Mount Kenya Climbing via Sirimon Route

With 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountains and thus the “little brother” of the famous Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters). The highest mountain in Africa is situated in the neighboring country of Tanzania and attracts around 20,000 alpinists per year. So far life is more relaxed at Mount Kenya. This tranquillity in connection with unique mountains, deep canyons, clear lakes, and an impressive variety of plants makes trekking to Mount Kenya very special.

Itinerary

Day 1: Starting the adventure

In the morning drive from Rhino Watch Safari Lodge via the Solio lowlands and the Sirimon route to the park gate of Mount Kenya National Park. There the luggage is distributed to the porters. Around 11 am you start climbing in the direction of Old Moses Hut (3,200 meters). The way goes through a forest up to 3,000 meters and turns at around 4,000 meters into moorlands. There the team already awaits you with a rich meal and a lot of tea. In the afternoon you go on a short hike to visit the met station (300 meters) in order to acclimatize. Overnight in a hut at Old Moses Camp. Walking time 3.5 hours. (L/D)

Day 2: Hike to Mackinder’s Valley

Departure at 7 is to Mackinder’s Valley via Ontolli and Liki North. The long hike takes you up to Senecio, lobelia, and swamps. You arrive at Shipton Caves where you continue with your ascent to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 meters). You reach your camp at around 1 pm. It is situated in an impressive caldera framed by 5,000-meter mountains. In the afternoon you visit the springs of the Liki river. Overnight in a hut at Shipton’s Camp. Walking time 6 hours. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Summiteer

Very early departure at around 2:30 at night. The starry sky seems to be close and gigantic, the height is already clearly perceptible as the air is getting thinner. In the darkness, you hike through rocky terrain to the top which you reach around 6 am. The break of dawn begins slowly and dyes the horizon with impressive colors. The sunrise at Mount Lenana (4,985 meters) is overwhelming. You stay around 1.5 hours at the summit and watch the setting of the summits Nelion and Batian, look back to Mackinder’s Valley with its mountains Terere and Sendero and let your gaze wander to lake Michaelson and glacier Lewis. After an ample peak ace you descent via the world’s highest via Ferrata to the Austrian Hut. Afterward, you continue across a large field of scree to Teleki valley. You arrive at Mackinder’s Camp (4,300 meters) around 10 in the morning. Now you can finally relax and give your feet a break. In the afternoon you walk to the beautiful mountain lake Teleki Tarn where tame dassies live close to the lake’s hut. Overnight in a hut at Mackinder’s Camp. Walking time 6 hours. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Hike to the mountain forest

In the morning the ascent starts via Castle Hill (4,500 meters) to lake Hohnel. From the lake, you again hike up to the mountain crest before you finally descent along with beautiful scenic forests. You follow the way across swamps and moorlands to a mountain forest where the Met Station Camp (3,000 meters) is situated. The different vegetation zones and endemic plants and birds are fascinating. Later in the afternoon, you go on a hike crossing dense brushwood of a bamboo forest. Overnight in a hut at Met Station Campsite. Walking time 4 hours. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Farewell from Mount Kenya

The last hike starts at 7 in the morning. The vegetation consists of dense bamboo woods with high trees that are covered with long lichen. Along the way, you find traces from buffalos and elephants. If you are lucky, the group is accompanied by guenons. After around 2.5 hours, you reach the park gate of Mount Kenya National Park (2,400 meters). There the jeep of Rhino Watch Safari Lodge is already waiting for you to take you back to the lodge. (B) Walking time 2.5 hours.

Travel dates

Climbing Mount Kenya is possible all-the-year. The best months to travel are January and February.

Rates

The rate depends on the number of participants.

  • For 1 person in a single room:                       1,875 USD
  • For 2 persons in a double room:                    1,420 USD
  • For 3 persons in a single + double room:      1,305 USD
  • For 4 persons in two double rooms:              1,135 USD

Rates include

  • Transfer to/from Mount Kenya
  • Overnight in tents at campsites as per itinerary
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch or packed lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Non-alcoholic drinks during meals
  • Professional English speaking mountain guide
  • Baggage porter
  • National park fees

Rates exclude

  • Flights to/from Nairobi
  • Gratuities for baggage porter, guide, cook

Contact and booking

If you wish to book a program or require more details, please feel free to contact us here. The team of Rhino Watch Safari Lodge will be happy to assist you.