Mount Kenya Climb 2 Days 1 Night Sirimon Route 🏔️

Point Lenana 4,985m · Africa's Second-Highest Mountain · The Fastest Guided Ascent

Wild Springs Adventures · Nairobi-Based Mountain Specialists Since 2013

🏆 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024 & 2025 · ✅ TRA Licensed No. TRA1/47/C01/25895 · 🏛️ TOSK Member #0082

Mount Kenya National Park · 2 Days / 1 Night · Point Lenana 4,985m · From KES 25,500 Per Person

⚡ 5 Key Facts — Read Before You Book

1. Two days is the fastest format to summit Point Lenana. It is achievable — but only for fit climbers who have previously hiked above 3,000m. Read the honest fitness section. This is not a beginners climb.

2. The Sirimon Route approaches Mount Kenya from the north-west. It is the most gradual ascent on the mountain — gentler gradient, excellent moorland scenery, Likii Valley views, and clear sightlines to the twin peaks Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m).

3. Night 1 is at Old Moses Camp (3,300m). The summit push starts at 03:00 AM on Day 2 — directly from Old Moses, gaining 1,685m in a single push to Point Lenana and back. This is the most demanding day on any Mount Kenya itinerary.

4. A KWS-certified guide is mandatory. Kenya Wildlife Service regulations require certified guides for all Mount Kenya climbs. Our guides carry first aid equipment and emergency communication. This is non-negotiable.

5. All prices include KWS park fees, KWS-certified guide, porters, cooking team, all meals on the mountain, camping equipment, and AMREF Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover.

Why the Sirimon Route for a 2-Day Climb

There are three main routes on Mount Kenya. For a compressed 2-day format, Sirimon is the right choice.

The Naro Moru route to the west is faster but includes the infamous Vertical Bog — a section of saturated trail that becomes genuinely difficult in wet season and adds physical strain to an already demanding day.

The Chogoria route from the south-east is the most scenic but is significantly longer to access from Nairobi and requires a larger logistical setup.

The Sirimon route from the north-west starts at 2,650m at Sirimon Gate — a 4-hour drive from Nairobi — and follows a clear, well-defined trail through recovering montane forest, then open moorland, to Old Moses Camp at 3,300m. The ascent is steady and the gradient is kind for acclimatisation.

On a 2-day itinerary, this matters. Every metre of unnecessary difficulty is effort your body needs for the summit push.

⚠️ Honest Fitness Assessment — Essential Reading

Two days is the most compressed Mount Kenya format available. It skips the Shipton's Camp intermediate night (4,200m) that most climbers use before the summit push.

On a 3-day format, climbers sleep at 4,200m before ascending the final 785m to the summit. On this 2-day format, you sleep at 3,300m and then gain 1,685m of altitude in a single summit push starting at 03:00 AM.

This creates a significantly higher acute mountain sickness (AMS) risk than the 3-day format. The risk is real. It cannot be fully predicted in advance — altitude response is individual and does not correlate reliably with general fitness.

Book this climb only if:

You have previously trekked or hiked above 3,000m without significant headache, nausea, or dizziness. You exercise regularly with sustained cardiovascular effort (running, cycling, swimming). You can manage 10 to 12 hours of hiking with a loaded daypack. You understand the turnaround protocol — if your guide determines you have AMS, the climb stops. No exceptions.

If you want better acclimatisation and a higher summit probability, our 3-Day Chogoria Sirimon Climb or Mount Kenya Group Treks with guaranteed weekly departures are the appropriate alternatives. Both carry significantly higher success rates.

If you want to train before attempting this format, our Mount Kenya Beginners Fitness Training Program prepares you within 90 days.

🗻 Climb at a Glance

📐 Altitude and Distance Profile

📋 Full 2-Day Sirimon Route Itinerary

🚐 Day 1 — Nairobi to Old Moses Camp (3,300m): The Sirimon Approach

Departure: 06:00 AM from Nairobi

Wild Springs transport collects you from your Nairobi hotel. The drive heads north toward Nanyuki — Kenya's highland town at the foot of Mount Kenya, sitting on the equator at 1,950m. The mountain becomes visible from the road as you leave the Aberdare plateau behind.

Nanyuki (1,950m) — approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Nairobi. Brief stop for supplies and last signal.

Sirimon Gate (2,650m) — enter Mount Kenya National Park. Your guide team registers with KWS and pays park fees. Gear check and briefing. The trek begins.

The forest section (2,650m to 3,000m) — Sirimon's lower slopes pass through recovering montane forest. Colobus monkeys are frequently visible in the bamboo and podocarpus canopy. African olive pigeons, sunbirds, and the distinctive sound of the Hartlaub's turaco carry through the trees. The forest section is one of the most biodiverse zones on the mountain and one of the most pleasant to walk.

