Day 1: To Old Moses Camp.
Depart Nairobi at approx. 8am and journey 3 hours to the Sirimon park gate (2,600m). Here you’ll meet with your crew, have a short briefing, and then begin your climb!
Today’s walk is short, serving as a gentle start to the climb. From the Sirimon trailhead, we hike for 3 hours, starting in the forested lowlands of Mt Kenya before ascending to the moorland zone, where we pitch our tents at Old Moses Camp (3,300m).
NB. Your itinerary begins and ends in Nairobi. Please note that accommodation in Nairobi before/after the climb is not included but can be arranged on request. Unless arriving very early into Nairobi, a hotel night is usually a necessity. Transfers from your Nairobi hotel/airport to the trailhead are included in our climb rates.
Day 2: To Shipton’s Camp
Today will see us ascend to the Alpine region, as we trek up the spectacular Liki and Mackinder Valleys. This is an area of sprawling moorlands and beautiful high altitude plants, such as giant groundsel and lobelias.
Arrive at Shipton's Camp at 4,200m after a 7-8 hour hike and a gradual ascent of 900m. Shipton’s enjoys a wonderfully scenic setting below the towering peaks and glaciers.
Day 3: Acclimatisation trek: Shipton’s – Hausberg Col (4,700m) & back
Today is set aside as an acclimatisation day. From Shipton’s Camp, it’s possible to complete a series of short walks on the summit circuit taking you above 4,500m, greatly helping you to adjust to the altitude.
A tough, 5km uphill hike will see us ascend to Hausberg Col (4700m), then descend steeply to Hausberg Valley and Oblong tarns, before returning to Shipton’s in time for lunch.
Hiking high and returning to sleep low offers a good boost to acclimatization
Day 4: To Lenana summit (4,985m) and down to Kenya Bandas.
Rise early (approx. 3am) for the summit attempt. The trek to Point Lenana is a challenging ascent up steep scree and a bare rocky track.
At 4,985m, Lenana is the third highest of Mt. Kenya's summits, and the only one accessible to trekkers without mountaineering skills.
We can expect to reach Lenana in time for sunrise – Kilimanjaro is usually visible 340km to the south. We then descend 2-3 hours to Hall Tarns/Mintos (4,300m) for a plentiful breakfast, stopping to admire the views into the Gorges Valley along the way. After breakfast, we continue our descent down to the foothills.
A long day is rewarded with a good night’s rest at the Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas.
Day 5: To Nairobi
Descend on a broad track through Chogoria Forest to meet our driver and vehicle for the return transfer to Nairobi, usually arriving in the afternoon.
The tour ends in Nairobi. We can arrange your accommodation in Nairobi if your flight schedule requires it (at additional cost), or transfer you to the airport if flying out this afternoon/evening.
Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Traverse 5 days
The Sirimon-Chogoria Traverse combines two of Mt Kenya's classic routes into a 5-day climb
Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Traverse 5 days
This is a classic trek to Mount Kenya, which combines two of the most splendid routes on the mountain. Using one of the gentlest ascent trails to the peaks and with an extra acclimatization day included at 4,200m, it has a very good summit success record.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
Private climb rate based on two climbers in a shared tent. For groups, or for solo climb rates, please refer to rates chart.
Pricing
5 days from £1715pp
History, culture and festivals in Ethiopia
My very competent young guides were enthusiastic, forthcoming, resourceful, and patient with my many questions
