Mount Kenya Climb to Point Lenana – KMKC
With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, a Mount Kenya climb is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. Mt. Kenya’s spectacular rocky peaks offer some of the finest views. Pass through rolling hillsides covered with unique high elevation vegetation. These 5 and 6 day routes will take you to Point Lenana at 4985 m. For more technical climbs to Nelion or Batian summits, you will need 8 days. Refer to Climbing Mt Kenya.
Of all routes, Sirimon is the more gentle one. Chogoria is the most scenic, as well as longest and the toughest of all the routes. The highest peaks are Batian 5,199 metres (17,057 ft), Nelion 5,188 m (17,021 ft) and Pt Lenana 4,985 m (16,355 ft).
Weather
The highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between October and mid-December. Rain and snow can be encountered at any time of year, even in the driest months January – February. Rainy seasons in Kenya last from March to June and from October to December.
Normally, the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings. Rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon. Temperatures vary considerably with height and with time of day. At 3000 m, frost can be encountered at night. Day temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period. During this time, rock climbs are “in-condition” and snow and ice climbs gradually deteriorate.
In the June to October period, the north-facing rock climbs and south-facing ice climbs are best. The north face route is best done June – October. The standard route is best December – February. However, it is possible to climb the mountain during the rainy seasons with slight difficulty experienced in the vertical bog and scree.
The highest peaks are Batian 5,199 metres (17,057 ft), Nelion 5,188 m (17,021 ft) and the 3rd highest is Pt Lenana 4,985 m (16,355 ft). The routes below are not technical, but do at times require some scrambling over ice and snow to reach the Lenana summit.
Mount Kenya Climb overview and pricing
8 day Technical Climbing Mt Kenya routes to Nelion and Batian peaks
High Altitude Climbing and Altitude Sickness
4 Main Routes to Point Lenana
- Sirimon – Sirimon Route 5 days
- Sirimon – Naro Moru Route 5 days
- Sirimon – Chogoria Route 6 days
- Chogoria – Sirimon Route 6 days
1. Sirimon to Point Lenana, Sirimon descent – 5 days
Sirimon route is considered a gentle approach, gaining altitude from the north-west. An extra day is built in for acclimatization, as altitude remains the main challenge. A recent forest fire means the first day is no longer through beautiful forest, but on an open track. The trail follows the line of the glacial Mackinder Valley to up the high camp, Shipton’s, under the summit spires of Batian and Nelion.
Point Lenana summit is reached on scree and rocky paths becoming snow covered at Lewis Glacier. The last section to Point Lenana summit require some scrambling before rewarding you with stunning views. The route is remote, less frequented and easy to climb.
Sirimon – Sirimon Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi – Old Moses Camp 3300 m
Leave Nairobi at approximately 6:30 am for drive to Nanyuki, which normally takes 4 hours. We then proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon gate. Your guide will register with Kenya Wildlife Service and pay fees while porters and cooks distribute the provisions. We follow the fairly steep track uphill for 10 kms, forking left at the junction to reach Old Moses camp which is situated at 3,300 m.
You will stop for a picnic lunch on route to Old Moses Camp, an ascent of 690 m. There is a possibility of sighting wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and baboons.
Day 2 Shipton’s Camp 4236 m
Hike through the Liki Valley via Mackinder Valley to Shipton’s Camp for 7 – 8 hours. Have lunch served en route. At Shipton’s Camp, you will have splendid views of the north faces of Nelion and Batian peaks. Enjoy your well earned dinner here and camp overnight.
Day 3 Peak Circuit for Acclimatization Shipton’s Camp 4236 m
After breakfast, we start the peak circuit to help with acclimatization, ascending to a steep ridge through Kami Hut, Hausberg Col and Two Tarns Lake. It will take approximately 4 hours walk through some of the most spectacular scenery. Return to Shipton’s Camp.
