Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day adventure trekking Mount Kenya via the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes. This trek offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty, diverse ecosystems, and the thrill of climbing Africa’s second-highest peak. The journey takes you through montane forests, moorlands, and high alpine zones, culminating in breathtaking views from Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya has several peaks that crown its summit, Point Lenana standing at an altitude of 4985m, which is a moderate slope made of scree and rock outcrops beginning from the Shiptons Hut at 4,200m. The other two peaks Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m) are more demanding and challenging hence they require special skills and equipment to climb them.
Without following proper acclimatization procedures, it is possible to complete climbing Mount Kenya in as little as three or four days. Still, you may need more days due to the dangers of altitude sickness.
All our Mount Kenya treks begin from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi followed by a brief trek from Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.
As you trek past the rainforest zone with closed canopies, everything clears up once you reach the open field of heath and moorland, giving way to a much clearer view of the summit. Various wild animals may be spotted, among them, elephants, Eland, and buffaloes.
On leaving Likki North, the trail leads up the Mackinder Valley approaching Shiptons Camp, tucked at the foot of the summits.
Summiting Mount Kenya via the Naro Moru Route
Usually, the midnight or early morning summit attempt is mainly done to reach the summit by sunrise and avoid the cloud cover that appears in the morning. The trek towards the summit and peak of Mount Kenya, Point Lenana is challenging but worth the try as the views from the summit of the mountain are astonishing with the rising sun from the horizon of the Aberdares ranges causing the tarns to sparkle while it illuminates the valleys below the peak a distance away.
The Naro Moru route can be done in 4 days but we do recommend the 5-day route variation because of the extra acclimatization day which gives you a break from the long day trek up towards Shiptons to Old Moses to Shipton’s with overnight camping at Liki North Camp which is located at 3990m above sea level, then afterward proceeding to Shipton’s the next day.
How to get to Mount Kenya
To get to Mount Kenya, you have to fly into Kenya first through the International Airports that serve as Kenya’s entry points like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and the Mombasa Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Many air companies fly into Kenya from all over the world e.g Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Kenya Airways fly regular direct flights to Nairobi. Other airlines offer competitive prices for air tickets that make a stop from Qatar Airways, Ethiopian, and Emirates.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr drive away from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi with a distance of about 16km.
This 5-day Naro Moru route for climbing Mount Kenya includes pick up and drop off in the vicinity of Nairobi City by minibus, private car, or 4WD Landcruiser.
Best time to climb Mount Kenya -Naro Moru Route
The best time to climb Mount Kenya via the Naro Moru route is during the dry months of January to February. Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, any time of the month but of course, there are better months for climbing the mountain than others. There are better times of the year than others depending on the weather in those particular months. The rainy seasons during April and May are the long rain seasons and hence the least favourable time of the year to climb Mount Kenya. The summer months of July, August, and September are also good for climbing the mountain via the Naro Moru Route. If you plan to climb Mount Kenya during the wet and rainy seasons, it would be wiser to carry along waterproof gear and garters.
Is the Naro Moru Route suitable for me?
This 5-day Mount Kenya – Naro Moru route trek is probably one of the most accessible and rewarding mountain climbs in the world, but it needs proper preparation and planning for you to enjoy more. With proper planning and preparations, you will have an upper hand in combating, minimizing, and avoiding altitude sickness. 5-day Sirimon Naromoru via Likki North is designed to follow proper acclimatization procedures that prove to be very beneficial to climbers. All you have to do is follow the instructions of your guide, climb slowly, and drink as much water as possible. Remember, climbing Mount Kenya is not a race, and you do not have to be superhuman fit to climb Mount Kenya, if you can walk for 6-8 hours a day comfortably then you can tackle Mount Kenya. Age is not an obstacle, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed Mount Kenya.
Always cross-check your kit and make sure you have all the essential and required gear. Be mentally and physically prepared, you will need both the physical and mental stamina to climb Mount Kenya. Logically, you will go for days without having a shower, sometimes up to 4 or 5 days. Mount Kenya facilities are pretty basic, from the toilets to the huts, it is recommended that you bring wet wipes for body hygiene. last but not least,
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Meals Included: All meals during the trek
Accommodation: Mountain huts and tents
Maximum Group Size: Private group or small group tour
Nairobi to Old Moses Hut (3,340m)
- Early Morning Departure: African Safari and Tours representatives will pick you up from the airport or somewhere within the Nairobi town vicinity early in the morning. Drive towards the base of Mount Kenya, traversing farmlands and beautiful landscapes.
- Meet and Greet: Upon arrival at Sirimon Gate, meet your mountain crew, including your guide and porters. They will brief you on your trek and check your equipment thoroughly.
- Hike to Old Moses Hut: Start your short hike to Old Moses Hut, located at 3,340m, with a total ascent of 740m. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours and covers about 10km.
- Trail Experience: The Sirimon route takes you through various mountain zones, including dense rain forests, bamboo, and open heath and moorland. The trail is well-maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- Wildlife and Scenery: Spot wild animals such as buffalo and elephants and enjoy birdwatching along the trail.
- Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Old Moses Hut
- Transport: Drive Nairobi to Sirimon Gate (250km / 4 hours)
Old Moses Hut to Shipton's Camp (4,200m)
- Scenic Trekking: Trek through the picturesque moorland, enjoying views of the peaks. The trail crosses Ontulili River and continues to Liki North Valley.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a packed lunch en route.
- Arrival at Shipton’s Camp: Reach Shipton’s Camp in the afternoon and settle in.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Overnight: Shipton’s Camp
Acclimatization Day at Shipton's Camp
- Acclimatization Hike: Spend the day acclimatizing with a short hike to higher elevations, such as Hausberg Col or Nanyuki Tarn.
- Relaxation: Return to Shipton’s Camp for rest and preparation for the summit push.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Overnight: Shipton’s Camp,
Shipton's Camp to Point Lenana (4,985m) – Mackinder's Camp (4,300m)
- Summit Attempt: Wake up early (around 2:00 AM) for the summit attempt to Point Lenana. The climb takes approximately 3-4 hours.
- Sunrise at Point Lenana: Reach the summit by sunrise and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and plains.
- Descend to Mackinder’s Camp: After the summit, descend to Mackinder’s Camp for a well-deserved rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Overnight: Mackinder’s Camp
Mackinder's Camp to Met Station – Nairobi
- Final Descent: After breakfast, begin your descent through the scenic Naro Moru route to the Met Station.
- Drive Back to Nairobi: Meet your vehicle at the Met Station and drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
What to Wear
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots
- Clothing: Layered clothing for varying temperatures, warm jacket, gloves, hat, and rain gear
- Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, and a daypack
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