Mt Kenya trekking Sirimon - Naro moru Route (4 day)
This is most popular of all the routes that lead up to the park areas. It is the steepest and the fastest way up the mountain and ascends the mountain from the west. The route is not particularly scenic but has some of the best tourist accommodations. Most climbers begin hiking at the park gate, although it is possible to drive a vehicle as far as the Met station (3050 metres). Among the challenges in this route include the vertical bog and the extremely steep trail on looses gravel while going up to Point Lenana.
Day 1: Nairobi - Old Moses camp ( 3,300m )
After pick up in Nairobi drive to the Sirimon Park gate (8,700 ft). From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp) for dinner and overnight.
This is a gentle trek that takes 3 - 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 680m.
Day 2: Old Moses - Shipton camp (4,200m).
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, we continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp.
This camp is a surreal setting below towering peaks and glacier. Resident population is of Rock hyrax and sunbirds.
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 3: Shipton - Pt Lenana (4,985m) - Met Station
Kick off at 3.am to reach pt Lenana in time for the African sunrise.
The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good Moon you barely need a torch. Without a Moon, then the pollution- free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the stars as almost anywhere on Earth.
The climb takes 3 -4 hrs and to add to the exhilaration, Mt. Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon.
Descend to Mackinders camp for full breakfast. After a short rest descend further to Met Station via the Moorland and the vertical bogs arriving in time for lunch.
Dinner and overnight at the Met Station cabins.
Day 4: Met station (3,000m) - Nairobi.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours through the rain forest to the Naru moru Park gate to catch a vehicle for the return journey to Nairobi arriving early evening.
2010 Prices:
All Prices are per person.
1 passenger (PAX): US$ 700
2 PAX: US$ 600
3 or more PAX: US$ 575
The following items are included in the above prices:
- All transportation to/from the mountain
- All Park fees.
- All food while on the Mountain.
- Accommodation in mountain huts/ camping where applicable.
- All guiding services
- Porter support for the climb.
Not included in the cost of the trip:
- Personal clothing and equipment (see equipment list)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters (recommended to be 10 - 15% of climb costs)
- Beverages while not on the mountain