From Nairobi: Mount Kenya Day Hike to Old Moses Camp

This single-day hike takes you partway up Mount Kenya's Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp at 3,300m.

Getting started

Your driver guide collects you from your Nairobi hotel early in the morning, since the drive to Sirimon Gate covers around 200km and takes 3 to 4 hours each way. This is a long day, realistically 14 to 16 hours door to door including driving and hiking combined. Bring your own snacks or lunch, since a meal isn't listed among the inclusions.

What to expect at Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest peak; the Sirimon Route climbs gently through forest, bamboo, rosewood, and heather zones.

Features

• Hike around 9km one-way (18km round trip) from Sirimon Gate (2,650m) to Old Moses Camp (3,300m).

• Climb roughly 650 meters in elevation over forest trails that turn to open moorland higher up.

• Watch for zebra, antelope, and rock hyrax along the route, especially in the lower forest sections.

• At 3,300m, some travelers feel mild effects like headache or fatigue, even on this gentler route.

• Pace yourself on the way up; most of this hike's difficulty comes from altitude, not technical terrain.

What to expect at Old Moses Camp

Old Moses Camp sits at 3,300m and is normally the first overnight stop for multi-day Mount Kenya treks.

Features

• Pause here for views over the surrounding valleys before turning back the way you came.

You hike back down to Sirimon Gate before the return drive to Nairobi, arriving back late in the evening.