Moorland transition (3,000m to 3,300m) — the forest gives way to open moorland and giant heather. The landscape changes completely. The heather here grows to three metres in the sheltered gullies. The trail opens and the views over the Likii Valley begin.

Old Moses Camp (3,300m) — arrive mid-afternoon. The camp has basic bunkhouse accommodation and a camping area. Your cook team prepares dinner. The altitude here is noticeable — moving more slowly than usual is normal. Eat well, hydrate thoroughly, and sleep as early as possible.

Summit push briefing. Your guide covers the 03:00 AM departure, pacing, hydration protocol, the two scree sections above 4,600m, and the turnaround conditions. The team assesses your condition.

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast in Nanyuki · Lunch at camp · Dinner at Old Moses · 🏕️ Overnight: Old Moses Camp 3,300m

🌅 Day 2 — Summit Push Point Lenana (4,985m) and Full Descent to Nairobi

Wake-up: 02:30 AM · Departure: 03:00 AM

This is the day.

The camp at 03:00 AM is cold, dark, and very quiet. Headtorches on. Your guide sets the pace — slow, steady, non-negotiable. Altitude shortens your stride and your breath. The pace that feels frustratingly slow at 3,300m is the pace that gets you to the summit.

Old Moses to Liki North Junction (3,300m to 3,993m) — the trail climbs steadily through the open moorland. Giant groundsels and giant lobelias — plants that grow nowhere else at this scale — are visible by headtorch. The Liki North route and the Mackinder's Valley route diverge here and rejoin at Shipton's Cave below the summit zone.

Mackinder's Valley (4,000m to 4,200m) — the U-shaped glacial valley with the rock walls of Batian and Nelion directly ahead. The sky begins to lighten. The profiles of the peaks are visible. The Hausberg Tarn and Oblong Tarn are to the right, frozen at the edges.

The two scree sections (4,200m to 4,600m) — the approach to the summit plateau crosses two loose scree bands. The footing is unstable and the altitude is at its most demanding here. Slow and rhythmic. Your guide is watching your pacing and your behaviour closely.

Lewis Glacier approach — the final section to Point Lenana crosses terrain that varies by season — dry scree, frozen scree, or light snow cover. Your guide determines the route based on current conditions. Some scrambling on the final rocky section.

Point Lenana — 4,985m (16,355 ft) — Africa's third-highest trekking peak, on Africa's second-highest mountain. Sign the summit register. Look south — on a clear morning, Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m is visible on the horizon, approximately 340km away. To the east, the Indian Ocean. To the west, Mount Elgon on the Uganda border.

Descent to Old Moses — via Shipton's Camp (4,200m) for a hot breakfast and rest. The descent follows the same route in reverse. Knees and ankles carry the downhill load — trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Exit — Sirimon Gate (2,650m) — KWS registration sign-out. Vehicle transfer to Nanyuki for a celebratory meal.

Nairobi arrival — late afternoon/early evening.

🍽️ Meals: Pre-dawn hot drink · Breakfast at Shipton's · Packed lunch on descent · 🚐 Nairobi arrival: late afternoon

🎒 Gear List — What to Bring

Wild Springs provides all group camping equipment. You carry your personal gear.

Mandatory — no exceptions:

• ✅ Warm sleeping bag — rated to at least -5°C (Old Moses overnight)
• ✅ Waterproof outer jacket — fully seam-sealed
• ✅ Waterproof over-trousers
• ✅ Thermal base layer — top and bottom
• ✅ Fleece mid-layer jacket
• ✅ Warm hat covering ears
• ✅ Liner gloves and warm outer gloves — summit push is pre-dawn and cold
• ✅ Solid ankle-support trekking boots — fully broken in before the climb
• ✅ Headtorch with fresh batteries — summit push is entirely in darkness
• ✅ Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV intensity at altitude is extreme even on overcast days
• ✅ Sunglasses with UV protection
• ✅ Personal water bottles — minimum 2 litres capacity
• ✅ Light daypack for summit push day

Strongly recommended:

• ✅ Trekking poles — the Old Moses descent is 1,685m of downhill on loose terrain
• ✅ Personal altitude medication — consult your doctor about Acetazolamide before the climb

Provided by Wild Springs:

• ✅ Expedition tents · Sleeping mattresses · Cooking equipment · All meals · Hot drinks · Water purification

Gear Rental: Sleeping bags, trekking poles, and waterproof jackets available. Request at booking.

🌿 Leave No Trace — Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are legal conditions of entry, not preferences.

