Day 1: Sirimon to (Old Moses) Camp ( 3,300 Metres)
On the Sirimon route, you register at Mount Kenya National Park Gate. From here you hike 9 km up to the Old Moses Camp (3300m).
This two to three hours hike is essential for acclimatization and is also very interesting as you hike through four of the mountain vegetation belts – the tropical rain forest, bamboo jungle, rosewood and heather zones.
The initial part of the trail follows a good track through dense forests alive with birdsong and the sounds of noisy Columbus monkeys. Elephants also inhabit these parts, but they are rare these days and we will be lucky to see one.
We emerge on the edge of the forest which joins the moorland zone and reach our campsite known as Old Moses Camp. For overnight in bunkhouses or tents Altitude gained 690 metres, a walking distance of 9 km. Time 4 hours
Day 2: Judmaier Camp (Old Moses) to Likii North Camp ( 3,990 metres)
Gradual hike through the desolate savannah, avoiding the normal direct trail leading to Shipton’s and following the one that goes up to Likii North, where we camp for the night. Hiking time is about 4 hours, gaining almost 700m in altitude.
There will be ample time this afternoon to recuperate or explore the Likii Valley for more altitude acclimatization. Dinner and Overnight at Likii North in tents (3990m)
Day 3: Likii North to Shiptons Camp (4,200 Metres)
Climb out from the Likii Valley and pass over a ridge to a steep descent into the picturesque Mackinder Valley where we join the normal route from the Old Moses camp, enjoying the panoramic views of the north faces of Nelion and Batian and arriving at Shipton’s camp for hot lunch after a 4-hour trek. Dinner and Overnight at Shipton’s Camp (4200m) in bunk house or tents
Day 4: Shiptons to Point Lenana & Down to Met station
A pre-dawn (3:00 am) start is essential when attempting Point Lenana arriving there in time to see the African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you have good views of Pt. Nelson (5188m), Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding peaks, and on a clear day the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding above the clouds over 340 kilometres away.
You are then most likely to be successful in reaching the summit as well as having the clearest view of the majestic scenery. If the sky is clear right across the southern part of Kenya,
Afterwards descend to Mackinder’s camp 4,200m, afterwards.
Descend to the Met station on the Naromoru track, traversing the alpine zone, a steep marshy section known as the Vertical Bog, giant heather zone and hagenia hypericum zone to reach Met station. Returning by another route gives a fine contrast to your hike, and is only 3 to 4 hours of walking. Stay overnight at Met Station (in the hut).
Day 5: Met Station to Park Gate/ Nairobi
This will be an easy hike down for two and a half hours, walk down. Walking through the tropical rain forest, bamboo jungle, and rosewood to reach Naromoru park entrance for signing out and pick up a pick up to Nairobi or another planned destination.