5 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Sirimon – Chogoria Route
Much more scenic than Naromoru, and it is on the dry side of the mountain, which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through the forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate, and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp) 3-4 hrs, 9km, 7500m ascent
Leave Nairobi in the morning for Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 45min, 2650m. From the gate, follow the track as it winds uphill through the forest, which becomes heather land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate, the track veers right to Judmaier /Old Mosses Camp, 3300m, for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Judmier Camp/Shipton Camp 6-7hrs, 17km, 900m ascent
Mount kenyaAfter breakfast, depart from the camp at 0700hrs, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North, and continue uphill to Mackinder’s Valley, from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m. Taking 6-7 hrs.
Day 3: Shipton- (Camp Peak circuit)
Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut 4500m, down to Hauseberg Tarn, through the western terminal to Nanyuki Tarn for 3- 4 hours. Walk back to Shipton, arriving in time for hot lunch. dinner and overnight at the camp..
Day 4: Shiptons/Point Lenana/Mount Meru Bandas (Chogoria Gate) 11-12hrs, 32km, 785m ascent
Leave at 3 am up a steep stony scree that cuts through a cliff, clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns, arriving at Mount Kenya point Lenana (4km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30 am, taking about 3 hours. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut (3km), 2hrs, for breakfast and 17km, 4- 5hrs further down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for the last dinner and overnight on Mount Kenya.
Day 5: Chogoria Bandas/Chogoria/Nairobi
Descend 2 hours, 15km to forest clearance to catch a 4×4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village, where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, drop off at a hotel or airport at the airport for departure
Important Information
Safari Inclusions:
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- Park entrance & camping fees
- Full board meals on the mountain
- All transfers from/to Nairobi
- Accommodation in huts, bandas, and tents
- Camping gear (tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment)
- Emergency rescue coordination
What to Bring:
- Warm layered clothing for sub-zero temperatures
- Waterproof gear (jacket, pants, backpack cover)
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Personal medications & first aid kit
- Camera & extra batteries
