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Journey overview
About this safari
Climb to Point Lenana, Mount Kenya’s principal non-technical trekking summit, on a five-day traverse that ascends through the Sirimon Route and descends through the dramatic Chogoria side of the mountain.
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain. Its highest summit, Batian, rises to 5,199 m, while Point Lenana is approximately 4,985 m. This itinerary is a high-altitude trek to Point Lenana and does not include technical climbing of Batian or Nelion. Those higher summits require specialist rock-climbing skills, equipment and a separate expedition programme.
The trek begins on the northwestern side of Mount Kenya at Sirimon Gate. The trail climbs through montane forest and bamboo before opening into heather and high-altitude moorland. Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp, provides the first mountain night at approximately 3,300 m. From there, the route crosses the Ontulili and Liki North river systems before climbing through Mackinder Valley to Shipton’s Camp at about 4,200 m beneath the mountain’s central peaks.
A dedicated acclimatization day at Shipton’s Camp is built into the programme. Short guided hikes toward the surrounding tarns or higher ridges help the body adjust before the summit attempt. The summit day begins before dawn, normally around 3:00 a.m., with a steep ascent over rocky alpine terrain toward Point Lenana for sunrise.
After the summit, descend east onto the Chogoria side through one of Mount Kenya’s most scenic alpine landscapes. The descent passes glacial valleys, tarns and dramatic viewpoints before continuing through the Gorges Valley toward the Mount Kenya Bandas area. The final day descends through montane forest before a vehicle transfer through Chogoria and onward to Nairobi.
Kenya Wildlife Service identifies Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria as the three principal official access gates to Mount Kenya National Park. Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its dramatic glacial landforms and exceptional Afro-alpine ecology. For official park information see the Kenya Wildlife Service Mount Kenya page and the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Safari highlights
Why travellers choose this journey
- Sirimon ascent: climb through forest, bamboo, giant heather and open moorland on one of Mount Kenya’s most established trekking approaches.
- Old Moses Camp: spend the first mountain night at approximately 3,300 m.
- Mackinder Valley: trek through one of the mountain’s classic high-altitude valleys toward Shipton’s Camp.
- Shipton’s Camp: sleep beneath the dramatic central peaks at roughly 4,200 m.
- Dedicated acclimatization day: take a guided hike from Shipton’s Camp before the summit attempt.
- Point Lenana sunrise: make a pre-dawn summit push to the trekking summit at approximately 4,985 m.
- Chogoria descent: descend through glacial scenery, tarns, cliffs, moorland and the spectacular Gorges Valley.
- Mount Kenya Bandas: finish the long summit day on the lower Chogoria side before descending to the roadhead.
- UNESCO World Heritage landscape: experience a mountain ecosystem recognised internationally for its scenery and Afro-alpine ecology.
- Fully supported trek: mountain guide, porters, cook, park fees, meals and mountain accommodation are included as confirmed.
Perfect forFit hikers, first-time high-altitude trekkers with good preparation, experienced walkers, adventure travellers, small private groups and travellers seeking a non-technical Mount Kenya summit trek.
Journey flow
Where this safari takes you
See the route in travel order, from the first stop to the final destination. Each stage connects directly to the detailed destination guide where available.
2
Day 1
Nanyuki
3
Day 1
Sirimon Gate
4
Days 1 to 2
Old Moses / Judmaier Camp
5
Day 2
Shipton’s Camp
6
Day 3
Shipton’s Camp and surrounding high-altitude trails
7
Day 4
Shipton’s Camp
8
Day 4
Point Lenana
9
Day 4
Chogoria Route
10
Days 4 to 5
Mount Kenya Bandas
11
Day 5
Chogoria
12
Safari beginsNairobi
Safari endsNairobi
Safari Types
How this journey is designed
These categories describe the style of safari you are booking.
Day by day
Your safari itinerary
Open each day to view the route, activities, meals, transport and accommodation details.
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive north through Kenya’s central highlands toward Nanyuki. The route crosses the Equator and approaches Mount Kenya from the northwestern side.
