Africa's Second Highest Peak
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day expedition to summit Point Lenana (4,985m), the third highest peak of Mount Kenya and Africa's second highest mountain. This classic trek combines the gradual ascent of the scenic Sirimon Route with the dramatic descent via the beautiful Chogoria Route, offering the best of Mount Kenya's diverse landscapes. From montane forests and alpine meadows to glacial valleys and stunning peaks, this expedition provides a challenging yet achievable high-altitude trekking experience perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking to conquer one of Africa's most iconic mountains.
Gradual ascent, excellent acclimatization, beautiful valleys
Spectacular descent, stunning gorges, best views
Non-technical summit accessible to fit trekkers
Guides, porters, cooks - you carry only daypack
Expedition Highlights:
- Point Lenana Summit: Reach the 4,985m trekking summit of Mount Kenya
- Sirimon-Chogoria Circuit: Experience the best combination route up and down
- Alpine Scenery: Trek through stunning alpine zones with unique vegetation
- Mackinder's Valley: Explore the beautiful Mackinder's Valley on ascent
- Gorges Valley: Descend through the spectacular Gorges Valley
- Mountain Huts: Stay in comfortable mountain huts throughout
- Wildlife Spotting: Chance to see unique high-altitude species
- Sunrise Summit: Reach Point Lenana at sunrise for spectacular views
- Professional Team: Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
- Summit Certificate: Official Mount Kenya summit certificate
Detailed Expedition Itinerary
DAY 1: NAIROBI TO SIRIMON GATE TO OLD MOSES CAMP
Morning: Pickup from Nairobi hotel or airport, drive to Nanyuki.
Nanyuki Town: Stop for lunch and last-minute supplies.
Sirimon Gate: Arrive at Sirimon Gate (2,650m), complete park formalities.
Meet Team: Introduction to guides, porters, and cooks.
Begin Trek: Start gradual ascent through montane forest.
Forest Zone: Trek through beautiful rainforest with possible wildlife sightings.
Bamboo Zone: Enter bamboo forest zone.
Heather Zone: Transition to heather and scrub vegetation.
Arrival: Reach Old Moses Camp (3,300m) late afternoon.
Acclimatization: Rest and acclimatize at first camp.
Evening Briefing: Dinner and briefing about next day.
Overnight: Old Moses Camp.
Stats: 3-4 hours hiking, 9km, 650m ascent.
DAY 2: OLD MOSES TO SHIPTON'S CAMP VIA LIKI NORTH
Morning Health Check: Daily altitude assessment.
Breakfast: Early breakfast at Old Moses Camp.
Begin Ascent: Start climb through heather and moorland.
Liki North Hut: Pass Liki North Hut (3,993m).
Mackinder's Valley: Enter spectacular Mackinder's Valley.
Alpine Views: Stunning views of Mount Kenya peaks.
Lunch Break: Packed lunch in scenic valley location.
Continue Ascent: Steady climb to higher altitude.
Arrival: Reach Shipton's Camp (4,236m) afternoon.
Acclimatization: Rest and acclimatize at high camp.
Summit Briefing: Detailed briefing for summit day.
Early Dinner: High-calorie meal before early summit start.
Early Rest: Rest for early morning summit attempt.
Overnight: Shipton's Camp.
Stats: 6-7 hours hiking, 14km, 936m ascent.
DAY 3: SUMMIT DAY - SHIPTON'S TO POINT LENANA TO MINTOS CAMP
Early Start: Wake up at 2:00 AM for summit attempt.
Quick Breakfast: Light breakfast before starting ascent.
Begin Summit: Start climb in darkness with headlamps.
Austrian Hut: Pass Austrian Hut (4,790m) on way to summit.
Final Ascent: Steep but non-technical climb to summit.
Summit Achievement: Reach Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise.
Celebration: Photos, celebrations at summit.
Summit Views: Spectacular views of Batian and Nelion peaks.
Begin Descent: Descend to Austrian Hut for breakfast.
Continue Descent: Descend through beautiful Gorges Valley.
Arrival: Reach Mintos Camp (4,300m) afternoon.
Rest: Well-deserved rest after summit day.
Celebration Dinner: Special celebration meal at camp.