• 🗑️ All waste exits the mountain with your team. Nothing is buried, burned, or left at camp.
• 💧 No soap, toothpaste, or food waste within 60 metres of any water source.
• 🌿 Stay on designated trails. Giant groundsel and giant lobelia grow centimetres per year — a footprint in the wrong place sets back decades.
• 🔥 No open fires above the forest line.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our porters are fairly compensated at rates above KWS minimums. Read our porter pay commitment.

📅 Best Months to Climb

Sirimon in wet season: The Sirimon route is less affected by rain than the Naro Moru route (no Vertical Bog), making it the better 2-day option in shoulder months.

💰 2026 Pricing — 2-Day Sirimon Climb

All prices include KWS Mount Kenya National Park entry fees and conservation charges, KWS-certified guide, porter and cooking team, private Nairobi return transport, expedition camping tents and mattresses, cooking equipment, all meals (Day 1 lunch through Day 2 packed lunch), hot drinks, water purification, first aid support, and AMREF Flying Doctors emergency air evacuation cover for all 2 days.

📌 Sleeping bag rental: KES 500 per night — advise at booking

📌 Deposit: 30% confirms your dates and team

📌 Cancellation: Full refund with 14 days notice · Flexible rescheduling within 12 months

📌 Payment: Card · Bank Transfer · M-Pesa Paybill: 4065921 · Account: Your name plus "MK Sirimon"

✅ What Is Included

• ✔ Private return transport — Nairobi to Sirimon Gate and back
• ✔ KWS Mount Kenya National Park entry fees and conservation charges — all days
• ✔ KWS-certified lead guide — mandatory under KWS regulations
• ✔ Experienced porter team — your luggage carried beyond your daypack
• ✔ Skilled cook team — freshly prepared meals respecting dietary requirements
• ✔ Expedition camping tents and sleeping mattresses
• ✔ Cooking equipment and camp kitchen
• ✔ All meals — Day 1 lunch through Day 2 packed lunch (5 meals total)
• ✔ Hot drinks at camp — tea, coffee, hot chocolate
• ✔ Drinking water and water purification support
• ✔ First aid kit, safety briefing, and emergency response protocol
• ✔ AMREF Flying Doctors emergency air evacuation cover — both days

❌ What Is Not Included

• ✗ Sleeping bag — rental available KES 500/night · advise at booking
• ✗ Personal trekking gear — boots, poles, waterproofs, thermals, headtorch
• ✗ Personal travel insurance — strongly recommended, must cover high-altitude trekking
• ✗ Tips for guide and porter team — ask us for recommended amounts
• ✗ Alcohol and soft drinks
• ✗ Nairobi hotel before or after — available as an add-on
• ✗ Gear rental beyond sleeping bag — advise at booking and we assist

🏔️ Mount Kenya — The Mountain

Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain at 5,199m (Batian). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extinct stratovolcano approximately 2.5 million years old. Erosion has reduced the original estimated height from around 6,500m to the current dramatic jagged peaks.

The three summits:

Batian — 5,199m · Technical rock climb · Ropes required

Nelion — 5,188m · Technical rock climb · Ropes required

Point Lenana — 4,985m · Trekking summit · Your objective

The mountain sits astride the equator. From Point Lenana on a clear morning you can see Kilimanjaro (340km south), the Indian Ocean (east), and Mount Elgon (west on the Uganda border).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2 days enough to climb Mount Kenya?

Yes — for fit, experienced trekkers who have previously hiked above 3,000m without altitude sickness. The 2-day Sirimon format is achievable. It requires sleeping at 3,300m on Night 1 and then gaining 1,685m of altitude in a single summit push starting at 03:00 AM on Day 2. It is demanding. If you have not hiked above 3,000m before, extend to the 3-day format.

Is the Sirimon route the easiest route up Mount Kenya?

The Sirimon route is the most gradual of the three main routes — gentler gradient than Naro Moru and shorter approach than Chogoria. That makes it the recommended choice for the 2-day compressed format. It is still a serious high-altitude trek, not an easy hike.

Is a guide mandatory?

Yes. Kenya Wildlife Service requires all trekkers on Mount Kenya to be accompanied by a KWS-certified guide. This is a legal requirement under KWS park regulations — independent trekking without a guide is not permitted inside Mount Kenya National Park.

What temperature should I expect?

Nairobi 18°C at departure. Nanyuki 15°C. Old Moses Camp (3,300m) overnight: 3 to 8°C. Summit approach pre-dawn: -5 to -10°C. A sleeping bag rated to -5°C minimum is mandatory. Thermal base layers, fleece, and a waterproof outer shell are non-negotiable for the summit push.

What wildlife might I see on the Sirimon route?

The forest section below Old Moses Camp has colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and diverse birdlife. Above the forest line on the moorland, you may see mountain reedbuck, eland, and the rock hyrax which are abundant at Shipton's Camp. Sunbirds are active on the giant lobelias throughout the moorland zone.

