7-Day Mount Kenya Trekking Safari | Sirimon Route

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.

This first day is designed for rest and preparation before your Mount Kenya trek begins. Nairobi, a vibrant city and the gateway to East Africa’s adventures, offers a comfortable setting to recover from your international journey.

You will stay at a carefully selected mid-range hotel such as Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar), offering modern amenities, a peaceful atmosphere, and easy access for your early departure the next day.

The rest of the day is at leisure — relax at the hotel, enjoy a meal, or take a short walk within the property. If time allows, you may opt for a light optional activity such as visiting nearby attractions or simply unwinding after your flight.

In the evening, you may meet your trekking guide for a short briefing about the upcoming climb, including gear check, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your trek on Mount Kenya.

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar)

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, you will depart for the northern side of Mount Kenya, driving through the central highlands with scenic views of rural landscapes and farmland.

You will arrive at Sirimon Gate, the starting point of your trek, where you will complete park formalities and meet your trekking crew — including guides, porters, and cooks who will accompany you throughout the journey.

The trek begins with a gentle walk through the forest zone, where you may spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. As you ascend, the landscape gradually opens into moorland, characterized by unique vegetation including giant lobelia and senecio plants.

The hike to Old Moses Camp (3,300m) is steady and well-paced, making it ideal for acclimatization on your first day on the mountain.

Upon arrival at camp, you will have time to relax, enjoy the surrounding views, and settle into your mountain accommodation. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by a briefing for the next day’s trek.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: ~700m
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast at Old Moses Camp, you will begin your trek deeper into Mount Kenya along the scenic Sirimon Route.

Today’s hike takes you through the expansive alpine moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more open and dramatic. You will pass through rolling valleys and ridges dotted with unique high-altitude vegetation such as giant lobelia and senecio, creating a surreal and otherworldly environment.

As you continue, you will enter the beautiful Mackinder’s Valley, a wide glacial valley that offers some of the most stunning views on Mount Kenya. From here, the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion begin to dominate the horizon, giving you your first close view of the mountain’s main summits.

The trek is longer but gradual, allowing for proper acclimatization as you gain altitude.

You will arrive at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) in the afternoon, where you can rest and take in the spectacular high-altitude surroundings. The cooler temperatures and thinner air make this an important stage for adjusting before your summit attempt.

Enjoy a warm meal and relax as you prepare for the next day’s acclimatization activities.

Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Gain: ~900m
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to acclimatization at Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) on Mount Kenya—a crucial step to increase your chances of a successful summit.

After breakfast, you will take a guided acclimatization hike to higher ground—often toward Kami Hut or nearby ridges—following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” This gradual exposure to altitude helps your body adapt while giving you time to enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery.

From these higher vantage points, you’ll have impressive views of the main peaks—Batian and Nelion—as well as sweeping vistas across Mackinder’s Valley. The terrain here is rugged and dramatic, with rocky outcrops and distinctive high-altitude plants such as giant lobelia.

You’ll return to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the summit attempt. Your guides will conduct a detailed briefing, checking gear and outlining the early start and safety procedures for the next day.

Enjoy an early dinner and retire for the night, ready for the summit push.

Activity Time: 3–4 hours (acclimatization hike)
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Your summit day begins very early, typically around midnight, as you prepare for the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kenya.

With headlamps lighting the way, you will begin your gradual climb from Shipton’s Camp under the stars. The trek to the summit is steady and challenging, but well-paced to allow you to reach Point Lenana (4,985m) in time for sunrise.

Reaching the summit is a truly unforgettable moment. As the sun rises over the horizon, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys stretching across Kenya. This is the highlight of the entire trek and a proud achievement.

After spending time at the summit for photos and rest, you will begin your descent back to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast.

Following a short break, you will continue descending further down to Old Moses Camp, retracing part of your route through the alpine and moorland zones. The descent offers a completely different perspective of the landscape and is generally faster, though it requires endurance.

Upon arrival at camp, you can relax and celebrate your successful summit.

Trekking Time: 10–12 hours
Elevation Gain: +785m (summit) / descent to 3,300m
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast at Old Moses Camp, you will begin your final descent through the forest zone of Mount Kenya along the Sirimon Route.

The trail gradually leads you back through lush vegetation, where you may again spot birdlife and colobus monkeys as you make your way toward Sirimon Gate. The descent is relatively gentle and offers a relaxed end to your trekking experience.

Upon arrival at the gate, you will meet your driver and transfer back to Nairobi, enjoying scenic views of the central highlands along the way.

Once in Nairobi, you will check in at your hotel such as Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar), where you can relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate the successful completion of your Mount Kenya climb.

The rest of the day is at leisure — a perfect time to rest, reflect on your achievement, or enjoy a comfortable evening in the city.

Trekking Time: 2–3 hours
Drive Time: ~4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel in Nairobi, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure.

As your journey comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of conquering Mount Kenya, standing at Point Lenana (4,985m), and experiencing one of Africa’s most rewarding trekking adventures.

If you would like to extend your trip, consider combining your climb with a classic Kenya safari, where you can explore iconic wildlife destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo.

We thank you for choosing Oreteti Safari and look forward to welcoming you again for another unforgettable African experience.