Description

Mount Kenya Sirimon Route

Mount Kenya is Kenya’s highest mountain and Africa’s second highest mountain at 5, 199m (17,057 ft). Located in central Kenya just south of the Equator and also the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya. Above the habitable altitude, you find a rain forest zone, abundant with many tree species and there is wildlife too mostly in the lower slopes of the mountain due to the lessened temperature extremes. Expect to see African buffaloes, elephants, porcupines, varied antelopes, tree hyrax, groove-toothed rat, leopards and occasionally lions and various species of monkeys.

Further up is open moorland, and beyond is the snow line where vegetation is sparse. Finding snow on the Equator was a great surprise for the first Europeans to get to East Africa! And hopefully the surprise will be on you too.

Day 1: Nairobi – Nanyuki

Leave Nairobi at 0730hrs and head towards Mount Kenya Sirimon Route via central Kenya viewing agricultural farms to arrive Nanyuki in the afternoon for a brief stop over at the equator. Lunch at a hotel in Nanyuki town before driving further to the Sirimon park gate. Accompanied by your guide, cook and porters, walk in 3-4 hours through the rain forest to Old Moses camp (3300 m).

Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp

Day 2: OLD MOSES CAMP – SHIPTON’S CAMP

After breakfast you hike through the moorland. You see high altitude flowers, animals and birds. The hike is through Liki and Mackinders valleys, where you catch a good view of Tereri and Sendeo peaks. You reach Shipton’s camp (4200 m) after a 6-7 hour hike. The camp is situated on top of the Mount Kenya Sirimon Route. Running cold water and a communal area are available for your comfort. From Shipton’s camp you can see the north faces of Nelion and Batian peaks. At Shipton’s (4200m) , the peaks of Mount Kenya are vivid as the camp is just below these peaks. This spot is the most preferable camp just before climbing to Point Lenana.

Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp

Day 3: AUSTRIAN HUT

You ascend in about 4 hours through Simba Col to reach Australian Hut (4790 m). The hut is located on the slopes of Point Lenana near the Lewis Glacier. 30 climbers will be accommodated in the hut with another adjacent hut for porters. Take early rest to prepare for ascent to point Lenana.

Dinner and overnight at Austrian Hut

Day 4: POINT LENANA

After early morning tea, attempt the summit of Point Lenana (4985 m). Lenana is the third highest peak of Mt. Kenya after Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188M). The peak is easily accessible through rocky paths and at times snow. This makes it the most climbed peak in Kenya. At this vantage point you will enjoy breathtaking views of Nellion and Batian peaks, panorama glimpse of the vast Mount Kenya National Park and the magical glacial lakes. You will have breakfast at Mintos hut. You then descend through the beautiful and scenic Chogoria trail. You descend up to Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas.

Dinner and overnight at Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas

Day 5: CHOGORIA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, descend in 6 – 8 hours through tropical rain forest to Chogoria Town. Chogoria Town is an attractive town 140 miles from Nairobi. The town is a popular route for climbers en-route and from the world famous Mt. Kenya. Climbing gear and porters are readily available here. Joywood Hotel Marina and Transit Motel provide the requisite comfort with the later offering rooms with exhilarating landscapes of the cultivated surroundings and of course the mountain in the background. You transfer back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon.

What to bring:   –    Waterproof hiking boots    –    Rain suit    –    Sleeping bags    –    Flashlights    –    Sunglasses Balaclava    –    Hand gloves    –    Night shoes

Remarks:

Note: The above prices are based on a minimum of 2 persons. A price reduction is available for numbers above two persons. Twelve (12) persons may enjoy up to 25% saving on the per person rate!

Included Services:

• Local tourist taxes
• Binoculars for game drive viewing
• Bottled Water at all times while on safari
• Park or reserve entry fees – where applicable
• Driver’s salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
• Game drives or sightseeing as detailed on the itinerary – where indicated
• All meals at hotels as mentioned in the itinerary – ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )
• Ground transportation with an English-speaking driver/guide or naturalist guide
• Pick up from airport of arrival and drop off to the airport of departure while on safari
• Transport based on excellent 4X4 Vehicle (Land cruiser) with open roof for game viewing
• Full board Accommodation and If accommodation is fully booked we’ll suggest a comparable alternative

Excluded Services:

• International flights
• Tips and gratuities, which are optional
• Airport customs entry visas (currently US$ 50 per person)

Optional Services:

• Balloon Flight Trip over the Masai Mara
• Optional Night Game Drives  and Optional Tours

***PLEASE NOTE: The tour can be upgraded to a higher standard accommodation at an extra cost. It can also be cheaper if less expensive (but still good quality) accommodation is used. The final cost of the tour depends on your budget and preference.