Day 1: Nairobi to Sirimon Gate – Trek to Old Moses Camp (3300m)
Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or airport at around 7:00 am. You will travel north in a shared shuttle, passing through Kenya’s central highlands with views of farms, small towns, and changing landscapes. By early afternoon, you arrive in Nanyuki where you stop for a hot lunch and take a short break before proceeding toward the mountain.
After lunch, you continue to Sirimon Gate where the trekking adventure officially begins. Following registration and preparation, you start your hike through dense forest filled with indigenous trees and fresh mountain air. The trail is gentle and well-defined, making it a comfortable introduction to the trek while allowing your body to gradually adjust to the altitude.
The hike to Old Moses Camp covers approximately 9 km and takes about 3–4 hours. As you ascend, the forest begins to open up into moorland, offering wider views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at the camp, you settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night in tents as you prepare for the next stage of the climb.
Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp (4200m)
You wake up early at around 6:00 am and prepare for the day ahead before enjoying breakfast. By 7:00 am, you begin your trek toward Shipton’s Camp, covering a distance of approximately 14 km. The trail gradually ascends through moorland vegetation, with increasingly open landscapes and stunning views of valleys and ridges.
As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes more dramatic with unique alpine plants and rocky terrain dominating the landscape. Along the way, you stop for a hot lunch, giving you time to rest and recharge before continuing the journey. The steady pace helps with acclimatization, making the climb manageable even for those with limited hiking experience.
After 6–7 hours of trekking, you arrive at Shipton’s Camp, located at the base of the towering peaks of Batian and Nelion. The camp offers breathtaking views of the surrounding summits and valleys. After settling in, you enjoy dinner and rest early, preparing for the early morning summit attempt.
Day 3: Shipton’s Camp – Point Lenana – Mintos Camp (4300m)
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You wake up very early at around 2:30 am and prepare for the summit attempt with a light pre-breakfast. By 3:00 am, you begin the ascent toward Point Lenana under the stars, guided by headlamps and the support of your trekking team.
The climb is gradual but demanding due to the altitude and cold conditions. As you approach the summit, the horizon begins to glow, and you reach Point Lenana in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise. From the peak, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of distant Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast plains below.
After spending time at the summit and taking photos, you begin your descent toward Mintos Camp. The descent allows your body to recover as you move to a slightly lower altitude. Upon arrival, you spend the rest of the day resting and relaxing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 4: Mintos Camp to Meru Bandas (3000m)
This day offers a more relaxed pace as you descend through the scenic Chogoria route. After breakfast, you leave camp at around 9:00 am and begin the long but rewarding trek of approximately 22 km toward Meru Bandas. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful sections of the mountain.
Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of Lake Ellis and surrounding valleys, as well as unique landscapes shaped by glacial activity. The descent is gradual and allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of this route, often considered the most scenic on the mountain.
You will stop for a hot lunch along the way before continuing to Meru Bandas. Upon arrival, you settle in for dinner and overnight rest. The lower altitude and warmer temperatures provide a comfortable environment after several days at higher elevations.
Day 5: Meru Bandas to Nairobi
On your final day, you wake up and enjoy breakfast while taking in your last views of the mountain. Afterward, you are picked up by a 4×4 vehicle and transferred to Chogoria town, marking the end of your trekking adventure.
Here, you say goodbye to your trekking team before boarding a shared shuttle for the journey back to Nairobi. The drive takes approximately four hours, passing through scenic countryside and rural towns as you descend from the highlands.
You arrive in Nairobi in the afternoon, between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport. This concludes your five-day trekking experience, leaving you with lasting memories of the mountain and its incredible landscapes.
