The Sirimon–Naro Moru Traverse is an excellent way to climb Mount Kenya, approaching through the scenic Sirimon Route and descending through the Naro Moru Route.
This 5-day trek provides time for gradual acclimatization, beautiful mountain scenery, and an early-morning summit attempt to Point Lenana (4,985 m
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Overview
Itinerary summary – distances and altitude profile
| Day | Hiking section | Distance | Elevation gain/loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sirimon Gate – Old Moses | 9 km | +550–650 m |
| 2 | Old Moses – Shipton’s | 14–17 km | +900 m |
| 3 | Acclimatization hike | 4–6 km | +200–300 m |
| 4 | Shipton’s – Point Lenana – Met Station | 15–17 km | +785 m / -1,935 m |
| 5 | Met Station – Naro Moru Gate | 9 km | -400–650 m |
| Total | 51–58 km |
Related
Sirimon-Naromoru route
Itinerary Description – Mount Kenya Sirimon–Naro Moru Route (5 Days)
Experience an unforgettable Mount Kenya trekking adventure via the scenic Sirimon Route, descending through the famous Naro Moru Route. This 5-day trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush montane forests and bamboo zones to beautiful alpine moorlands, dramatic valleys and rugged high-altitude terrain.
The journey offers spectacular views of Mount Kenya's iconic peaks, unique alpine vegetation, glaciers and surrounding wilderness. Along the way, you will have time to acclimatize to the altitude before making your final ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the third-highest peak of Mount Kenya.
The summit attempt begins in the early hours of the morning, allowing you to reach Point Lenana around sunrise and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. After celebrating your achievement, you will descend via the Naro Moru Route through the Teleki Valley and the famous Vertical Bog before reaching the mountain's forest zone.
This route combines the scenic beauty of Sirimon with the challenging descent of Naro Moru, offering an excellent opportunity to experience Mount Kenya's diverse landscapes and achieve the rewarding summit of Point Lenana.
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Route: Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp – Shipton's Camp – Point Lenana – Met Station – Naro Moru Gate
Highest Point: Point Lenana (4,985 m)
Starting altitude: 2,650 m
Ending altitude: 3,300 m
Walking distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: +650 m
- Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive towards Nanyuki, enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way.
- Arrive at Sirimon Gate (2,650 m), where you complete park registration and meet your mountain crew.
- Begin hiking through montane forest, bamboo vegetation and open moorland.
- Enjoy the changing mountain scenery as you gradually gain altitude.
- Arrive at Old Moses Camp (3,300 m), where you have dinner and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: Old Moses Mountain Hut / bunkhouse.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Starting altitude: 3,300 m
Ending altitude: 4,200 m
Walking distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: +900 m
- After breakfast, leave Old Moses Camp and continue towards the high-altitude alpine zone.
- Follow the Sirimon trail through the moorland, passing spectacular views of the mountain peaks.
- Cross the Ontulili and Liki North valleys, depending on the chosen trail variation.
- Continue towards Mackinder's Valley, enjoying views of the surrounding peaks and unique high-altitude vegetation.
- Arrive at Shipton's Camp (4,200 m), located beneath the dramatic peaks of Batian and Nelion.
Accommodation: Shipton's Mountain Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Starting altitude: 4,200 m
Highest point: Approximately 4,400–4,500 m
Walking distance: 4–6 km
Elevation gain: Approximately +200–300 m
This day is dedicated to acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude before attempting the summit.
- Enjoy breakfast at Shipton's Camp.
- Take a gradual acclimatization hike towards a higher point in the surrounding area.
- Practise the principle of climbing high and sleeping low.
- Return to Shipton's Camp for lunch and relaxation.
- Your guide will assess everyone's condition and provide a briefing about the summit attempt.
- Have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit.
Accommodation: Shipton's Mountain Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Starting altitude: 4,200 m
Summit altitude: 4,985 m
Ending altitude: 4,200 m
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Net elevation gain to summit: +785 m
- Wake up around 2:00 AM and have a light breakfast or hot drink.
- Begin the summit attempt around 3:00 AM under the guidance of your mountain guides.
- Hike towards Kami Hut area and continue along the rocky alpine trail towards Point Lenana.
- Reach Point Lenana (4,985 m) in time for sunrise, weather permitting.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kenya's surrounding peaks and glaciers.
- Take photographs at the summit before beginning the descent.
- Descend towards Austrian Hut and continue into Teleki Valley to Mackinder's Camp (approximately 4,200 m).
- Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest after the summit.
Accommodation: Mackinder's Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Starting altitude: 4,200 m
Ending altitude: 2,400 m
Walking distance: Approximately 14 km
Elevation loss: -1,800 m
- After breakfast, begin descending through Teleki Valley.
- Follow the Naro Moru trail towards Met Station (approximately 3,050 m).
- Continue through the famous Vertical Bog section, a wet and sometimes muddy stretch of the route.
- Descend through the forest towards Naro Moru Gate.
- Complete park exit formalities and meet your transfer vehicle.
- Drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon or evening depending on road conditions.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Includes
- Transport from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate.
- Return transport from Naro Moru Gate to Nairobi.
- Mount Kenya National Park entrance fees.
- Mountain accommodation fees at designated camps and huts.
- Professional English-speaking mountain guide.
- Experienced mountain porters.
- Professional mountain cook.
- All meals during the mountain trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Drinking water during the trek.
- Camping or hut accommodation as specified in the package.
- Porter services for carrying shared camping and cooking equipment.
- Government taxes and applicable park charges.
- Ground rescue services as provided under the park arrangements.
Excludes
- International flights to and from Kenya.
- Kenya entry visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), where applicable.
- Travel insurance, including high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation cover.
- Personal hiking equipment and clothing.
- Sleeping bag and personal sleeping accessories.
- Hiking boots, trekking poles and waterproof clothing.
- Personal snacks, energy bars and additional drinks.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks and porters.
- Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before or after the trek.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs.
- Additional services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Personal medical expenses and air evacuation.