Sirimon Route: A Scenic Gateway to Mount Kenya’s Peaks
Approaching Mount Kenya from the northwest, the Sirimon Route offers one of the most accessible and gradual ascents to the summit. It’s the route of choice for many trekkers — not because it’s easy, but because it combines striking landscapes with a steady, manageable climb. This path is well-maintained, well-supported, and offers the perfect balance of challenge and beauty, making it ideal for acclimatization.
The journey begins at the Sirimon Park Gate, where the Kenya Wildlife Service operates a ranger station and collects park entry fees. Basic accommodations are also available here if you want to rest before starting the trek.
What makes Sirimon special is the diversity of scenery you encounter: from lush forest to high-altitude moorlands, alpine desert, and the dramatic Mackinder Valley — all crowned by the final push to Point Lenana (4,985m), the most reachable of Mount Kenya’s three main peaks.
Despite being the most popular route, Sirimon still feels peaceful and uncrowded. Along the way, hikers stay at two main camps:
- Old Moses Camp (3,300m) – Located above the treeline, this is the first overnight stop, offering dormitory huts, campsites, and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) – Nestled beneath towering rock spires, this base camp is the final stop before the early morning summit attempt.
Sirimon Route Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi (1,800m) → Sirimon Gate (2,660m) → Old Moses Camp (3,300m)
- Driving time: 4–5 hours (200 km)
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude gain: ↑ 1,500m
Depart Nairobi and drive through central Kenya’s farmlands to the park gate. From here, begin your trek through dense montane forest, where you might spot zebras, colobus monkeys, and bushbuck. As the forest thins out, you enter open heath and moorland landscapes, eventually reaching Old Moses Camp.
Day 2: Old Moses Camp → Shipton’s Camp (4,200m)
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Altitude gain: ↑ 900m
This is a longer day, but the trail is steady. You’ll cross dramatic ridges and descend into the stunning Mackinder Valley, flanked by ancient lava formations and bizarre high-altitude vegetation. Arrive at Shipton’s Camp beneath the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion.
Day 3: Shipton’s Camp → Point Lenana (4,985m) → Mintos Camp (4,200m) → Meru Bandas (3,000m)
- Hiking time: 12–14 hours
- Altitude gain/loss: ↑ 785m, ↓ 1,985m
Summit day begins in the early morning hours with a steep climb to Point Lenana, ideally timed to catch the sunrise. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views stretching from the Kenyan plains to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania on clear days. Descend past Mintos Camp into the Gorges Valley, eventually reaching the cozy Meru Bandas, where you’ll enjoy a warm meal and rest after an epic day.
Day 4: Meru Bandas → Kilometre Kumi (2,000m) → Nairobi (1,800m)
- Hiking time: 1.5–2 hours
- Altitude loss: ↓ 1,200m
- Driving time: 4–5 hours
A short descent takes you through bamboo forest and farmland to your pickup point at Kilometre Kumi, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to Nairobi.
Pricing Details
| Group Size | Cost per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Solo Trekker | $805 |
| Two Trekkers | $770 |
| Group (5+ People) | $700 |
All packages include:
✔ Round-trip transport from Nairobi
✔ Park entrance fees
✔ Professional mountain guides
✔ Porters and cooks
✔ All meals during the trek
✔ Accommodation in huts or tents
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a high-altitude veteran, the Sirimon Route delivers an unforgettable trekking experience. It’s not just about reaching the summit — it’s about the journey through Kenya’s untamed heart.