A 2-day Mount Kenya trekking safari via the Sirimon Route. Night 1 at Old Moses Camp (3,300m). Day 2 pushes to Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) in the Mackinder Valley with direct views of the central peaks and Lewis Glacier. Descend and return to Nairobi on day 2. Mountain guide, porter, and cook included. The minimum itinerary that reaches the upper mountain zone.
Quick Highlights
[VISUAL: Mackinder Valley Mount Kenya wide U-shaped glacial valley Shipton’s Camp 4200m central peaks — alt: “2 days mount kenya sirimon route old moses shiptons camp mackinder valley”]
| Detail | Information |
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Route | Sirimon Route, northwest approach |
| Maximum Altitude | Shipton’s Camp, 4,200m |
| Overnight | Old Moses Camp, 3,300m |
| Departure | Nairobi Day 1 morning (approx. 05:00 to 06:00) |
| Return | Nairobi Day 2 evening |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Crew | Mountain guide, porter, cook |
| Park Fees | Included (USD 80 per adult per day, 2 days) |
Who Is This Trek For?
Ideal for: Trekkers who want the upper mountain zone without committing to a summit attempt
Ideal for: Those testing altitude response before a Kilimanjaro or longer Kenya climb
Ideal for: Travellers with 2 days who want a genuine mountain overnight in the moorland zone
Not ideal: those wanting to summit Point Lenana; 2 days does not allow safe acclimatisation for Lenana
Not ideal: those new to physical activity; 2 days of sustained uphill requires solid cardiovascular fitness
What 2 Days Delivers
One night at Old Moses Camp (3,300m) changes the experience completely from the 1-day hike. Sleeping at altitude gives the body its first acclimatisation period and makes a genuine upper mountain day possible. Day 2 pushes 14km and 900m of elevation gain from Old Moses to Shipton’s Camp at 4,200m through the Mackinder Valley, one of Mount Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes.
The honest note on what 2 days does not deliver: it does not safely allow a Point Lenana summit attempt. Driving from Nairobi, sleeping one night at 3,300m, and attempting 4,985m the next morning is an insufficient acclimatisation profile for most people. We do not offer Lenana on a 2-day itinerary. If the summit is your goal, the 4-day or 5-day itinerary is the right choice.
Budget note: The 2-day trek is the minimum itinerary that includes a porter and cook in addition to the mountain guide. At this price point, you get a full mountain crew at Old Moses and a hot meal after the day’s climb.
Tipping guide (per trek, paid at end in cash): Mountain guide: USD 15 to 20 per day
Porters: USD 8 to 12 per day each
Cook: USD 10 to 15 per day
Tips are important to crew livelihoods and are appreciated. Your guide can advise on current KES equivalent amounts.
Gear Checklist
Mount Kenya Gear Checklist
Tick off before you leave. Sleeping bags and trekking poles are available for hire in Nanyuki. Confirm when booking.
□ Layering system: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer (fleece or down), waterproof outer shell (jacket and trousers)
□ Warm hat (balaclava recommended for summit treks; a warm beanie is sufficient for a day hike to 3,300m)
□ Insulated gloves and inner liner gloves
□ Trekking trousers (quick-dry or softshell; not cotton)
□ Thermal base layer underwear
□ 3 to 4 pairs of moisture-wicking trekking socks
□ Well-worn waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
□ Trekking poles (strongly recommended; protects knees on descent and assists on steep terrain)
□ Headlamp with spare batteries (for early forest entry; summit treks depart at 02:00 to 03:00)
□ Sunglasses with UV protection (strong equatorial UV above treeline)
□ Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with SPF
□ Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 litres; aim for 3 to 4 litres per day at altitude)
□ Water purification tablets or filter (backup)
□ High-energy trail snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit)
□ Personal first aid kit: blister plasters, pain relief, anti-diarrhoea, antiseptic
□ Diamox if prescribed by your doctor
□ Personal prescription medications
□ Sleeping bag rated to -10C minimum
□ Small daypack (25 to 30 litres) for the trail
□ Waterproof pack cover or dry bags for electronics
□ Camera and power bank (cold kills batteries; keep camera inside jacket)
□ Gaiters (recommended especially for Chogoria forest sections and summit scree)
□ Passport and booking documents
□ Travel insurance documents with emergency contact number
□ Cash (KES or USD) for crew tips
Best Time
| Season | Months | Conditions | Recommendation |
| Dry Season 1 | Jan to Mar | Clear, cold, excellent visibility | Best. |
| Dry Season 2 | Jul to Oct | Dry and cold; good acclimatisation conditions | Excellent. |
| Short Rains | Nov to Dec | Some afternoon showers | Acceptable. |
| Long Rains | Apr to Jun | Heavy rain; not recommended | Avoid. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I summit Lenana on a 2-day trek?
Point Lenana at 4,985m is not the objective on a 2-day itinerary because the acclimatisation profile is insufficient. Arriving from Nairobi, sleeping one night at 3,300m, and attempting 4,985m the next day carries a high probability of altitude sickness on the push above 4,200m. Our guides have managed clients in serious AMS situations on rushed Lenana attempts. We do not offer it on 2 days. The 4-day and 5-day itineraries are built for Lenana.
What are the facilities at Old Moses Camp?
Old Moses at 3,300m has KWS bunk huts (4 to 8 per room), basic kitchen area, and toilet facilities. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -5C; temperatures drop significantly after dark. The huts provide shelter from wind and rain.
How physically demanding is the Shipton’s Camp day?
Day 2 involves 900m of elevation gain over 14km in 5 to 7 hours, followed by a full descent of approximately 3 to 4 hours. Total walking time on day 2 is 8 to 11 hours. This is a demanding mountain day. Good cardiovascular fitness and lower-body strength are the main requirements.
How to Book
| Step | What Happens |
| 1 | You send your preferred date, group size, fitness background, and Nairobi pickup location |
| 2 | We confirm availability and check current park permit status for your dates |
| 3 | We confirm the final trek quote including all park fees, crew, and equipment |
| 4 | You receive payment instructions to confirm the booking |
| 5 | Once payment is received, your trek is reserved and permits arranged through KWS |
| 6 | We send your booking confirmation and full pre-departure briefing pack |
Common Trekking Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Arriving expecting to summit
Fix: We say it clearly in the booking process but it bears repeating: 2 days does not deliver Lenana. Shipton’s at 4,200m with the central peaks immediately above is the reward of this itinerary. It is genuinely spectacular.
Mistake 2: Not breaking in trekking boots before the trek
Fix: New boots cause blisters. On a 2-day trek with a full descent on day 2, blisters that start on day 1 become significant by the end of day 2. Wear your boots on several long walks before departure.
Mistake 3: Packing too heavily in your personal daypack
Fix: Porters carry the camp equipment. Your daypack should have only what you need for the trail: water, snacks, layers, camera, first aid. A heavy daypack on sustained uphill drains energy unnecessarily.
Mistake 4: Ascending all the way from Old Moses to Shipton’s without stopping to acclimatise
Fix: The Mackinder Valley is long and the altitude gain is real. Stop at natural rest points, drink water, eat snacks, and let your body keep pace with the altitude. Rushing the ascent to Shipton’s is the most common reason trekkers feel unwell on the upper mountain.