Stop in Nanyuki for lunch and final trek preparations before continuing by vehicle toward Sirimon Gate, one of the official access points to Mount Kenya National Park. Complete park-entry formalities, meet the mountain support team and begin the trek.
The trail climbs steadily through montane forest and bamboo before vegetation changes into giant heather and open moorland. The change in altitude is noticeable, so the first day is walked at a controlled pace with regular hydration breaks.
Arrive at Old Moses Camp / Judmaier Camp at approximately 3,300 m. Settle into the hut or confirmed camp arrangement, enjoy a hot dinner and receive the guide’s briefing for the following day.
AccommodationOld Moses / Judmaier Camp — simple mountain hut or confirmed camping arrangement. MealsLunch; Dinner TransportPrivate Nairobi–Nanyuki–Sirimon Gate transfer; trekking on foot ActivitiesScenic road transfer; Equator crossing; park entry; forest and bamboo trek; altitude acclimatization
After breakfast, leave Old Moses Camp and continue climbing through the open moorland of the Sirimon Route.
The trail crosses the Ontulili River system before contouring across the high moorland toward the Liki North area. Giant heather, tussock grass and distinctive Afro-alpine vegetation dominate the landscape as the trek gains altitude.
Continue into the broad Mackinder Valley, where the central Mount Kenya peaks become increasingly prominent in clear weather. The final approach rises steadily toward Shipton’s Camp at approximately 4,200 m.
This is a substantial trekking day, and the guide will maintain a steady pace to support acclimatization. On arrival, have a hot meal, rest and keep warm as temperatures fall rapidly in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp.
AccommodationShipton’s Camp — simple mountain hut or confirmed camping arrangement at approximately 4,200 m. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportTrekking on foot ActivitiesHigh moorland trek; Ontulili/Liki North crossings; Mackinder Valley; Afro-alpine scenery; acclimatization
Remain based at Shipton’s Camp for a full acclimatization day before the Point Lenana summit attempt.
After breakfast, take a guided acclimatization hike into the surrounding alpine terrain. The exact route is selected according to weather, trail conditions and how the group is adapting to altitude. Options can include walks toward Kami Hut, the Hausberg area, nearby tarns or another suitable high point that allows the group to climb higher before returning to sleep at approximately 4,200 m.
The purpose of the hike is not speed or distance. It provides additional time at altitude, allows the guide to assess each trekker and gives excellent views of Mount Kenya’s rugged central peaks and glacial landscape when the weather is clear.
Return to Shipton’s Camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting, hydrating and preparing clothing, headlamps and personal equipment for the summit departure.
Have an early dinner and retire early because the summit attempt normally begins around 3:00 a.m.
AccommodationShipton’s Camp — second night. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportAcclimatization hike on foot ActivitiesGuided acclimatization hike; alpine tarns/ridge exploration depending on conditions; summit preparation; rest and hydration
Wake in the very early morning for hot drinks and a light pre-summit snack. Depart Shipton’s Camp at approximately 3:00 a.m., subject to the guide’s safety assessment and current weather.
Climb by headlamp over steep rocky alpine terrain toward Point Lenana. The route gains roughly 785 m from Shipton’s Camp and normally takes several hours at altitude. The pace is intentionally slow and controlled.
Reach Point Lenana at approximately 4,985 m around sunrise when conditions allow. From the summit, clear weather can reveal Mount Kenya’s higher technical peaks, the surrounding glacial valleys and extensive highland views. Very clear conditions can occasionally produce distant views toward Mount Kilimanjaro, but this should be treated as a weather-dependent bonus rather than a guaranteed feature.
After summit photographs and a short rest, begin the descent toward the Chogoria side. The route drops through a dramatic alpine landscape of tarns, rocky ridges and glacial valleys. Depending on the exact trail used by the guide, the descent can pass the Hall Tarns/Minto’s area before continuing into the spectacular Gorges Valley.
