Nairobi in 5 Days for Friends - Ascent via Sirimon route — Old Moses Hut & Mackinder Valley
In Collaboration with Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris Ltd. Updated on February 5, 2026.
Five-day guided climb of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon route (ascent) and Chogoria route (descent). Includes Nanyuki acclimatisation, hiking to Old Moses Hut and Shipton's, a pre-dawn summit of Point Lenana, and descent through the bamboo and gorges of Chogoria. Meals (B/L/D) and park fees included; hiking gear not included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris Ltd, inspired by the tour 5 Day Mount Kenya Climbing Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Ascent via Sirimon route — Old Moses Hut & Mackinder Valley
- Summit attempt: Point Lenana at sunrise (4,985 m)
- Descent via Chogoria — lush bamboo, Gorges Valley, waterfalls and tarns
- Acclimatisation day in Nanyuki and Mau Mau Caves visit
- Group-friendly transfers and shared costs for road-head rides
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Nairobi and transfer to Nanyuki for acclimatisation; afternoon visit to Mau Mau Caves; overnight Nanyuki hotel.
Pickup from Nairobi (airport or city hotel)
Meet your guide and group; luggage check and depart Nairobi. Pickup options include Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or central Nairobi hotels (pickup window begins at 07:30).
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your exact pickup point (airport arrival terminal or hotel) with the operator the evening before — drivers stick to the pickup window.
- Keep one small daypack with essentials (water, snacks, warm layer) accessible for the drive and first-day walk.
- If arriving at JKIA, clear baggage quickly and call your guide to avoid waiting at the curb.
Drive Nairobi → Nanyuki (group transfer)
Scenic drive north to Nanyuki with short stops; journey time ~3.5–4 hours depending on traffic. Light snacks in van; lunch on arrival in Nanyuki.
Tips from local experts:
- Split long-seat time between passengers — swap seats mid-drive if someone needs fresh air or a stretch.
- Bring a power bank — vehicle plug access can be limited; conserve phone battery for mountain photos.
- Carry light motion-sickness remedies if you're sensitive; the road has undulating sections.
Lunch and check-in at Sopa Lodge Nanyuki
Lunch and hotel check-in. Sopa Lodge is a comfortable, group-friendly base for acclimatisation with restaurant options and gardens.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception to store heavy luggage that won't go on the mountain; only daypacks go on the trek.
- Order a hearty lunch with carbs and protein to fuel the first hike the next day.
- Use hotel washing facilities to refresh clothing — it's a long trip up the mountain and fresh gear helps morale.
Afternoon walk & visit: Mau Mau Caves (acclimatisation walk)
Guided short walk around local sites and the Mau Mau Caves used by freedom fighters — gentle 1–2 hour walk to help acclimatise and stretch legs.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep the pace relaxed — this is acclimatisation, not a strenuous hike; conserve energy for the mountain.
- Carry a small flashlight if the caves are dim; good photo moments are available at the cave entrances.
- Respect signage and local guides — these are culturally sensitive sites; ask before photographing people.
Dinner and group briefing
Group dinner at the lodge and pre-climb briefing with the lead mountain guide: route, safety, gear checks and daily plan.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring any last-minute questions about the route; the briefing covers summit timing and shared-cost arrangements for road-head rides.
- Have your main trekking clothes laid out after briefing to avoid morning delays.
- Limit alcohol intake — hydration and sleep are crucial ahead of the climb.
Day 2
Drive to Sirimon Gate and hike to Old Moses Hut (~5 hours). Overnight at Old Moses Hut (3,330 m).
Breakfast & gear check at Nanyuki
Early buffet breakfast, final packing and transfer to Sirimon Park Gate. Lightweight daypack ready with water and layers.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat a carb-rich breakfast (porridge/toast) for sustained energy during the 5-hour hike.
- Double-check boots, gaiters and ponchos — weather can change quickly at higher altitudes.
- Label your duffel/luggage clearly for porters and confirm which items ride to the hut vs. stay at base.
Transfer: Nanyuki → Sirimon Park Gate
Short drive to Sirimon Gate (park HQ) where trek officially begins; park registration and guide final prep.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry your park permit ID if issued in advance; the guide handles most paperwork but keep a copy.
- Use this transfer to test your layers — it can be cool at the gate even if warm in Nanyuki.
- Keep water bottles easily reachable; you’ll refill at the hut if needed.
Hike Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Hut (approx. 5 hours)
Ascent through montane forest to the Old Moses Hut at ~3,330 m. Moderate to strenuous, frequent short breaks; lunch at the hut.
Tips from local experts:
- Pace yourself — altitude acclimatisation is crucial. Walk slow and steady, and use trekking poles for efficiency.
- Snack every 45–60 minutes; small, frequent fuel stops beat a single large snack for energy.
- Charge small electronics before leaving the gate; huts have limited charging and you’ll want power for summit photos later.
Afternoon: Rest, short acclimatisation walks around Old Moses
Short walks around camp, tea breaks, and an early dinner to rest for the next day's longer trek.
Tips from local experts:
- Take a 20–30 minute walk an hour after lunch to help digestion and acclimatisation — avoid long exertions.
- Keep warm layers handy for late afternoon; temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Join the group for a short nature talk — guides often point out unique alpine flora and animal signs.
Dinner & overnight: Old Moses Hut
Communal dinner and sleep in mountain hut dorms. Hydrate well and rest early to conserve energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring earplugs for dorm sleeping — huts can be noisy with snoring in close quarters.
- Keep a headlamp and spare batteries beside your sleeping bag for late-night needs.
- Place damp or sweaty clothing in a sealed bag away from sleeping areas to keep bedding dry.
Day 3
Hike Old Moses → Mackinder Valley → Shipton's Hut (4,200 m). Explore the valley and rest at Shipton's.
