3-Day Mount Kenya Trek via Sirimon Route to Point Lenana Sunrise

• Preamble: A quick trek to Mount Kenya that's only recommended for well-acclimatised and energetic mountain hikers. It is a challenging hike to the summit, following straightforward paths and making use of accommodation huts located along the way. However, attempting the summit on Day 3 and descending up to the Sirimon road head on the same day will be difficult, though achievable.

• This is a common itinerary for hikers with limited time for their hike or those on a weekend break. The routing is quite convenient for larger trekking parties since it follows the same trail up and down, allowing those unable to reach the very top to wait behind at the lower camps as the fitter ones attempt the summit.

• An optional night spent at our base lodge before the trek allows time to prepare and to do a nature hike in the Mount Kenya forest, kicking off the much-needed acclimatisation. If time does not permit for this, it's passable.

• 3 Days Challenge: Hikers intending to complete this hike in 3 days should be very well prepared and fit enough. The trek today combines a demanding attempt at the summit and descent to Old Moses Camp (or even further down), where you connect with the vehicle for transfer off the mountain. This task is challenging and needs a lot of resilience.

• Additional 4th-day consolation: Hikers who can spare an extra day on the mountain are strongly advised to spend this extra night at Shipton's Camp after the summit attempt to relax the pace of descent. Alternatively, this additional day might be utilised to boost acclimatisation before the summit attempt. BLD indicates those meals included, i.e. B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner.

Kenya General Health Risks:
Altitude Illness

• Travellers climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (5790m / 18996ft) and Mt. Kenya (5180m / 16994ft) are at risk. Description: Altitude illness occurs as a result of decreased oxygen pressure at high altitudes. The illness is divided into three syndromes recognized by a cluster of symptoms arising from rapid ascent to high altitudes, especially more than 2400m / 7874ft.

• Risk: Altitude illness can occur to anyone at any time, regardless of physical fitness. All non-acclimatized travellers, including children, are potentially at risk of developing altitude illness, which depends on the level of exertion, speed of ascent, altitude reached, humidity, oxygen, and air pressure levels, as well as personal susceptibility. The human body can acclimatize to high altitudes but must be given time to do so, ideally 3 to 5 days.

Acclimatizing to high altitudes:

• Your ascent schedule should include rest days and flexibility in case you need to slow down and adjust to the new altitude. A gradual ascent to high altitude over a few days is ideal. If this is not possible, make sure to allow extra time to acclimatize: 1 day for every 1000m / 3280ft.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for the first two days and avoid all alcoholic beverages for the first few days.

• Set a reasonable pace, avoid overexertion, and keep hydrated. Do not overload yourself with extra gear. If you are camping at high altitudes, ensure that there is good ventilation when using camp stoves and heaters in confined spaces.

• Consult with your healthcare provider if taking acclimatization medication is appropriate for you.

• Persons with pre-existing health conditions such as angina, heart failure, and pulmonary diseases should consult with a high altitude medicine specialist before travelling to mountainous areas.

Symptoms:

• The first syndrome, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is characterized by headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and disturbed sleep appearing 2 to 12 hours after arrival at high altitude. Symptoms usually disappear within 24 to 72 hours as the body acclimatizes to the altitude. If AMS symptoms persist, rest and acclimatization medication are needed. Do not continue to ascend to a higher altitude if symptoms persist. If there is no improvement, descend to a lower altitude by at least 300m / 984ft.

• In rare cases, AMS progresses to the second syndrome, High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which is characterized by worsening AMS symptoms, drowsiness, confusion, staggering gait, and ataxia (lack of voluntary muscle coordination). Immediate descent to a lower altitude is important, since developing HACE symptoms can be life-threatening if untreated immediately. HACE is rare at altitudes below 3600m / 11811ft.

• The third syndrome, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), affects the lungs and is characterized by increased breathlessness with exertion progressing to breathlessness during rest, a dry cough, chest tightness or congestion, rapid heartbeat, general weakness, and blue/purple skin tissue colouration. Developing HAPE symptoms can be life-threatening if untreated. Immediate descent to a lower altitude and administration of oxygen are imperative.

• Immediate descent, combined with medication (and oxygen, if available), is the best treatment for severe AMS, HACE, or HAPE. Consider evacuation if necessary.

Prevention

• Plan your ascent over several days to ensure proper acclimatization (at altitudes of more than 2400m / 7874ft, ascend at a rate of no more than 300m / 984ft per day).

• Learn about the symptoms before you go and heed the warnings when symptoms appear.

• Do not continue to a higher altitude, especially to sleep, when symptoms appear even if you feel they are minor.

• Descend to a lower altitude (at least 300m / 984ft) if symptoms persist while resting at your current altitude.

• 4 Days Naro Moru Route; Price: USD 570 per person.