Choose Your Sirimon Route Itinerary

The driest side of the mountain and the gentlest climb. Our recommendation for first-timers and anyone worried about altitude.

Traverse · from $1,250Sirimon to Chogoria5 daysUp the gentle side, down through the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson.View itinerary → Best summit rate · from $1,250Sirimon to Naro Moru5 daysA full acclimatisation day at Shipton’s. The itinerary most first-timers summit on.View itinerary → Shortest · from $1,000Sirimon Route4 daysUp and back the same way, with honest advice on what four days costs you.View itinerary →

The Sirimon route at a glance

The Sirimon route climbs Mount Kenya from the north-west, starting at Sirimon Gate (about 2,650 m) outside Nanyuki. It is the driest side of the mountain and the most gradual ascent, which gives it the best acclimatisation profile of the three main routes and makes it the natural choice for first-time trekkers.

From the gate, a track climbs 9 km through montane forest and bamboo to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m). The next day crosses open moorland of giant lobelia and groundsel to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m), right beneath the north face of Batian and Nelion. The summit push to Point Lenana (4,985 m) leaves Shipton’s in the early hours so you reach the top for sunrise.

You can come down the Sirimon route the same way, or cross the mountain and descend by the Chogoria route or Naro Moru route to see both sides. The three itineraries above cover each option. If you are unsure which suits your fitness and time, tell us your dates and we will recommend one.