A gentle well paced 7 day trek on the classic Mount Kenya route; up Sirimon and down Chogoria route.
Private Trek Adventure 1 week
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for two people sharing.
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Whilst the undoubted highlight of this trek is summiting dramatic Point Lennana just in time for sun-rise, both the ascent and descent offer fantastic trekking and scenery. Mackinder’s Valley on the ascent is a striking U-shaped valley that gently snakes up to the craggy peak and is covered in bizarre giant plants unique to this Afro Alpine environment. Shipton’s Camp nestled under the twin peaks has an incredible location and the extra day spent here for acclimatisation offers the opportunity to hike part of the summit circuit up to the Hausberg Col and two tarns. On the descent, the trail passes along the ridge of the incredible dramatic Gorges Valley. The last night is spent in mountain cabins deep in the forest with elephant and buffalo often spotted roaming through the camp.
Route duration: 6 days on the mountain
Total hiking distance: Approximately 77 Kms.
Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: MOUNTAIN ROCK LODGE -1950m.
AM. Nairobi – Mountain Rock lodge by car (200kms /3.5hrs).
PM. Acclimatisation nature hike. (12kms /3hrs).
Habitat: Montane Forest / farmlands
Day 1 Details: Depart after breakfast and journey north past diverse agricultural lands and landscapes to the slopes of Mount Kenya. After lunch at the base lodge you take part in some easy walks around this predominantly Kikuyu area, exploring local farms and villages and perhaps local schools. We can gain a privileged insight into the lives of the people who live on the slopes of Mt. Kenya and know that our visit is contributing towards their local economy. An extended evening walk through the forest, where a local natural history expert will reveal the medicinal plants, birds and animals found here. We’ll also get to meet and spend some time with our mountain guides. (B,L,D)
DAY 2: OLDMOSES MOUNTAIN HUT / CAMP – 3340m.
AM. Base lodge - Sirimon Gate (2,600m) by car (45kms / 1.5hrs).
PM. Trek, Sirimon gate (2,600m) - Oldmoses (3,340m) (Span, 10kms/2.5hrs).
Ascent: +740m.
Habitat: Montane Forest / Bamboo / Hagenia zones.
Day 2 Details: Breakfast is followed by a full briefing and equipment check before we begin the trek - we’ll meet the full crew at this point. Each person has a personal porter and there are extra porters for camping equipment and food. Then a short vehicle transfer past the equator to Sirimon park gate. Our ascent of Mt Kenya, following the Sirimon route, this is one of the longest and gentlest on the mountain. It is also one of the most spectacular. We walk up to our first hut at 3,340m, a total ascent of 740m in just 2-3 hours. On this route, we will pass through zones of dense forest, bamboo, giant heather and out onto high open moorland. 3-4 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 3: SHIPTON’S HUT – 4236m.
Trek, Oldmoses - Shipton’s Camp (3340m - 4236m).
Span, approx.14Kms. / 7-8hrs.
Ascent: +896m.
Habitat: Moorland zone.
Day 3 Details: Today's trek takes us up the surreal Mackinder Valley with its strange vegetation of giant lobelia and groundsel, unique to equatorial African mountains. Here we stay at Shipton's Camp (4236m), just below the glaciers and jagged peaks of bare rock that surround the main summits. 7-8 hours, 896m of ascent. (B,L,D)
Day 4: SHIPTON’S MOUNTAIN HUT / CAMP – 4236m.
Acclimatisation to Hausberg Col. (4,600m).
Span, approx. 7Kms. / 4-5h.
Ascent 364m then descent back 364m.
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 4 Details: We stay at Shipton’s for two nights, and have a rest day. This is invaluable for acclimatisation and will make the summit day more enjoyable. Highly recommended is a short walk on the summit circuit trail up to the Hausberg col (4,6OOm) OR go farther, passing between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns to Nanyuki and Two Tarns to enjoy panoramic views of peaks Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m). Having reached a high altitude of over 4600m the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear, Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatisation (B,L,D)
DAY 5: NITHI CAMP - 3,300m.
