The Timau Route Mount Kenya approaches the mountain from its quiet northern side, starting near Timau town on the Nanyuki–Meru road at approximately 2,500 m. This is one of the least-used routes on the mountain, passing through open Afroalpine heath and moorland before joining the Sirimon trail in the upper mountain zone near Shipton’s Camp. It requires a special KWS permit and a guide with knowledge of the northern sector. It is best used as part of a longer circuit traverse rather than as a standalone itinerary.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Timau Route begins near Timau town on the Nanyuki–Meru road at approximately 2,500 m.
From here, the trail climbs directly into open heath and Afroalpine moorland — there is less
dense forest on this northern approach compared to the Sirimon or Burguret routes.
The northern approach gives excellent early views of the mountain’s glaciated upper faces and
the sweeping Laikipia plateau. Eland, hyrax, and a variety of Afroalpine birds — including
alpine sunbirds and thick-billed ravens — are commonly encountered in the moorland zone.
The Timau Route joins the main Sirimon trail in the upper mountain area near Shipton’s Camp
(4,200 m), from where the summit push to Point Lenana (4,985 m) follows the standard pre-dawn
route. This makes the Timau most effective as the ascent leg of a Timau–Sirimon or
Timau–Chogoria traverse.
The route is not well-marked and a guide with specific northern sector experience is essential.
It is not currently offered as a standalone commercial route by most operators. TripGenius Travel
can arrange bespoke itineraries for experienced trekkers who want to explore this sector of the
mountain. Duration is typically 5–6 days for a full traverse.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
- Quiet northern perspective on the mountain — virtually no other trekkers on the approach
- Open Afroalpine moorland from the start — sweeping views of the Laikipia plateau below
- Excellent sightings of moorland fauna — eland, hyrax, and Afroalpine birds including sunbirds and ravens
- Early and unobstructed views of the mountain's glaciated upper section from the northern approach angle
- Joins Sirimon trail near Shipton's Camp — seamless integration into a full cross-mountain circuit
- Suitable for adding variety to experienced trekkers already familiar with the three main routes