Day 4 Point Lenana 4985 m and to Old Moses 3300 m
Arise at 2:30 am for hot tea and biscuits. Ascend to Point Lenana for sunrise. this will take approximately 7 hours, 6 km. From here, you can admire Mt. Kilimanjaro’s highest peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi, visible from the south. Spot The Indian Ocean from the east and Mt. Elgon from the west. Descend to Shipton’s Camp for breakfast, and continue down to Old Moses, where you will be staying overnight. This takes another 4 hours and 14 km, making the total distance 20 km.
Day 5 Nairobi
After breakfast you leave camp to reach the Sirimon Gate. Drive to Nanyuki for lunch and then to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon to celebrate your success.
2. Sirimon Route to Point Lenana, Naro Moru descent – 5 Days
The Sirimon Route is a non-technical ascent that requires no mountaineering skills. The route climbs up through a recovering forest that gradually turns into moorland. Vegetation becomes more sparse before you come to Point Lenana for magnificent views. Sirimon route is considered a gentle approach. It gains altitude from the north-west. The trail follows the line of the glacial Mackinder Valley to up the high camp, Shipton’s. Thus you will be under the summit spires of Batian and Nelion.
Point Lenana summit is reached on scree and rocky paths. It becomes snow covered at Lewis Glacier. The last section to Point Lenana summit requires some scrambling. Your reward is stunning views. The descent takes you through bamboo forest, alpine heath and bog. This section provides a better chance of spotting wildlife.
Sirimon – Naro Moru Itinerary
Day 1 Old Moses Camp 3300 m
Depart Nairobi for Nanyuki, and proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon Gate. Your guide will register with Kenya Wildlife Service. Pay fees while porters and cooks distribute the provisions. Next, follow the fairly steep track uphill for 10 kms, This takes about 4 hours. Then, fork left at the junction to reach Old Moses camp at 3,300 m. On route, stop for a picnic lunch. There is a possibility of sighting wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and baboons.
Day 2 Shipton’s Camp 4236 m
Hike through the Liki Valley via Mackinder Valley. It takes about 7 – 8 hours to reach Shipton’s Camp. Have lunch served on route. At Shipton’s Camp, you will have splendid views of the north faces of Nelion and Batian peaks. Enjoy your well earned dinner here and camp overnight.
Day 3 Peak Circuit for Acclimatization Shipton’s Camp 4236 m
After breakfast, we start the peak circuit to help with acclimatization. Ascend to a steep ridge through Kami Hut, Hausberg Col and Two Tarns Lake. It will take approximately 4 hours walk through some of the most spectacular scenery. Return to Shipton’s Camp for overnight.
Day 4 Point Lenana 4985 m and Met Station 3048 m
Arise at 2:30 and ascend to Point Lenana for sunrise. From here, you can admire Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance, Africa’s highest mountain. Follow this with descent to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast. Thereafter, continue on to Met Station for overnight.
Day 5 Nairobi
Depart camp after breakfast for Naro Moru Gate, 2 hours walk. Transfer to Nanyuki for lunch and then on to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
3. Up Sirimon to Point Lenana and Down Chogoria – 6 Days
The Sirimon Route is a non-technical ascent that requires no mountaineering skills. An extra day is built in for acclimatization, as altitude remains the main challenge. The route climbs up through an astonishing forest that gradually turns into moorland. Vegetation becomes more sparse before you come to Point Lenana for magnificent views. Chogoria route follows the Gorges Valley. Views over areas such as Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table are provided, before heading down through moorland and forest.
Chogoria route is the most scenic and interesting of the three main routes on the mountain. The route passes the enchanting Hall Tarns. Additionally, it looks down sheer cliffs into the spectacular Gorges Valley and onto the beautiful Lake Michaelson.
Sirimon – Chogoria Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi – Old Moses Camp 3300 m
Leave Nairobi for drive to Nanyuki, normally 4 hours. Proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon gate. Your guide will register and you can pay the park entrance fees here. After a picnic lunch, we follow the track uphill for 10 kms. There is a fork left at the junction that takes us to Old Moses camp. It is is situated at 3,300 m. The ascent from Sirimon gate to Old Moses is 690 m.