(Summit attempt) Shipton’s camp – Pt. Lenana (4,985m) – Nithi Camp (4236m - 3,300m).
Span, approx. 3kms / 4h to Pt. Lenana and 14 kms / 6h to Nithi Camp.
Ascent: 749m to the summit / Descent: -1,685m to Nithi Camp.
Habitat: Scree / Rocky summit / Moorland
Day 5 Details: After the rest day comes the highlight of the Mount Kenya trek: the stiff, but exhilarating, scramble by starlight up to Point Lenana, the "trekkers’ summit", in time to see the African dawn from a vantage point of nearly 5,000m. We leave at 4am and climb the 800m to the peak in 3-4 hours. A further 3 hours down to a late breakfast by Hall Tarns in the magnificent Gorges Valley. Then in the afternoon another 3 hours down past spectacular chasms, waterfalls and weirdly eroded lava flows to camp by the track-head in the giant heather zone. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: MERU BANDAS - 3,000m.
Trek Nithi Camp - Meru Bandas (3,300m - 3,000m).
Span, approx. 7Kms / 2-3h.
Descent: -300m.
Habitats: Moorland / Giant heather/ Hagenia zones
Day 6 Details: Short descent through the forest zone to the mountain cabins and afternoon relaxing. Log fires, hot showers, beers, and real beds for overnight. Wildlife viewing in evening - often from your cabin window as the elephant and buffalo graze outside! (B,L,D)
DAY 7: NAIROBI (1965m.)
AM. Hike, Meru Banda’s – Pick up point (3,000m - 2600m).
Span, approx.10kms / 2h.
Descent: -400m.
Habitats: Bamboo / Montane Forest zones
P.M. Pick up point – Nairobi by car. (230kms / 4-5hrs).
Day 7 Details: Walk down through the giant bamboo forest to meet our vehicles for the return journey to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop off within the city or at the airport.
Getting to Kenya: Kenya has international airports in Nairobi (Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta NBO) and Mombassa (Mombasa Moi International MBA) which are around 8 hours flying time from the UK. Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Air Kenya fly regular direct services to Nairobi. Return tickets usually range from £450 to £750 depending on when you are travelling. If you are willing to put up with the inconvenience then cheaper tickets can usually be purchased with a stop from Qatar Airways, Ethiopian and Emirates.
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr 16km drive from Nairobi City Centre, but traffic can be bad.
This trek includes pick up and drop off in Nairobi by minibus or 4wd Landcruiser.
This price includes:
All National Park fees.
Camping & mountain Huts fees where applicable.
Camping equipment EXCEPT sleeping bags, mattresses.
English speaking guide(s).
Porters & Cook(s).
Meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Transfers from and back to base hotel.
Complimentary Nature hike included on first day when accommodated at the Mountain Rock Lodge.
NOT included
Tips
Meals/drinks not mentioned as included
Insurances.
Visa.
Any increase in National Park fees or other fees/taxes charged by National Park and/or other government authorities.
Sleeping bag / mattress and other personal equipment (a limited selection of hire equipment is available - please pre-order).
Please note
Persons attempting the climb must be physically very fit and in very good general health
Clients climb at their own risk
Transfers might be shared with other guests
Campsites and toilet facilities on the mountain are very basic
Water for personal hygiene on the mountain is limited
Hut accommodation on Sirimon Route is dormitory style with bunk beds
It is at the guide's decision to break off a climb in case weather conditions or clients health dictate it for safety reasons.
No refunds are given in case of a break off of the climb / early exit
As a general rule you can trek up Mount Kenya at any time of year, but the paths will be better and you will stay drier outside the rainy seasons (particularly the long rains in April and May). The best time to trek is early in the year (January and February) before the long rains and in the summer months of July, August and September. Having said that, even during the long rains in April and May there is usually a solid dry spell each day and as long as you come equipped with rain gear and garters you will be fine.
