Old Moses Camp

Mount Kenya National Park protects a unique Afromontane ecosystem of high-altitude moorlands and glaciated peaks. Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmaier Camp, is situated at the primary roadhead for the Sirimon route.

The camp functions as a critical logistical base and acclimatisation point for trekkers preparing for the ascent towards Point Lenana.

Strategic Location of Old Moses Camp on the Sirimon Route

Old Moses Camp sits at an altitude of 3,300 metres (10,800 feet) within the park's northern boundaries. Trekkers typically reach the camp after a 9-kilometre, three to four-hour walk from the Sirimon Gate. The final approach to the camp is a rough track, suitable only for 4x4 vehicles, which concludes at the camp's clearing.

This position marks the end of motorised travel and the start of the trek proper towards the higher camps of Shipton's and ultimately the summit. On clear days, the camp's clearing affords direct, unfiltered views of the mountain's jagged peaks, providing a powerful visual incentive for the climb ahead.

Shelter and Lodging at Old Moses Camp

Lodging at Old Moses Camp is functional and constructed to provide essential shelter from the harsh mountain environment. The primary structures are large wooden buildings, designed for utility rather than comfort, with a distinct scent of timber and the cold mountain air.

The camp provides a total capacity for around 68 trekkers, distributed across two main types of lodging which prioritise warmth and security over luxury.

Communal Dormitory Bunks

The largest building houses a series of communal dormitories. These rooms contain simple, two-tier wooden bunk beds fitted with basic mattresses.

Occupancy can be high during peak seasons, and all trekkers are required to bring their own high-altitude sleeping bags and liners for warmth. The atmosphere is practical and communal, focused entirely on the shared objective of the mountain ascent.

Private Mountain Huts

Separate from the main dormitory block stand smaller, individual mountain huts. These basic wooden cabins offer more privacy for small groups, typically sleeping between two and six people each.

Their construction is uniform with the dormitories, featuring bunks and mattresses but no other amenities. The huts are allocated by the mountain staff based on availability and the specific size of a trekking group.

Essential Facilities for High Altitude Trekking

The camp's services are pared back to the absolute essentials required for a high-altitude base. A large, central dining hall with long wooden tables and benches serves as the main communal area.

Trekking groups congregate here for meals, which are prepared by their own porters and cooks in an adjacent kitchen block. The camp does not operate a restaurant or provide catering services for independent trekkers.

• Ablution Blocks: The camp provides separate male and female ablution blocks containing long-drop latrines and basic washbasins. The cold water is sourced directly from a mountain stream and is not treated or heated.
• Electrical Power: A limited solar power system provides low-wattage lighting in the communal dining hall after dusk. Trekkers should not expect to find reliable facilities for charging personal electronic devices.
• Communications Signal: No Wi-Fi is available at the camp. Mobile phone signal is highly intermittent and cannot be relied upon for communication.

The Unfenced Afromontane Environment Around Old Moses

Old Moses Camp is entirely unfenced, offering a genuine experience of the Mount Kenya moorlands. The immediate environment is a heathland zone dominated by tussock grass and iconic flora such as Giant Groundsel (Dendrosenecio keniodendron) and various Lobelia species.

Wildlife on the approach trails can include bushbuck, Sykes' monkeys, and Cape buffalo at lower elevations. While larger predators are not a typical concern at 3,300 metres, the unfenced perimeter requires visitors to remain aware of their surroundings, particularly after dark.

Old Moses Camp Key Facts

Is Old Moses Camp the Right Choice for Your Trek

Old Moses Camp is ideally suited for acclimatising mountaineers and budget-conscious trekkers who prioritise function over comfort. The camp's primary asset is its strategic location as the first overnight stop on the popular Sirimon route.

With its basic, no-frills construction and a lack of amenities beyond essential shelter, the camp perfectly serves its purpose as a logistical stepping stone for a summit attempt, rather than being a destination in its own right.