Day 2 Liki North 3993 m
Depart camp at around 7:30 am. An early start is best for views. The walk crosses two ridges and several streams, taking 3 – 4 hours. You will then reach the beautiful valley of Liki North. The valley is dominated by the peaks of Sendeyo and Terere. This section takes you from moorland to the alpine zone with giant groundsel and lobelia. Camp overnight here.
Day 3 Shipton’s Camp 4250 m
After breakfast, ascend the west side of the valley. Continue over a ridge, then down into the Mackinder Valley to meet the direct route. This will take one to two hours. From here, we follow Mackinder Valley and then ascend the valley on the other side to reach Shipton’s camp. The total walk takes about 5 hours from Liki to Shipton’s Camp. Here there is a bunkhouse and campsite. It is one of the main bases for summit attempts, used by trekkers and mountaineers.
Day 4 Shipton’s Camp 4236 m Point Lenana 4985 m
Walk up to Simba Col at 4620 m on route to Shipton’s Camp. This is a lovely 3 km trail. If the weather is good, you can attempt your ascent of Point Lenana, at 4985 m, another 2 – 3 hours. Return to Shipton’s camp.
Day 5 Point Lenana 4985m – Meru Mount Kenya Lodge
Arise at 2:30 a.m., have tea and biscuits, then leave at 3:00 a.m. for the Lenana summit. This section is a long, hard slog, and the path is indistinct in places. Continue walking across tough scree, until you come to Harris Tarn. Continue up the north face of Point Lenana. Reach the summit after about 45 minutes, for the sunrise at 6:30 a.m. After enjoying the views and taking photos, descend towards the spectacular Gorges Valley.
Continue to the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge. This is a simple mountain lodge near the Chogoria Gate. We have a long day with the descent taking about 7 hours. Rewards are a hot shower and dinner in front of a log fire.
Day 6 Nairobi
Walk down through indigenous forest about 10 km. Meet up with a landrover to take you down the rest of the track and on to Chogoria town. From there, your transport back to Nairobi will take about 4 hours.
4. Up Chogoria to Point Lenana and Down Sirimon – 6 Days
Chogoria route follows the Gorges Valley, before heading down through moorland and forest. Considered to have the most spectacular landscape and geological features, the route is long but well worth it. There are far-reaching views of lakes and glacial tarns. In addition, deep gorges and unusual rock formations will awe you. These volcanic formations include “The Temple” amphitheatre and “The Giant’s Billiard Table”.
Chogoria – Sirimon Itinerary
Day 1 Chogoria Bandas
Depart Nairobi at approximately 6 am for Chogoria Park Gate (2950 m), approximately 4.5 hours. Follow this with transfer to Chogoria Bandas up a steep track for another 1.5 hours. Total travel time is approximately 6 hours from Nairobi. Take a gentle stroll in the afternoon to acclimatize.
Day 2 Lake Ellis 3405 m
Follow the Chogoria Route trail towards the conical Mugi Hill. Turning off the main route, you will then walk to Lake Ellis. This walk takes 4 hours and covers 10 km. An option is to take a detour to Nithi Waterfalls for a picnic lunch or you can have lunch at the lakeside.
Day 3 Lake Michaelson 3900 m
Ascend steadily to Lake Michaelson to camp overnight. This takes 6 hours of climbing for 8 km. The last section is a descent down to Lake Michaelson for overnight.
Day 4 Shipton’s Camp 4236 m Point Lenana 4985 m
Walk up to Simba Col at 4620 m on route to Shipton’s Camp, a lovely 3 km trail. If there is favourable weather, you can attempt your ascent of Point Lenana. This would take another 2 – 3 hours. Afterwards, carry on down to Shipton’s camp.
Day 5 Point Lenana, Kongoni Camp
If you did not ascend to Point Lenana the day before, arise at 2:30 a.m., and depart for the Lenana summit. This section is a long and hard with tough scree. Continue up the north face for the sunrise at 6:30 a.m. Bask in the views and descend to Old Moses Camp. This will take another 5 – 6 hours. Once you are at Sirimon Gate, transfer to Kongoni Camp.
Day 6 Nairobi
Enjoy breakfast followed by your transport back to Nairobi to celebrate your success.
Mount Kenya Climb overview and pricing
