The Likii North day hike is a challenging high-altitude hike on the Sirimon side of Mount Kenya, reaching approximately 3,990–4,000 m. It is an excellent option for hikers looking for a serious one-day mountain experience without attempting Point Lenana.

The hike is commonly done from Old Moses Camp, reached through Sirimon Gate. Published itineraries put the round-trip hiking distance at roughly 13–16 km, with hiking times of about 6–8 hours, depending on the exact turnaround point and route variation.

📍 Quick Overview

KWS places Sirimon Gate about 200 km from Nairobi, off the Nanyuki–Meru Road.

🚐 4:30 AM – Depart Nairobi

Early morning pick-up from Nairobi.

Travel via:

Nairobi → Thika → Sagana → Nyeri → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp

The early departure is important because the drive from Nairobi is long and the hike itself takes several hours.

Optional stop in Nanyuki

Have a short breakfast/coffee stop in Nanyuki before continuing toward Sirimon Gate.

🌄 8:00–9:00 AM – Sirimon Gate / Old Moses Camp

Arrive at Sirimon Gate, complete the required park entry procedures and continue to Old Moses Camp, around 3,300–3,350 m.

If road conditions permit, the vehicle can continue toward Old Moses; otherwise, the hike begins from the appropriate accessible point.

Before starting:

• Gear check
• Water check
• Briefing
• Toilet break
• Stretching
• Meet the mountain guide

🥾 9:00 AM – Start the Likii North Hike

Begin hiking through the high-altitude moorland.

The landscape changes quickly from forest to open alpine terrain, with giant heathers, lobelias and giant groundsels.

The trail gradually gains altitude toward the Likii North area.

Along the trail

You may encounter:

• Giant lobelias
• Giant groundsels
• Moorland vegetation
• Rocky sections
• Small streams
• Mountain birds
• Wildlife such as zebra and eland in suitable areas

🏔️ 11:30 AM–12:30 PM – Likii North Valley

Reach the Likii North Valley/Viewpoint, approximately 3,990–4,000 m.

This is the main highlight of the hike.

On a clear day, you can enjoy views toward the Mount Kenya central peaks, surrounding valleys and the dramatic alpine landscape.

Take time for:

📸 Photography
🥪 Lunch/snacks
💧 Hydration
🌄 Enjoying the mountain views
🧘 Short rest

Important: At 4,000 m, take it slowly. Headache, dizziness, nausea or unusual fatigue should be reported immediately to the guide.

🍱 12:30–1:00 PM – Lunch

Have a packed lunch at a suitable sheltered location.

Recommended:

• Sandwiches
• Fruit
• Energy bars
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Water
• Electrolytes

Avoid staying exposed to cold wind for too long.

🚶 1:00 PM – Begin Descent

Start descending toward Old Moses Camp.

The descent can be difficult on rocky, muddy and marshy sections, so trekking poles are useful.

The Likii North trail includes wet/marshy sections and some steeper areas, particularly around the upper sections of the route.

🌲 3:30–4:30 PM – Old Moses Camp

Arrive back at Old Moses Camp.

Take a short rest, have refreshments and prepare for the drive back to Nairobi.

🚐 4:30 PM – Drive Back to Nairobi

Depart Mount Kenya and drive back via Nanyuki and Nyeri.

A short stop can be made in Nanyuki for refreshments.

🌃 8:00–9:00 PM – Arrive in Nairobi

Expected arrival in Nairobi will depend heavily on traffic and road conditions.

📅 Full Day Itinerary at a Glance

For a commercial tour itinerary, I would allow some flexibility rather than promising exact arrival times, because weather, trail conditions, altitude and traffic can significantly affect the schedule.

🎒 What to Carry

• Hiking boots
• Warm jacket
• Fleece
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Hiking trousers
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• 2–3 litres of water
• Packed lunch
• Energy snacks
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• Small backpack
• Personal medication
• Camera/phone
• Extra warm layer

⭐ Why Choose Likii North?

Likii North is ideal for:

• High-altitude training
• Mount Kenya beginners who aren't ready for Point Lenana
• Experienced hikers wanting a one-day challenge
• Visitors with limited time
• Photography and mountain scenery
• Preparation for Kilimanjaro or other high-altitude climbs

The route reaches around 4,000 m, making it useful for altitude preparation, but reaching 4,000 m in a single day does not guarantee acclimatization and altitude illness remains possible.

Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp → Likii North Valley → Old Moses → Sirimon → Nanyuki → Nairobi