Overnight: Mintos Camp.
Stats: 10-12 hours hiking, 15km, 749m ascent, 685m descent.
DAY 4: MINTOS CAMP TO MERU MOUNT KENYA LODGE
Leisurely Start: Later start after summit day efforts.
Breakfast: Breakfast with views of Mount Kenya.
Gorges Valley: Continue descent through spectacular Gorges Valley.
Vivienne Falls: Pass beautiful Vivienne Falls.
Lake Ellis: Optional detour to scenic Lake Ellis.
Lunch Break: Lunch in scenic valley location.
Bamboo Forest: Re-enter bamboo forest zone.
Montane Forest: Descend through lush montane forest.
Arrival: Reach Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (3,000m).
Comfort Upgrade: Enjoy comfortable lodge accommodation.
Hot Shower: First proper shower since start of trek.
Celebration: Celebration dinner at lodge.
Overnight: Meru Mount Kenya Lodge.
Stats: 5-6 hours hiking, 12km, 1,300m descent.
DAY 5: MERU MOUNT KENYA LODGE TO CHOGORIA GATE TO NAIROBI
Final Mountain Breakfast: Breakfast at lodge.
Forest Walk: Final walk through beautiful forest.
Chogoria Gate: Reach Chogoria Gate (2,950m).
Certificate Ceremony: Official summit certificate presentation.
Farewell: Say goodbye to mountain team.
Return Journey: Begin drive back to Nairobi.
Lunch en route: Stop for lunch on return journey.
Nairobi Arrival: Arrive in Nairobi late afternoon.
Hotel Drop-off: Transfer to your Nairobi hotel.
Optional: Celebration dinner in Nairobi (own expense).
Overnight: Nairobi hotel (included).
Stats: 2-3 hours hiking, 7km, 50m descent.
DAY 6: DEPARTURE OR EXTENSION OPTIONS
Leisurely Morning: Rest and recovery in Nairobi.
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
Optional Activities: Depending on departure time:
- Nairobi City Tour: Visit Nairobi National Museum, Giraffe Centre
- Karen Blixen Museum: Visit "Out of Africa" author's home
- Shopping: Visit Maasai Market for souvenirs
- Rest: Relax at hotel and recover from trek
Lunch: Lunch at hotel or local restaurant.
Airport Transfer: Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Departure: Check-in for international flight.
Extension Options: Combine with safari to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Samburu.
End of Expedition: Official end of Mount Kenya summit expedition.
Sirimon-Chogoria Route Combination: Why It's the Best
| Route Section | Features | Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sirimon Up | Gradual ascent, beautiful valleys, good acclimatization | Better altitude adaptation, less steep than other routes | Ascent, acclimatization, first-time climbers |
| Summit Day | Point Lenana (4,985m), sunrise views, non-technical climb | Achievable for fit trekkers without technical skills | Summit achievement, photography, personal challenge |
| Chogoria Down | Spectacular gorges, waterfalls, most scenic descent | Best views, varied scenery, memorable descent | Descent, scenery, photography, varied experience |
| Total Experience | Complete circuit, all vegetation zones, diverse landscapes | Most comprehensive Mount Kenya experience | Complete mountain experience, variety, value |
Mount Kenya has three main peaks: Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) require technical rock climbing skills, while Point Lenana (4,985m) is a non-technical trekking peak accessible to fit hikers. Our expedition focuses on Point Lenana because: No technical skills required - no rock climbing or glacier travel needed. Higher success rate - approximately 90% for fit trekkers. Stunning views - same spectacular views as technical peaks. Accessible - achievable for dedicated trekkers without mountaineering experience.
Mount Kenya's Unique Ecosystems
Lower slopes (2,000-2,500m) with dense forest, bamboo, and diverse wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and monkeys.
Transition zone (2,500-3,000m) with pure bamboo stands creating unique habitats for specialized species.
High altitude zone (3,000-3,800m) with giant heathers, proteas, and unique alpine vegetation.
Highest zone (3,800-4,985m) with rocky terrain, glacial valleys, and stunning peak views.
Mount Kenya National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. The mountain is recognized for its outstanding natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and importance as one of Africa's most impressive landscapes. The park protects the mountain's fragile alpine ecosystems and provides habitat for endangered species.