Continue descending through giant groundsel, heather and progressively thicker vegetation toward the Mount Kenya Bandas area, around 2,900–3,000 m depending on the confirmed accommodation location.
This is the longest and most demanding day of the five-day itinerary, often requiring approximately 11–12 hours or more of trekking. Arrive for a hot meal, dinner and a well-earned overnight rest.
AccommodationMount Kenya Bandas / confirmed Chogoria-side mountain accommodation at approximately 2,900–3,000 m. MealsBreakfast; Lunch; Dinner TransportPre-dawn and full-day trekking on foot ActivitiesPoint Lenana summit attempt; sunrise; alpine descent; tarns and glacial scenery; Gorges Valley; long Chogoria descent
After breakfast, continue the final descent through the lower Chogoria side of the Mount Kenya ecosystem.
The exact combination of walking and 4x4 transfer depends on road conditions, the location of the confirmed Bandas/camp and the current vehicle access point. Where trekking is required, descend through montane forest and bamboo before meeting the vehicle.
Transfer down to Chogoria town and stop for lunch before beginning the road journey back to Nairobi.
Arrive in Nairobi later in the day and transfer to the agreed hotel, residence or drop-off point. Accommodation in Nairobi after the trek is not included unless separately requested.
Your five-day Mount Kenya Sirimon–Chogoria trek ends on arrival in Nairobi.
AccommodationNo accommodation included after the Nairobi drop-off unless separately requested. MealsBreakfast; Lunch TransportFinal forest trek where required; 4x4/road transfer to Chogoria town; private road transfer to Nairobi ActivitiesForest and bamboo descent; mountain exit; Chogoria transfer; return to Nairobi
Shape your safari
Safari choices for your quotation
Select the options that interest you when requesting a quote. No fixed public price is shown because the final quotation depends on dates, traveller numbers, availability and your preferred travel style.
Accommodation
Use the available mountain huts/bandas specified in the itinerary, subject to KWS and accommodation availability. Facilities are simple and mountain-style rather than safari-lodge standard.
Use a supported tented mountain-camping arrangement where required or preferred, with shared expedition equipment, guide, porters and cook.
Add a Nairobi hotel night before departure so the trek can begin after a rested arrival in Kenya.
Add a Nairobi hotel night after returning from Mount Kenya before an onward safari or international departure.
Itinerary
Add an extra Chogoria-side mountain night to reduce the length of the summit/descent day and create a more gradual five-night trekking programme.
Equipment
Request a suitable mountain sleeping bag. Rental is subject to size, temperature rating and equipment availability.
Request trekking poles for the ascent and descent, subject to equipment availability.
Before you travel
Know before you go
Difficulty: this is a demanding high-altitude trek. The summit day is particularly long, combining the pre-dawn ascent to Point Lenana with a major descent onto the Chogoria side. Trekkers should arrive with good cardiovascular fitness and experience walking for several consecutive days.
Point Lenana versus Batian: Point Lenana is the trekking objective on this itinerary. Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) are technical climbing summits and are not included in this package.
Altitude: the itinerary rises from Sirimon Gate to sleeping altitudes around 3,300 m and 4,200 m before the summit attempt. A full acclimatization day is included at Shipton’s Camp, but altitude illness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. Guests must tell the guide immediately about severe or worsening symptoms, and the guide may change or stop the climb for safety reasons.
Five-day pace: the five-day Sirimon–Chogoria traverse is intentionally compact. Day 4 is a very long mountain day. Travellers who want a gentler descent can request a six-day version with an additional overnight on the Chogoria side.
Weather: mountain weather changes quickly. Trekkers should be prepared for strong sun, rain, wind, freezing pre-dawn temperatures and possible ice or snow near the summit. Summit visibility and views toward Kilimanjaro are weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation: mountain accommodation consists of simple huts, bandas or tented camps according to the confirmed arrangement. These are not equivalent to safari-lodge Economy, Standard or Luxury categories. Pre- and post-trek hotels can be upgraded separately if required.
