day 1 – Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp

Departure from Nairobi: Approximately 6:00 AM

Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early-morning road transfer from
Nairobi towards the central Kenyan highlands and the town of
Nanyuki.

Arrive in Nanyuki at approximately 10:30 AM and enjoy lunch
before continuing towards Mount Kenya.

At approximately 11:30 AM, depart Nanyuki for
Sirimon Gate, one of the main entrances to Mount Kenya
National Park.

After completing the necessary park formalities and meeting the mountain support
team, begin your trek.

The first day's walk is intentionally moderate, allowing your body to begin
adapting gradually to the increasing altitude.

Trek through the lower mountain environment towards
Old Moses Camp, situated at approximately
3,300 metres.

Settle into the mountain cabins and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the longer
trekking day ahead.

• Approximate walking time: Up to 5 hours
• Overnight altitude: Approx. 3,300 m
• Accommodation: Old Moses Camp / mountain cabin
• Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2 – Old Moses Camp → Likii North Valley → Mackinder Valley → Shipton's Camp

Morning departure: Approximately 7:00 AM

After breakfast, continue your ascent along the
Sirimon Route into increasingly dramatic high-altitude terrain.

Trek towards the beautiful Likii North Valley, lying beneath
some of Mount Kenya's subsidiary peaks.

From the valley, continue climbing towards the broad and spectacular
Mackinder Valley.

The landscape changes noticeably as you enter Mount Kenya's Afro-alpine zone,
where giant groundsels and other distinctive high-altitude plants dominate the
scenery.

As you gain elevation, views towards Mount Kenya's principal peaks,
Batian and Nelion, become increasingly impressive.

Continue towards Shipton's Camp, situated at approximately
4,200–4,300 metres beneath the main peaks.

This is a long trekking day requiring patience, endurance and steady pacing.

• Approximate walking time: 7–8 hours
• Overnight altitude: Approx. 4,200–4,300 m
• Accommodation: Shipton's Camp / mountain cabin
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 – Shipton's Camp Acclimatization Day

Today is dedicated primarily to rest and acclimatization at
Shipton's Camp.

Spending additional time at this altitude gives your body an opportunity to
adjust before the summit attempt the following morning.

Subject to weather, trail conditions and the guide's assessment, you may take
a short acclimatization walk around the surrounding high-altitude landscape
before returning to camp.

The Shipton's area provides outstanding views towards Mount Kenya's dramatic
main peaks and surrounding valleys, making this a rewarding day even without
undertaking a long-distance trek.

The remainder of the day is spent resting, hydrating and preparing your equipment
for the very early summit departure.

• Activity: Rest and optional acclimatization walk
• Overnight altitude: Approx. 4,200–4,300 m
• Accommodation: Shipton's Camp / mountain cabin
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Shipton's Camp → Point Lenana Summit → Shipton's Camp → Old Moses Camp

Summit departure: Approximately 2:00 AM

Today is the most challenging and potentially most memorable day of the trek.

Wake during the night and prepare for the final ascent towards
Point Lenana.

Depart Shipton's Camp at approximately 2:00 AM, trekking by
headlamp through the cold, dark high-altitude environment.

The summit approach requires steady climbing and determination. The combination
of darkness, low temperatures, steep sections and altitude makes this part of
the journey physically demanding.

After approximately four hours of climbing, aim to reach
Point Lenana at 4,985 metres around sunrise, subject to weather,
trail conditions and the physical condition of each participant.

Point Lenana is Mount Kenya's highest trekking summit and the
third-highest summit on the mountain after Batian and Nelion.

On a clear morning, the summit provides spectacular views across the surrounding
mountain landscape and Kenyan highlands.

After time for photographs and to enjoy the summit experience, begin the descent
back towards Shipton's Camp.

Breakfast will be served after the summit descent, followed by rest before
continuing down the Sirimon Route towards Old Moses Camp.

Arrive at Old Moses later in the day for your final night on Mount Kenya.

• Maximum altitude: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
• Accommodation: Old Moses Camp / mountain cabin
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 – Old Moses Camp → Sirimon Gate → Nanyuki → Nairobi

Morning departure: Approximately 8:00 AM

After breakfast, begin the final descent from
Old Moses Camp towards Sirimon Gate.

The approximately four-hour walk takes you through the lower mountain environment
as you gradually leave the high-altitude landscape behind.

At Sirimon Gate, meet your transfer vehicle and say goodbye to the mountain
support team.

Continue by road to Nanyuki, where lunch will be served.

