Altitude: Sirimon Gate ~2,660 m → Old Moses ~3,300 m
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: ~650–680 m

Itinerary

Depart Nairobi early morning, normally around 6:00–7:00 AM, and drive toward Nanyuki. Sirimon Gate is approximately 200 km from Nairobi.

Make a short stop in Nanyuki for lunch and final supplies before continuing to Sirimon Gate.

After registration and a briefing, begin trekking through montane forest, bamboo and giant heather before entering the high-altitude moorland.

Continue to Old Moses Camp, situated at approximately 3,300 m.

Overnight: Old Moses Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Altitude: ~3,300 m → ~4,200 m
Distance: ~14 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Elevation gain: ~900 m

After breakfast, begin the long ascent toward Shipton's Camp.

The trail crosses the high moorland, passing areas around Ontulili River and Likii North River, before joining Mackinder Valley.

The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as the main peaks of Batian and Nelion come into view.

Continue up Mackinder Valley to Shipton's Camp, located at approximately 4,200 m.

Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

Overnight: Shipton's Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Important

This is a major acclimatization day. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid unnecessary exertion.

Shipton's: ~4,200 m
Point Lenana: 4,985 m
Destination: Chogoria side
Hiking time: ~10–12 hours

2:30–3:00 AM – Wake Up

Have a light breakfast, prepare your headlamp and warm clothing, then begin the summit climb.

3:00 AM – Summit Attempt

Start climbing toward Point Lenana in darkness.

The trail becomes rocky and steep as you approach the summit. Take a slow and steady pace.

6:00–7:00 AM – Point Lenana

Reach Point Lenana at 4,985 m, the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya.

If weather conditions are clear, enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the surrounding landscape.

On exceptionally clear mornings, Mount Kilimanjaro may be visible in the distance.

Descend Toward Chogoria

After the summit, descend toward Hall Tarns and the Chogoria side.

The Chogoria descent provides a completely different landscape from Sirimon, including dramatic valleys, alpine lakes and giant mountain vegetation.

A common 4-day itinerary continues to Mintos/Chogoria-side accommodation, while some operators extend the descent to Meru/Mount Kenya Bandas depending on the group's pace and logistics. Published itineraries vary on the exact overnight location.

Overnight: Chogoria-side camp/Bandas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking: approximately 5–8 hours depending on overnight location and vehicle access.

After breakfast, continue descending through the spectacular Chogoria landscape.

You pass through areas of:

• Giant heathers
• Moorland
• Bamboo forest
• Montane forest
• Scenic valleys

Continue toward Chogoria Gate/roadhead, where you meet your vehicle.

Drive to Chogoria town, then continue toward Nairobi.

A stop can be made in Chogoria or along the way for lunch.

Evening

Arrive back in Nairobi, normally in the late afternoon or evening, depending on road and trail conditions.

Meals: Breakfast

Nairobi → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses → Shipton's Camp → Point Lenana → Chogoria → Nairobi.