Sleeping bag and personal gear: unless expressly shown in the quotation, sleeping bags, trekking boots, waterproof outerwear, warm layers, gloves, headlamp, trekking poles and personal mountain equipment are not included. Rental equipment can be arranged subject to availability.
Porters: porters carry the shared expedition equipment and the agreed personal load within the operator’s porter-weight policy. Guests should still carry a personal daypack containing water, rain protection, warm layers, snacks, medication, camera and other items required during the walking day.
Water: safe drinking water is provided or treated according to the expedition arrangement. Guests should carry refillable bottles or a hydration system of adequate capacity.
Park entry: Mount Kenya National Park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Service. Park-entry payments are handled through the official KWS eCitizen portal.
Travel insurance: every trekker should have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers high-altitude trekking to at least the maximum altitude reached on this itinerary, including emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Any Flying Doctors or rescue cover included by Greatlink Safaris is subject to provider terms and does not replace personal insurance.
Included
What is included
- Private road transfer from Nairobi to Nanyuki and onward to Sirimon Gate on Day 1.
- Private or arranged road transfer from the Chogoria side of Mount Kenya to Chogoria town and onward to Nairobi on Day 5.
- Kenya Wildlife Service Mount Kenya National Park entry/conservation fees for the trek dates included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Services of a qualified English-speaking Mount Kenya trekking guide throughout the mountain programme. Other guide languages may be requested and are subject to availability.
- Porter support within the confirmed expedition porter-load policy.
- Services of a mountain cook for the supported trekking programme.
- Four nights’ mountain accommodation as described in the itinerary: Old Moses/Judmaier Camp, Shipton’s Camp for two nights, and Mount Kenya Bandas or the confirmed Chogoria-side equivalent.
- Full-board mountain meals as stated in the itinerary: Day 1 lunch and dinner; Days 2–4 breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 5 breakfast and lunch.
- Picnic or packed lunches where required by the trekking schedule.
- Drinking water during the mountain trek, provided or treated according to the expedition arrangement.
- Shared mountain cooking equipment and standard group camping/trekking equipment required by the operator.
- Guided acclimatization hike from Shipton’s Camp on Day 3.
- Guided pre-dawn Point Lenana summit attempt on Day 4, subject to weather, trail conditions and the guide’s safety assessment.
- Chogoria-side descent through the confirmed trail and Gorges Valley route.
- Government taxes and statutory levies relating to the services specifically included in the confirmed quotation.
- Emergency rescue or evacuation assistance where expressly included in the final quotation, subject to provider terms, mountain conditions and operational limitations.
Not included
What is excluded
- International or regional flights to and from Kenya.
- Kenya entry authorization, visa, immigration or passport-related charges applicable to the traveller.
- Nairobi hotel accommodation before or after the trek unless specifically included in the confirmed quotation.
- Dinner in Nairobi after the Day 5 return unless specifically arranged.
- Personal sleeping bag unless expressly included or rented through Greatlink Safaris.
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment, including hiking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers, insulating layers, gloves, warm hat, sun hat, headlamp, sunglasses, trekking poles and personal backpack.
- Technical climbing equipment for Batian or Nelion; these summits are not part of this itinerary.
- Personal medication, first-aid items and prescription drugs.
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including high-altitude trekking and evacuation cover.
- Medical consultation, hospital treatment, medication, helicopter or specialist evacuation costs beyond any expressly included rescue arrangement.
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled speciality beverages and personal snacks not supplied as part of the trek meal plan.
- Laundry and other personal services.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, cooks and drivers.
- Extra porter services or personal baggage exceeding the included porter-load allowance.
- Equipment rental unless specifically added to the quotation.
- Any extra accommodation, transport or meals caused by voluntary itinerary changes or an unscheduled extra mountain night.
- Costs arising from circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control, including severe weather, trail closure, government restrictions, medical evacuation, road disruption or other force-majeure events, except where applicable supplier or booking conditions provide otherwise.
