Thanks for choosing our 4-day Mount Kenya trekking tour! We will accompany you in challenging yourself to trek the highest mountain in Kenya to admire the equatorial sunrise and the snowy peaks. We will escort you to hike to Point Lenana at 4,985 m (16,355 ft) along the Sirimon Route up and down along the Naro Moru Route, which is suitable for most travelers.
1. Is this Route Right for You?
► Total Hiking Distance: About 60 km (37 mi)
► Altitude: 2,660 m-4,985 m (8,727-16,355 ft)
► Recommended Age: 12-70
It doesn’t need too many trekking skills, but you are expected to have a good body condition because of the high altitude and uneven mountain paths. We suggest trekkers without high blood pressure, heart disease, or metabolic diseases such as diabetes book this trekking service. In addition, you need to adapt to walking for up to 10 hours per day.
2. Things to Be Prepared by Yourself
The first and most important thing you need to know is that there is no electricity supplied at the camps we stay at night, so remember to pack portable chargers. As the temperature difference between day and night is significant, and the weather is changeable in the mountains, a thick coat and a raincoat are necessary. UV rays are strong during the day, so we suggest you take sun-protective gear. You can also prepare devices such as a hiking pole, a sleeping bag, and hiking gloves.
3. Best Time for Trekking
If you have less hiking experience, dry season (July -September, January - February) is the best time to trek, as the sky is clear and the hiking condition is pleasant. If you are intend to see the snow-covered top, rainy season (April - May, October - December) is a better choice, but it is relatively difficult for trekking because of rainfall.
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Day 1: Nairobi Pick-up, Sirimon Park Gate - Old Moses Camp↑
In the early morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Nairobi or Nairobi International Airport according to your request. To fully prepare for the following trekking tour, you are advised to arrive in Nairobi one day earlier.
► Walking Time: 4-5 hours
► Ascent: 640 m (2,100 ft)
► Distance: 9-10 km (5.6-6 mi)
After a warm greeting, our guide will drive you about 4 hours to the gate of Sirimon Park (2,650 m; 8,700 ft), where your Mount Kenya trekking will start. Along the way ascending Mount Kenya, our guide will lead you to trek through the lush forest, which boasts rich bamboo, giant heather plants, and other African indigenous vegetation. In addition, you will have the opportunity to encounter naughty monkeys, buffalo, birds, and other wild animals. In the evening, our chef will cook at Old Moses Camp where you will stay overnight with an elevation of 3,300 m (10,827 ft).
★ Our Trekking Service: an Experienced Trekking Expert, a Porter, and a Cook
We will provide a trekking expert who has ascended to the top many times. You will be escorted to admire the beautiful landscapes en route while various African plants and animals will be introduced to you. We also have a porter to help you carry the luggage to release your burden during trekking. In addition, our cook will ensure your food and water safety, so you don’t need to pack bottled water, just remember to bring a thermal mug. You can also help to prepare the meal, which will add an interesting experience to your trekking.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Old Moses Camp
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Day 2: Old Moses Camp - Shipton Camp↑
► Walking Time: 6-8 hours
► Ascent: 900 m (2,953 ft)
► Distance: 14-16 km (8.7-10 mi)
After breakfast in the morning, we will continue to hike uphill to the Shipton Camp. As trekking upward along the trail, we will first hike across the Ontulili River, then turn right through the Moorland, later cross the Liki North River, and finally get to the Shipton’s Camp near Mackinder's Valley. On the way, our professional guide will give you a detailed introduction to the peaks we pass by. At the end of the day, we will have a good rest at the well-equipped Shipton’s Camp at an elevation of 4,200 m (13,780 ft) where you will enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the towering peaks and winding mountain ranges.
Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro - Which is Better to Climb?
Though Mt. Kilimanjaro is famous as Africa’s highest mountain, we recommend Mount Kenya more for the following reasons. It is more affordable to trek in Mount Kenya than Kilimanjaro as it takes a shorter time. And it needs a lower level of physical fitness because of lower elevation and better trekking conditions. Since it is less famous than Mount Kilimanjaro, fewer travelers visit here, which means you can experience a quieter and more secluded trekking. In addition, Mount Kenya offers more diverse landscapes. You can not only see the tropical snow peaks but also step into the giant Lobelias forest beneath the rubble ridge, feeling like being in a surreal world. You may also have a chance to encounter animals, such as zebras and antelopes, if lucky.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shipton’s Camp
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Day 3: Shipton Camp - Point Lenana↑- Met Station↓
► Walking Time: 9-12 hours
► Ascent: 900 m (2,953 ft)
► Descent: 1,985 m (6,512 ft)
► Distance: 21 km (13 mi)
★ Watch the Equatorial Sunrise at Point Lenana - Mt. Kenya’s Third Highest Peak
Today, we need to get up very early and trek around 4 hours to reach Point Lenana (4,985 m; 16,355 ft), the highest place on our climbing route, before sunrise. Although stars shine bright, we need a torch to light up the path. Upon reaching Point Lenana, you will admire the spectacular view of the equatorial sunrise. As the sun comes out, the snow on the top of Mount Kenya reflects the sunlight, which makes the peak show a tinge of gold. When overlooking the rolling sea of clouds and appreciating the faint outline of Mount Kilimanjaro on the horizon, you will get a great sense of achievement.
After a short break, you will descend to Mackinder's Camp and have a hearty breakfast there. Later, following the Naro Moru Route, we will continue the trek downhill to Met Station Cabins (3,000 m; 9,843 ft), where you can have a good rest and explore the surroundings for the rest of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Met Station Cabins
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Day 4: Met Station - Naru Moru Park Gate↓, Transfer Back to Nairobi
► Walking Time: 3 hours
► Descent: 400 m (1,312 ft)
► Distance: About 9 km (5.6 mi)
After breakfast in the early morning, we will hike for around 3 hours through the heavy rainforest and finally descend to the gate of Naru Moru Park where you will take a comfortable vehicle back to your hotel in Nairobi. Just let us know if you need an airport transfer service, and we will be very glad to serve you!
Apart from the astonishing Mount Kenya, Kenya attracts thousands of travelers for its various kinds of wild animals and majestic scenes of the Great Migration. If you want to spot herds of wildebeests crossing Mara River, visit elephants in Amboseli, or admire millions of flamingoes flying over Lake Bogoria, please feel free to contact us for more detailed information!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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