Mt Kenya Sirimon Route – Mount Kenya trekking routes
The Sirimon Route is one of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, offering a diverse range of landscapes from lush forests to dramatic moorlands. It is considered to be on the drier side of the mountain, but this also means it offers some of the best forest walking experiences available on the mountain.
Here’s a breakdown of the Sirimon Route:
Day 1: You’ll start your trek at the Sirimon Gate, located on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki town. From the gate, the trail winds uphill through the forest for a few hours before emerging into heath land. You’ll overnight at Judmier Camp (also known as Old Moses Camp) at 3,300 meters.
- Day 2: After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, following the track uphill and taking a left fork at a junction. The track will then cross the Ontulili River and continue contouring through the moorland before reaching Shipton Camp at 4,250 meters.
- Day 3: This is typically summit day. You’ll wake up early for an pre-dawn start to reach Point Lenana (4,985 meters) in time for sunrise. The trek to the summit is challenging and involves a lot of scree. After enjoying the sunrise and the views from the peak, you’ll descend back to Shipton Camp or proceed down to Minto’s Hut for the night.
- Day 4: Depending on your itinerary, you may spend an extra day at Shipton Camp for acclimatization or head back down to the Sirimon Gate, completing your trek.
The Sirimon Route is a fantastic option for those looking for a scenic and challenging climb up Mount Kenya. However, it is important to be in good physical condition and to be properly acclimatized for the high altitude.