There is no doubt that climbing to 5,000m on Mount Kenya is a serious undertaking, but don’t let that put you off. Mount Kenya is accessible to anyone with a decent level of trekking fitness.
The main priority is avoiding altitude sickness. This itinerary has been designed to help trekkers fresh to the high altitudes acclimatise at a gentle rate. You will need to listen to the advice of your guide who will encourage you to take a very gentle pace and drink plenty of water.
You should have a decent level of trekking fitness, but as long as you lead a reasonably active lifestyle and are comfortable walking for 6-8 hours a day then a gruelling pre trek fitness regime is not really necessary. Age is not really a limiting factor, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed Mount Kenya.
As with most treks, the huts and facilities are basic. In all likelihood you won’t be showering for 4 or 5 days and you’ll be sleeping on a well worn mattress. If you come prepared with the right kit and right attitude this shouldn’t be a problem. Bringing your own 4 season sleeping bag is a very good idea as are baby wipes for washing with.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
Our customers agree - a conversation with an expert makes for a better trip. Call us now or request a call back out of hours.
Call 855 686 7694 9am and 6pm GMT Monday to Friday
Or request call back weekday evenings or Saturdays
A big thank you to the team at Tourdust for our fantastic trek to Mount Kenya.
We made it. It was a tough climb and not for those who are afraid of heights. I learnt loads about the flora and fauna of Africa from our expert guide Francis and we enjoyed great food prepared by Ngari.
Full write-up and pictures of my trip are here
Kathryn B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria Trek
on 04 April 2013
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Hi Lisa
It was a fantastic experience, thanks very much. All the arrangements were seamless and our guiding/support team were excellent, if there is a way for you to formally commend the team to your ground operators then I would be grateful if you could do that, they really were brilliant.
Many thanks for your help in arranging the trip, and for your patience during the multiple re-arrangements over the past couple of years.
Kind regards, John
John B
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 14 November 2022
A big thank you to the team at Tourdust for our fantastic trek to Mount Kenya.
We made it. It was a tough climb and not for those who are afraid of heights. I learnt loads about the flora and fauna of Africa from our expert guide Francis and we enjoyed great food prepared by Ngari.
Full write-up and pictures of my trip are here
Kathryn B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Sirimon - Chogoria Trek
on 04 April 2013
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Hi Lisa
It was a fantastic experience, thanks very much. All the arrangements were seamless and our guiding/support team were excellent, if there is a way for you to formally commend the team to your ground operators then I would be grateful if you could do that, they really were brilliant.
Many thanks for your help in arranging the trip, and for your patience during the multiple re-arrangements over the past couple of years.
Kind regards, John
John B
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 14 November 2022
I had just the most incredible time on the climb.
The team were incredible and just so accommodating. I really only have good things to say as it was such a great experience.
George was as good as a guide as it gets, very articulate and made sure I was comfortable the whole way up with frequent briefings.
Finn R
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 10 May 2019
The trip was amazing everything was better than we could have imagined.
There was a moment climbing the mount Kenya where my wife accused me of tricking her into doing this (half kidding) as some of the nights got pretty cold, but we were dressed well and the sunrise at the peak was astonishing.
Safari was spectacular, Ben who was our main guide and driver was awesome! We saw everything excepts rhinos which were more of a hope than a reality. We also were able to watch a rock python eat a Thompson gazel live. It was one of the most interesting and unsettling things I have ever seen.
Just overall, so many moments that make you think wow or I can't believe I am here. Thank you for your help in getting everything set up. I don't believe I could have booked the trip without your help and guidance. It was an amazing way to start our marriage and truly the trip of a lifetime!
William K
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 29 October 2018
We both suffered but enjoyed it immensely. Just how it should be!!!!