Expedition Logistics & Details
Start: 2,650m
Highest: 4,985m
Total Ascent: 2,335m
Descent: 2,035m
Net Gain: 300m
Complete Circuit: 57km
Average Daily: 9.5km
Summit Day: 15km
Longest Day: Day 3 (12 hours)
Total Hiking: 35-40 hours
Summit Day: 10-12 hours
Average Daily: 5-7 hours
Longest Hike: Day 3
Base: 10-20°C
Summit: -10 to 5°C
Shipton's: -5 to 10°C
Variable mountain weather
What's Included in the Expedition:
- All park entry fees, conservation fees, and camping fees
- Professional mountain guides (English speaking)
- Porters (1 porter per client for main bag)
- Cook and assistant for meal preparation
- All meals during the trek (Day 1 lunch to Day 5 lunch)
- Mountain hut accommodation (nights 1-3)
- Lodge accommodation (night 4 at Meru Mount Kenya Lodge)
- Nairobi hotel accommodation (night 5, bed & breakfast)
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, cooking gear)
- Basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Mount Kenya summit certificate
- Return transport from Nairobi to mountain and back
What's NOT Included:
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Sleeping bag (available for rent if needed)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended)
- Travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
- Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Visa fees and international flights
- Meals in Nairobi (except breakfast on Day 6)
Essential Preparation for Mount Kenya
Aerobic Training: 3-4 cardio sessions weekly (running, cycling, stair climbing). Strength Training: Focus on legs (squats, lunges), core strength, and endurance. Hiking Practice: Weekend hikes with loaded daypack, build to 6-8 hours. Altitude Preparation: If possible, train at altitude or use stair machines. Footwear: Break in hiking boots well before expedition.
6-Day Itinerary: Specifically designed for proper acclimatization. Gradual Ascent: Sirimon Route allows excellent altitude adaptation. Hydration: Drink 3-4 liters daily to aid acclimatization. Diamox: Consider acetazolamide after consulting doctor. Listen to Body: Report any altitude symptoms to guide immediately.
Layering System: Moisture-wicking base, insulating mid, waterproof outer. Summit Gear: Warm layers, down jacket, thermal underwear for summit day. Footwear: Hiking boots (broken in), camp shoes, multiple sock pairs. Accessories: Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp with extra batteries.
Medical Check: Complete physical examination before expedition. Vaccinations: Up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Travel Insurance: MANDATORY with emergency evacuation coverage. Medication: Personal medications, altitude medication if prescribed. Dental Check: Complete dental check before expedition.
Essential Gear List:
Waterproof, ankle-supporting, well broken-in
Breathable, with hood, for variable mountain weather
30-40L for daily essentials during hiking
Insulated gloves for cold summit conditions
Rated to -10°C for cold mountain nights
With extra batteries for early summit start
Highly recommended for descent and varied terrain
High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat
Best Time for Mount Kenya Summit:
- Dry Seasons (Recommended): January-February & June-October - best conditions, clearest views
- Shoulder Seasons: November-December & March-May - possible rain but fewer trekkers
- Avoid Heavy Rains: April-May & November - wettest months, challenging conditions
- Summit Success: Highest success rates in January-February and August-September
- Temperature Note: Nights are cold year-round at high altitude
- Crowds: July-August and December-January are busiest periods
Success Rate: Approximately 90% for fit trekkers following our 6-day itinerary. Factors Affecting Success: Weather conditions, individual fitness, altitude adaptation. Turn-around Times: Guides enforce strict turn-around times for safety on summit day. Alternative Options: If Point Lenana not possible due to weather, lower viewpoints still offer rewarding experience. Safety First: Guides may cancel summit attempt due to weather/conditions - respect their decisions. Personal Achievement: Reaching any high point on Mount Kenya is an accomplishment to be proud of.
Ready to Conquer Mount Kenya?
Join our 6-day summit expedition to Point Lenana (4,985m) and experience the challenge and beauty of Africa's second highest mountain. With our proven itinerary and professional support team, you'll have the best chance of summit success.
Book This Summit ExpeditionContact our mountain specialists for fitness assessment and the best time for your Mount Kenya adventure.