After lunch, depart Nanyuki for the return journey to
Nairobi, bringing your five-day Mount Kenya adventure to an end.

• Approximate walking time: 4 hours
• Route: Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Mount Kenya Trek Highlights

• Five-day guided Mount Kenya trekking adventure
• Ascend and descend via the scenic Sirimon Route
• Attempt Point Lenana at 4,985 metres
• Dedicated acclimatization day at Shipton's Camp
• Sunrise summit experience, weather permitting
• Views towards Mount Kenya's technical summits of Batian and Nelion
• Trek through Likii North Valley and Mackinder Valley
• Experience distinctive Afro-alpine vegetation
• Professional mountain guide
• Dedicated porter support
• Services of a mountain chef
• Mountain cabin accommodation
• Return road transfers from Nairobi
• Excellent active extension after a Kenya wildlife safari

Difficulty & Fitness Level

Difficulty: Challenging

This itinerary involves high-altitude trekking and long walking days and is
therefore intended for travellers with a reasonable level of physical fitness.

Reaching Point Lenana does not normally require technical rock-climbing
skills. However, this should not be interpreted as an easy trek.

Participants must be prepared for uneven mountain trails, cold temperatures,
very early starts and the effects of altitude.

The additional acclimatization day at Shipton's Camp provides more time for the
body to adjust before the summit attempt, making this five-day programme a more
gradual option than shorter Mount Kenya itineraries.

High altitude affects every individual differently. Continuing towards Point
Lenana will always remain subject to the professional guide's assessment,
prevailing weather and trail conditions, and the health and safety of each guest.

Mountain Accommodation

Accommodation during the trek is provided in
Mount Kenya mountain camps and cabins.

These facilities are functional mountain accommodation rather than conventional
hotels or safari lodges, and facilities become increasingly basic at higher
altitude.

Tents are not normally required for this itinerary.

Guests should bring an appropriate
warm sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude mountain conditions.

Porter & Mountain Support

Each participant is provided with porter support, allowing guests
to walk mainly with a smaller daypack carrying water, clothing, snacks, camera
equipment and other items needed during the day's trek.

Porter luggage limits and recommended packing requirements will be communicated
before departure.

A mountain chef is also included as part of the support team,
preparing meals during the trekking programme.

Included in Your Mount Kenya Trek

• Road transportation from Nairobi to Nanyuki and Mount Kenya
• Return road transportation from Mount Kenya to Nairobi
• Mount Kenya National Park entry fees
• Applicable park and conservation fees within the confirmed itinerary
• Mountain accommodation as specified
• Meals while trekking
• Lunch in Nanyuki as specified in the itinerary
• Services of a professional Mount Kenya guide
• One porter per guest, subject to applicable porter luggage limits
• Services of a mountain chef
• Mountain support arrangements required for the itinerary

Excluded from Your Mount Kenya Trek

• International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
• Nairobi accommodation before or after the trek
• Beverages and personal extras in Nanyuki or elsewhere
• Activities or services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal hiking and mountain equipment
• Sleeping bag
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• High-altitude trekking and medical insurance
• Emergency evacuation and mountain rescue expenses
• Additional expenses arising from weather, altitude, health, trail conditions
  or circumstances beyond the operator's control

Important Travel Insurance Requirement

Participants should arrange comprehensive travel insurance suitable for
high-altitude trekking up to at least 5,000 metres.

Appropriate cover should include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation
and, where available, mountain rescue.

Travellers should confirm directly with their insurer that trekking on Mount Kenya
and the planned maximum altitude of 4,985 metres are specifically
covered by their policy.

Minimum Group Size

This Mount Kenya trekking adventure operates on a minimum of 4 participants.

Private groups of four or more travellers may request their preferred departure
date, subject to Mount Kenya National Park arrangements, mountain accommodation,
guides and support-team availability.

Extend Your Kenya Safari – From Safari to Summit

This five-day Mount Kenya itinerary is an excellent way to add an active adventure
to a traditional Kenya safari.

After exploring destinations such as
Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru or Ol Pejeta,
exchange the safari vehicle for hiking boots and discover one of Kenya's most
remarkable high-altitude environments.

The additional acclimatization day makes this itinerary particularly attractive
for travellers who prefer a more gradual approach to their
Point Lenana summit attempt.

Kenya Safari → Nairobi → Mount Kenya → Point Lenana → Nairobi

Combine the wildlife of Kenya's savannahs with the challenge and scenery of
Africa's second-highest mountain for a more complete Kenya adventure.

Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya – From Safari to Summit.