Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek

Trek beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed Mount Kenya in 4-5 days from Nairobi. This is the shortest route on the mountain, but with the advantage of an extra day at Shiptons Camp for acclimatisation, it gives you the best chance of reaching the peak. The trail follows the stunning Sirimon route up through dramatic glacial valleys and descends down the pretty Naromoru trail.

What Kilimanjaro offers in altitude, Mount Kenya surpasses in beauty. Mount Kenya is a volcano that rises dramatically from the Kenyan plains to a height of 5,199m. Glaciation has played a large part in the current formation of the mountain, with dramatic U shaped Valleys, hanging lakes and a number of tarns. The vegetation is striking with a number of different zones represented. The initial ascent climbs through lush montana forest, dense bamboo, and heathland. The highlight for many is the unique high altitude Afro-Alpine zone which plays host to a bizarre collection of pre-historic looking plants including Senecios and Giant Lobelias. The peak for trekkers is Point Lenana at 4985m, which is a moderate scramble up scree and boulders from the Shiptons Hut at 4,200m. (The real peaks at Batian 5199m and Nelion 5188m are accessible only to technical climbers). Whilst it is possible to climb up and down in three or four days, the quick altitude rise means there is a very strong chance of altitude sickness unless you are already accustomed.

The five day trek takes advantage of the gentle altitude rise on the Sirimon route and for safety includes a day of acclimatisation at Shipton's Camp. The first day is a relatively short acclimatisation walk from the Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp. The next day is when it starts to get magic as the forests open up to vast open heathland, with striking views towards the summit. There is a chance of seeing buffalo, elephant and Eland. The long trek ascends up the Mackinder Valley to Shiptons Camp, nestled attractively at the base of the summits. After a day of acclimatisation (and stunning walking) based from Shipton's, the climb to Point Lenana itself is usually attempted very early in the morning to reach the summit at sunrise and miss the mid morning cloud cover. From the top the views are incredible, with the tarns sparkling in the early morning sun, valleys radiating away from the peak and in the distance, The Aberdares range and if you are lucky Kilimanjaro breaking up the horizon.

This trek is one of the most accessible and rewarding mountain climbs in the world, but in order to enjoy it, you do need to be prepared. The main priority is avoiding mountain sickness. Time at altitude in the recent past helps, but failing that, make sure you are on a trek with sufficient acclimatisation time (the 5 day Sirimon Naromoru route is designed for those flying straight in from other countries and is suitable if you haven’t been at altitude before). You need to listen to your guide, take a very easy pace and drink plenty of water. The person most likely to suffer is the competitive trekker keen to prove their fitness by racing to the next camp. You should have a decent level of trekking fitness, but as long as you lead a reasonably active lifestyle and are comfortable walking for 6-8 hours a day then a gruelling pre trek fitness regime is not really necessary. Age is not really a limiting factor, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed Mount Kenya.

As with most treks, the huts and facilities are basic. In all likelihood you won’t be showering for 4 or 5 days and you’ll be sleeping on a well worn mattress. If you come prepared with the right kit and right attitude this shouldn’t be a problem. Bringing your own 4 season sleeping bag is a a very good idea as are baby wipes for washing with.