Our route up the mountain, the Burguret trail is very arduous and certainly should not be used for people who are not very fit and experienced trekkers. It mainly followers animal trails through the forests and bog lands around the mountain. The Chogoria route down was great. The guide and porters were great. Wild camping means just that, really just what I wanted, but I have lived in Kenya.
Jonathan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 24 September 2018
Terri and I just got back from Mt. Kenya, the tour you arranged for us was fantastic.
Shawn M
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
Daisy and I really enjoyed the trek, it was the highlight of our holiday. I'm full of admiration for the our Guide Francis, cook Wilson and his team of porters. Not only did they feed us like kings but Francis never put a foot wrong on the whole mountain and, as you know, they don't have all the high tech equipment we have such as good boots and 4 season sleeping bags. That really brought home the income gap and I was glad we had brought a decent tip with us. We both enjoyed chatting to Francis as we walked and at meal times and he gave us a very interesting perspective on Kenya life.
At the Rock House Patrick and his wife were very helpful especially sorting out our forward coach trip. It would be great if you could feed back our thanks to the guys.
Transport to and from the mountain was fine, better than I was expecting. The huts were a bit of a shock to the system but you quickly get used to them and its definitely better than tents! The acclimatization day was interesting, I think it may well have helped us summit fairly easily but we were the only group who did it. Overall I would recommend it if you have time.
I will recommend Tourdust to others and I'd give you 5/5.
chris k
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 31 July 2013
We had an excellent trip, thanks!
The guide was very knowledgeable and flexible with breaks, timings, etc. He kept phone contact with the main office to ensure all connections/vehicles were in the proper place at the right time. The lodging was acceptable for a trek. Nothing great, mostly hard huts or tented camps, but nice to have a warm shower on days between our tenting nights. The one night we were supposed to be in The Pelican Lodge, we were changed to Lake Nakuru Lodge, which was fantastic!During the trek, the cook made wonderful breakfasts and dinners. There was a decent variety of soups, vegtable and meat dishes. Lunch was a basic 'box lunch' with a sandwich, chicken, boiled egg and fruit. Lunch was acceptable and fueled us for the journey, it just got a little redundant by the end of the trek.
All pre-trip literature was informative and sufficient.
I have already and will continue to recommend this trip to others. For the trek: the days are long and tiring, but it was very worth the effort, and the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable. The safari itself was also great. The amount of time spent driving between the trek end to Nakuru and Nakuru to Masai Mari got old... however, this is unavoidable when trying to do it all.
Thanks again for aranging a very enjoyable trip!
Alan B
reviewing Mount Kenya: Burguret Chogoria Traverse
on 11 January 2013
Altogether a great trip. We were extremely well looked after by Tourdust, and Francis and his team from the moment we were picked up at our hotel in Nairobi to the moment we were dropped off at Lewa safari Park. Francis was an excellent ‘Leader’, bright and knowledgeable, and with very good judgement. We would very happily recommend both Francis and his team, and Tourdust. The final ascent to the non-technical peak of Mt Kenya, Lenana, was perfectly judged despite the foot of snow that had fallen overnight. A great trip.
Julian W
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 06 July 2012
We had a great time! We really appreciated that the trip was booked with a local tour operator, which we learned was one of the biggest and best in Kenya. Patrick was exceptionally helpful, and came to meet us 3 times to check in and make sure things were going well.
There was an unfortunate change to our flight to Lamu which happened 2 weeks before leaving, but were only told the morning of, and it meant waking early, somewhat unnecessarily, except that our flight was changed to the intl. airport instead, and it also meant stopping in another city on the way, which added time to our flight, and detracted from our time in Lamu.
Nevertheless, we had an amazing time, and are very pleased with the trip!
I would rate both customer service and our experience a 5. I would definitely recommend you to others, and am looking forward to saving up again so I can book my next trip.
Jaclyn R
reviewing 11 Day Mount Kenya Trek and Masai Mara Safari Combined
on 17 August 2011
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