Mount Kenya Sirimon Route — 4 Days to Point Lenana

4 days Route: Sirimon Difficulty: Challenging Summit: Point Lenana (4,985m)
$890Per person, sharing. Single supplement applies.

Overview

The Sirimon route is the most scenic and gentlest ascent of Mount Kenya, approaching through dense bamboo and podocarpus forest before opening onto the moorland of the Mackinder Valley. Four days gives you solid acclimatization and a genuine sunrise summit of Point Lenana (4,985m) without technical climbing. This is our most popular Mount Kenya package for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 — Nairobi to Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp

Drive 3.5 hours from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate (2,600m). Hike 3–4 hours through bamboo and rosewood forest to Old Moses Camp (3,300m). Distance 9km, ascent 700m.

Day 2 — Old Moses to Shipton's Camp

Trek 6–7 hours across the moorland, past the Likii North Valley and up the Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp (4,200m) beneath the peaks. Distance 14km, ascent 900m.

Day 3 — Acclimatization & Shipton's Camp

Short acclimatization hike up toward Kami Hut and back, then rest at Shipton's. This extra day dramatically improves summit success rates.

Day 4 — Summit Point Lenana & descend to Chogoria

2am start for the 3–4 hour climb to Point Lenana (4,985m) for sunrise. Descend via the spectacular Chogoria route past lakes and gorges to Chogoria Gate, then drive back to Nairobi.

What's included

  • Park fees & conservancy fees
  • Mountain guide, cook & porters
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Tents, sleeping mats & mess gear
  • Transfer Nairobi–Sirimon and Chogoria–Nairobi
  • Bottled drinking water

Not included

  • Tips for crew (guideline $80–120)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal hiking gear (rentable on request)
  • Hotel in Nairobi before/after
  • Visa & flights

What guests say about this trip

★★★★★
Summiting Point Lenana at sunrise was the most incredible moment of my life. The team at Comprehensive Kenya Safaris handled everything — the acclimatization day made all the difference, and our guide David knew every step of the mountain. I made it to the top feeling strong. Worth every dollar.
James MwangiManchester, United Kingdom
★★★★★
The Chogoria route is stunning — lakes, waterfalls, giant lobelia, and barely another soul on the trail. Our guide was patient and encouraging, the food was far better than we expected at altitude, and the summit morning was magical. The most beautiful trek we have ever done.
Thomas & Lena BeckerMunich, Germany

FAQs about this trip

Do I need a guide to climb Mount Kenya?

Yes. It is mandatory by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations to climb Mount Kenya with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted. All our guides are KWS-certified and wilderness first-aid trained.

What is the difference between Point Lenana, Nelion and Batian?

Point Lenana (4,985m) is Mount Kenya's trekking peak — reachable on foot without technical climbing. Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are the true summits and require technical rock climbing (Grade IV+). About 95% of climbers aim for Point Lenana.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya climbing costs from $480 for a day hike to around $890 for a 4-day Sirimon trek to Point Lenana, and from $2,400 for a 7-day technical Batian summit. Prices are per person and include park fees, crew, food and camping gear.

Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro — which should I climb?

Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.

When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?

The best months to climb Mount Kenya are January–February and July–October, when the weather is driest and the trails are clearest. March–May and November are the long and short rains. Technical Batian climbs are best in the July–September dry window.

How fit do I need to be?

For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.

What is included in the price?

All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.

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