How do I book?

WhatsApp +254 729 257 317 with your preferred dates, group size, and any gear rental needs. We confirm guide and porter availability within 24 hours and send a pre-climb briefing document. A 30% deposit secures your team and dates.

🔗 Related Mount Kenya Packages

📞 Book Your Mount Kenya 2-Day Sirimon Climb

📱 WhatsApp / Call: +254 729 257 317 · +254 734 417 496

🇦🇹 Austria: +43 650 702 1313 · +43 676 676 8130

📧 [email protected] · [email protected]

📬 Enquire and Book

📱 M-Pesa Paybill: 4065921 · Account: Your name plus "MK Sirimon"

Weekly departures. Solo bookings welcome. Guide team confirmed within 24 hours. 🏔️

🌍 For Our International Guests — 12 Languages

🇬🇧 English: 2-day Mount Kenya Sirimon Route climb to Point Lenana 4,985m. KWS-certified guide, all meals, camping gear, and AMREF emergency cover included. From KES 25,500 / $195 per person. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇩🇪 Deutsch: 2-tägige Mount-Kenya-Besteigung über die Sirimon-Route bis zum Gipfel Point Lenana (4.985 m). KWS-zertifizierter Bergführer, alle Mahlzeiten, Campingausrüstung und AMREF-Notfallversicherung inklusive. Ab KES 25.500 / $195 pro Person. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317 · Österreich: +43 650 702 1313

🇫🇷 Français: Ascension du Mont Kenya en 2 jours par la route Sirimon jusqu'au sommet Point Lenana à 4 985 m. Guide certifié KWS, tous les repas, équipement de camping et couverture d'urgence AMREF inclus. À partir de KES 25 500 / $195 par personne. WhatsApp : +254 729 257 317

🇪🇸 Español: Ascensión al Monte Kenia en 2 días por la ruta Sirimon hasta el pico Point Lenana a 4.985 m. Guía certificado KWS, todas las comidas, equipo de campamento y cobertura de emergencia AMREF incluidos. Desde KES 25.500 / $195 por persona. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇵🇹 Português: Escalada ao Monte Quénia em 2 dias pela rota Sirimon até ao cume Point Lenana a 4.985 m. Guia certificado KWS, todas as refeições, equipamento de campismo e cobertura de emergência AMREF incluídos. A partir de KES 25.500 / $195 por pessoa. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇮🇹 Italiano: Scalata del Monte Kenya in 2 giorni tramite il percorso Sirimon fino alla vetta Point Lenana a 4.985 m. Guida certificata KWS, tutti i pasti, attrezzatura da campeggio e copertura di emergenza AMREF inclusi. A partire da KES 25.500 / $195 a persona. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇳🇱 Nederlands: 2-daagse beklimming van de Mount Kenya via de Sirimon-route naar de top Point Lenana op 4.985 m. KWS-gecertificeerde gids, alle maaltijden, kampeeruitrusting en AMREF-nooddekkingverzekering inbegrepen. Vanaf KES 25.500 / $195 per persoon. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇮🇳 हिन्दी (Hindi): 2 दिन में सिरिमोन मार्ग से माउंट केन्या पर चढ़ाई — पॉइंट लेनाना 4,985 मीटर। KWS-प्रमाणित गाइड, सभी भोजन, कैंपिंग उपकरण और AMREF आपातकालीन कवर शामिल। प्रति व्यक्ति KES 25,500 / $195 से। WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇯🇵 日本語 (Japanese): シリモンルートから2日間でマウント・ケニアのポイント・レナナ(4,985m)へ。KWS認定ガイド、全食事、キャンプ用品、AMREFの緊急補償付き。1人あたりKES 25,500 / $195から。WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇨🇳 中文简体 (Chinese Simplified): 两天徒步攀登肯尼亚山，沿西里蒙路线登顶莱纳纳峰（海拔4985米）。包含KWS认证向导、全程餐食、露营装备和AMREF紧急医疗保障。每人起价KES 25,500 / 195美元。WhatsApp：+254 729 257 317

🇸🇦 العربية (Arabic): تسلق جبل كينيا في يومين عبر مسار سيريمون إلى قمة بوينت لينانا (4,985 م). يشمل مرشداً معتمداً من KWS، وجميع الوجبات، ومعدات التخييم وتغطية الطوارئ من AMREF. يبدأ السعر من 25,500 KES / 195$ للشخص. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317

🇸🇪 Svenska (Swedish): Bestigning av Mount Kenya på 2 dagar via Sirimon-rutten till toppen Point Lenana (4 985 m). KWS-certifierad guide, alla måltider, campingutrustning och AMREF nödtäckning ingår. Från KES 25 500 / $195 per person. WhatsApp: +254 729 257 317