This three-day trek follows the scenic Sirimon route to Likii North Valley, offering an opportunity to explore Mount Kenya’s forest, high-altitude moorland, and remote alpine landscapes. It is ideal for hikers seeking a mountain camping experience and gradual exposure to higher altitude without attempting Point Lenana.
The route follows the Sirimon Gate–Old Moses Camp trail on Day 1, continues to Likii North Camp on Day 2, and returns to Nairobi on Day 3. The standard approach to Likii North places the campsite at approximately 3,990 m
Related
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Route
Nairobi – Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp – Likii North Camp – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi
Highest overnight altitude
Approximately 3,990 m at Likii North
Accommodation
Camping at Old Moses and Likii North
Related
MOUNT KENYA
| Day | Route | Activities | Hiking Distance & Time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nairobi – Nanyuki – Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp | Drive from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate, complete park registration, and trek through montane forest and heathland to Old Moses Camp. | Approx. 9 km; 3–4 hours | Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) |
| Day 2 | Old Moses Camp – Likii North Camp | Trek through alpine moorland and scenic valleys, enjoying views of Mount Kenya’s high-altitude vegetation and surrounding peaks. Set up camp and acclimatize. | Approx. 8–10 km; 3–4 hours | Likii North Camp (approx. 3,990 m) |
| Day 3 | Likii North Camp – Old Moses Camp – Sirimon Gate – Nairobi | Descend through the alpine moorland and forest, return to Sirimon Gate, and drive back to Nairobi via Nanyuki. | Approx. 15–18 km; 5–7 hours | Return to Nairobi |
Distance: approximately 9 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Altitude: 2,650 m to 3,300 m
Depart Nairobi early in the morning, around 6:00–7:00 a.m., and drive towards Nanyuki through Kenya’s scenic central highlands. After a short stop in Nanyuki for supplies and refreshments, continue to Sirimon Gate, where you will complete park registration and meet your mountain guide and support crew.
After the briefing, begin hiking through the montane forest, where you may encounter indigenous trees and birdlife. As the trail climbs, the forest gradually gives way to heathland and open mountain vegetation.
Continue along the well-established Sirimon track to Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp, at approximately 3,300 m. Arrive in the afternoon, settle into camp, and enjoy time to relax while taking in views of the surrounding landscape.
Your guide will brief you on the following day's trek to Likii North and explain the importance of maintaining a steady pace and drinking enough water at altitude.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner.
- Accommodation: Old Moses Camp, camping.
- Activities: Mountain trekking, scenic photography, and acclimatization.
Distance: approximately 8–10 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Altitude: 3,300 m to approximately 3,990 m
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at Old Moses Camp before setting off towards Likii North Valley. Follow the Sirimon trail through open heathland and alpine moorland, gradually gaining altitude while enjoying views of the surrounding valleys.
At the trail junction, take the Likii North variation rather than the direct route towards Shipton’s Camp. The trail crosses small streams and traverses the ridges between the Ontulili and Likii North valleys. The terrain becomes more rugged and may be wet or boggy in places.
Continue through the remote alpine landscape, where you may see giant groundsels, lobelias, and other high-altitude vegetation. Enjoy views towards the subsidiary peaks of Sendeyo and Terere, weather permitting.
Arrive at Likii North Camp at approximately 3,990 m and set up camp. After lunch, relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. If conditions and energy levels permit, your guide may lead a short acclimatization walk nearby before returning to camp.
In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and rest at camp. This is a scenic high-altitude camping experience, away from the busier main trekking route.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: Likii North Camp, camping.
- Activities: Alpine trekking, photography, and acclimatization.
The Likii North route is a more remote alternative to the direct approach towards Mackinder Valley.
Hiking time: approximately 5–7 hours, including the descent to Sirimon Gate and depending on conditions
Wake up early at Likii North Camp and enjoy breakfast while taking in the mountain views. Pack your equipment and prepare for the descent.
Retrace the route towards the main Sirimon trail, passing through the alpine moorland and heathland. Continue downhill towards Old Moses Camp, where you can take a short break and enjoy lunch or refreshments, depending on the schedule.
After the break, descend through the mountain vegetation towards Sirimon Gate. The final section passes through forest, offering opportunities to appreciate the changing scenery as you lose altitude.
Upon arrival at Sirimon Gate, complete the park exit procedures and meet your waiting vehicle. Drive back to Nairobi via Nanyuki, arriving in the late afternoon or evening depending on the hiking pace, road conditions, and traffic.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
- Accommodation: None.
- Activities: Mountain descent, scenic drive, and return to Nairobi.
Important: This is a demanding final day. The descent from Likii North to the gate requires a good level of fitness, and transport should be arranged in advance.
Includes
- Return transport from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate.
- Mount Kenya National Park entry fees for the itinerary, as specified in the final quotation.
- Services of a professional mountain guide.
- Cook and mountain support crew.
- Camping accommodation at Old Moses Camp and Likii North Camp.
- All meals during the trek: two breakfasts, three lunches if lunch is provided on arrival and departure days, and two dinners, subject to the agreed schedule.
- Camping tents and shared camping equipment, if included in the package.
- Drinking water or water-treatment arrangements.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges, where included in the final quotation.
- Assistance with mountain safety and trek coordination.
Excludes
- Personal hiking clothing, boots, and personal equipment.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat, unless supplied.
- Porter services for personal luggage, unless requested.
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover.
- Tips and gratuities for the guide, cook, driver, and support crew.
- Personal snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before or after the trek.
- Additional accommodation or meals resulting from delays.
- Personal expenses and any activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Any park fees, camping charges, or taxes not expressly included in the agreed quotation.