Early breakfast and depart Old Moses Hut
Breakfast, gear check and set off toward Mackinder Valley en route to Shipton's Hut. Expect variable terrain.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a warm, high-calorie breakfast — the day includes long uphill stretches and thin air.
- Layer clothing for changing conditions; mornings are chilly while midday can feel warm in the sun.
- Pack wet-weather items even if the morning is clear; the Valley can be misty and wet underfoot.
Hike Old Moses → Mackinder Valley → Shipton's Hut (approx. 6 hours)
Climb through the giant heather and rocky terrain into Mackinder Valley then up to Shipton's Hut at ~4,200 m. Lunch en route/at Shipton’s.
Tips from local experts:
- Take photo breaks at Mackinder Valley — the contrast between rocky ridges and alpine meadows is a great group-shot backdrop.
- Conserve energy for short steep sections; use planted steps and poles to reduce strain on knees.
- If someone feels symptoms of altitude sickness, inform the guide immediately — descent protocols are in place.
Afternoon: Explore area around Shipton's Hut & rest
Short nature walks around the hut, tea, and time to enjoy panoramic valley views. Group photos and summit prep talk for the pre-dawn push.
Tips from local experts:
- Scout the summit route briefing with the guide — this is the last major opportunity for Q&A before summit night.
- Dry out boots and socks if damp — leave them in a sheltered area to reduce blisters.
- Agree on summit wake-up and headlamp checks with your group; synchronised starts make the summit push smoother.
Dinner and overnight at Shipton's Hut
Early dinner and a short sleep before the very early summit start (around 02:30 the next morning).
Tips from local experts:
- Set multiple alarms (phone + guide) — summit starts are extremely early and cold.
- Keep summit day clothing packed in a top pocket of your rucksack for quick access at 02:30.
- Eat a small snack before bed if you get hungry; it helps with overnight energy but avoid heavy meals.
Day 4
Pre-dawn summit push to Point Lenana for sunrise; descend to Mintos for breakfast then continue to road-head and transfer to Chogoria Hut for dinner and overnight.
Pre-dawn summit: depart Shipton's for Point Lenana (02:30 start)
Very early start (about 02:30). Steady trek to Point Lenana (4,985 m) to reach sunrise. Expect 3–5 hours ascent depending on group pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in insulating layers — summit temps are well below freezing before sunrise; mittens and a hat are essential.
- Use a headlamp and keep a steady pace; the route is exposed and slow, steady breathing beats quick bursts.
- Share a summit moment — bring a small flag or group banner for a memorable group photo at the top.
Descent to Mintos Hut for breakfast
Gentle descent to Mintos (approx. 4,250 m) for a warm breakfast and short rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat and rehydrate well at Mintos — descending burns energy and you’ll need steady sugars for the day.
- Watch your footing on the descent; loose scree at high altitude can be slippery when tired.
- Rotate camera duty — capture sunrise shots quickly and then conserve battery for the rest of the day.
Continue descent to road-head and lunch
Descend to the park road-head where the group will stop for lunch and rendezvous with transport to Chogoria.
Tips from local experts:
- The final 32 km to the park gate can be walked; coordinate shared vehicle costs beforehand if you prefer the van ride.
- Keep small change available for shared gate-to-vehicle costs or porter tips.
- Stretch and walk carefully after the summit — knees may feel stiff; a short warm-up avoids strains.
Transfer/drive to Chogoria Hut and check-in
Group transfer from road-head to Chogoria Hut/Chogoria camp area; scenic descent through bamboo and the Gorges Valley. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Hut.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the uphill side in the vehicle for the best valley views and smoother ride.
- Bring a rain layer — Chogoria corridor can be wetter and misty, even on otherwise clear days.
- Celebrate the summit with the group — a small shared treat (e.g., chocolate) goes a long way in huts.
Day 5
Hike from Chogoria Hut down to Chogoria Gate and town, lunch, then transfer back to Nairobi with late-afternoon drop-off.
Breakfast & pack at Chogoria Hut
Final breakfast on the mountain, pack personal gear and prepare for descent to Chogoria Gate.
Tips from local experts:
- Assemble group gear early to avoid last-minute rushing at the hut — porters need clear labeling.
- Keep a small snack on you for the descent; appetite can be low after summit exertion but you’ll need calories.
- Confirm pickup logistics and expected shared-ride costs with the guide before leaving the hut.
Descent: Chogoria Hut → Chogoria Gate (hike)
Descend the remaining route to Chogoria Gate, soaking in waterfalls and the Gorges Valley — moderate to long downhill walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Use trekking poles to reduce knee impact on long downhill sections.
- Take photos at designated viewpoints — the Gorges Valley and waterfalls are highlights on descent.
- If the group wants a shorter walk, arrange vehicle pickup for the steepest sections with the guide.
Lunch in Chogoria Town and logistics wrap-up
Lunch in Chogoria town; final payments for shared rides (if any); debrief with guide and pack for the transfer back to Nairobi.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose simple, hearty options — local restaurants serve rice, ugali and stew which are filling after the trek.
- Settle any cash payments in smaller notes — change can be hard to obtain in small towns.
- Confirm estimated Nairobi arrival time with the driver to coordinate onward flights or hotel check-in.
Drive Chogoria → Nairobi (drop-off at hotel or JKIA)
Return transfer to Nairobi; expect late afternoon arrival. Drop-off at agreed hotel or airport.
Tips from local experts:
- Stretch periodically during the drive and rotate seats so no one gets stuck in an uncomfortable position.
- Keep essential documents and flight details accessible in case of tight flight connections.
- Share photos and contacts now — it’s a great time to make future group plans and split any leftover shared costs.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 5 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Hotel, Attraction, Meal, Outdoor, Break, Experience |
