Sirimon – Chogoria

Sirimon – Chogoria traverse

  • 5 days

Overview

The Sirimon route is a good five-day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes. There is an extra day for acclimatisation, which gives you a better success rate. More experienced and already acclimatised hikers may opt for the more difficult 4-day ascent along the Sirimon route. This route is really beautiful and it is undoubtedly the busiest route on Mount Kenya. Over the 5 days, you’ll have a fantastic trip with a high chance of summiting successfully. The climb begins at Sirimon gate, at an altitude of 2,600m. You’ll pass through the forest at first, before continuing up the mountain to reach Old Moses Camp at 3,300m.

The accommodation on this hike is in mountain huts.  Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp then you can do so.

Day to day itinerary

After being picked up in Nairobi, you’ll drive to the town of Nanyuki, crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m) for lunch. From the gate, you will trek through a magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zones before reaching the high-altitude moorland and your first hut (Old Moses Camp, 3300m) for dinner and an overnight stay. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 to 4 hours, gaining an elevation of 680m.

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you’ll continue along the track, crossing the Ontulili River before turning right and contouring through the moorland. You’ll then cross the Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley, from where you can enjoy panoramic views up the valley toward Shipton Camp. This camp is a surreal setting located below the towering peaks and glaciers, with a resident population of rock hyraxes and sunbirds.

For better acclimatisation, you’ll have a rest day at the Shipton Camp. Short walks / day hikes are possible in the morning. The afternoon is for you to rest.

Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatisation.

Kick off at 3 a.m. to reach Point Lenana in time for the African sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good moon, you barely need a torch. Without a moon, the pollution-free sky is a breathtaking sight, offering one of the best views of the stars anywhere on Earth.

The climb takes 3 to 4 hours, and to add to the exhilaration, Mount Kilimanjaro is also visible on the horizon. Afterwards, you will descend to Minto’s Hut for a full breakfast. After a short rest, continue your descent to the Mt Kenya Bandas along the Gorges Valley, where you can enjoy good views of The Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and the Giant Billiards Table. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at the Bandas. Here, you can enjoy log fires, hot showers, and a comfortable bed!

After breakfast, you’ll descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rainforest to meet a vehicle for a transfer to Chogoria town and then onward to Nairobi, arriving by 17:00.

Prices are per person based on:

1 person US$ 1,200
2 people US$ 1,100
3 people US$ 1,060

per person

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