6-Day Mt Kenya Trek – Kamweti–Sirimon Traverse | Rough North Kenya

6-Day Mt Kenya Trek – Kamweti–Sirimon Traverse | Rough North Kenya

The 6 Days Kamweti – Sirimon Route is one of Mount Kenya’s most remote and scenic climbs. It begins deep in the southern forest reserve at Kamweti and ends at Sirimon Gate. Because the route is rarely used, it offers trekkers unmatched solitude and untouched beauty.

To start, you venture into dense montane forest, where towering trees create a cool and shaded canopy. Soon after, you enter the giant bamboo zone, where filtered sunlight dances through tall green stalks. As you keep climbing, the forest gradually gives way to heather and moorland, and suddenly, sweeping views of jagged peaks appear.

Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as buffalo, bushbuck, and rare bird species. Furthermore, the trail takes you across ridges, down into valleys, and past crystal-clear alpine tarns before eventually joining the Sirimon Route.

On summit day, you begin the final climb to Point Lenana (4,985m) before dawn. As the sun rises, golden light spills over the glaciers, while far below, the valleys stretch endlessly toward the horizon. After enjoying the breathtaking views, you descend into Mackinder’s Valley along the Sirimon Route. Here, you walk among giant lobelias and groundsels, making the final section as scenic as it is gentle.

Finally, you exit at Sirimon Gate, completing one of Mount Kenya’s most rewarding and least-traveled adventures. This route truly blends raw wilderness, diverse landscapes, and a sense of achievement.

Day 1: Depart Nairobi

Leave Nairobi at 8.00 am and drive to Forest Castle Lodge (2000m) for lunch on the southern slopes of Mt. Kenya. The afternoon can be spent for walk around the scenic environment with high chances of coming across elephants and buffaloes. Dinner will be next to the fire place in the dining room of the Castle Lodge.

Day 2: Sagana River camp

Ascent 2,980M After breakfast at the camp you will hike on towards the Sagana River camp which will be at an altitude of 2980 m. The hike, with lunch on the way, takes about 6 hours and is through a dense bamboo forest. Just across the Sagana River you will find your fly camp already set up by the crew. Supper will follow shortly.

Day 3: Thego River camp

Ascent 3,750M • Time 6 hours After a good night rest your walk continues through the bamboo forest to the heath and moor land. The Thego River camp at 3750m is your next destination. Lunch will be taken on the way. The hike takes about 6 hours and if lucky you may have some close encounter with some wild game on the way.

Day 4: Mackinder's Camp

Ascent 4,250M • Time 3 hours Your climb continues for about 3 hours to lake Hohnel through beautiful tropical alpine vegetation dominated by Seneca and Lobelia. At the scenic lake you stop for a lunch break enjoying a view of the clear waters. After another two hours you will finally reach Mackinder's Camp at 4250m in the Teleki Valley. Overnight will be at the Mackinders camp where you will take a final rest in preparation for the next days challenge on the Lenana peak.

Day 5: Austrian Hut

Ascent 4,895M, then decent to 3,400m • Time 3 hours After an early morning breakfast at 3.00 am, the trek leads via a steep screed to the Austrian Hut at 4790m. Here there will be a short break before the final challenge on point Lenana (4895m) via Lewis Glacier. You will then descend on the northern side via Simba Cole to the Shiptons camp (4200m) where lunch will be taken. Thereafter you continue down on the Sirimon route to the Old Moses Camp at 3400m. Overnight will be at the camp.

Day 6: Nairobi – Airport transfer (via Sirimon gate)

Your final descend takes you to the Sirimon gate, where we will drive through to Nanyuki,then finish our expedition at Nairobi where you will be transferred to the airport.

Includes

• Airport pick-up upon arrival in Nairobi
• Round-trip transport in a safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• All national park entrance fees
• Full-board accommodation (meals as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Camping and bandas stays as per the itinerary
• Services of a professional English-speaking mountain guide, skilled porters, and cook
• Drinking water throughout the trek
• Return drop-off to Nairobi or airport

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel and personal insurance
• Tips and gratuities
• Accommodation on the first night upon arrival in Nairobi
• Personal climbing equipment (sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc.)
• Snacks, beverages, and bottled water
• Any items of personal nature (laundry, extra drinks, tips, etc.)