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Kenya mountain destination
Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak
Forest, moorland and glaciers rising to 5,199 metres above the equator.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Central Kenya
Park size
About 715 sq km
Ideal stay
4 to 6 days
Best time
Jan to Feb, Aug to Sep
Park overview
A mountain world on the equator
Mount Kenya is the country’s highest mountain and the second highest in Africa. Its jagged summits, Batian and Nelion, are for technical climbers, while trekkers aim for Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, reached without ropes or climbing skills.
The national park and its surrounding forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way up you pass through bamboo and montane forest, open moorland dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels, and finally rock, scree and glaciers near the summit.
- Around three hours’ drive from Nairobi
- Classic routes: Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria
- Easy to pair with Samburu or Ol Pejeta
Why go
Six reasons to climb Mount Kenya
A spectacular, quieter alternative to Africa’s busier summits.
Point Lenana
A trekking summit at 4,985 metres with sunrise views across Kenya.
World Heritage forests
Ancient forests and alpine zones protected by UNESCO.
Giant plants
Lobelias and groundsels that look like they belong on another planet.
Lakes and gorges
Chogoria’s Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson are among Kenya’s finest views.
Forest wildlife
Elephants, buffalo and colobus monkeys live on the lower slopes.
Quiet trails
Fewer trekkers than Kilimanjaro, so you often have the path to yourself.
Wildlife and nature
What you will see on the mountain
From forest elephants to alpine giants, every altitude has its own character.
Forest elephants
Living in the lower forest zone, usually seen near the park gates.
Buffalo
Found in forest clearings and on the lower moorland.
Colobus monkeys
Black and white colobus leaping through the forest canopy.
Afro-alpine giants
Giant lobelias and groundsels, unique to East Africa’s high mountains.
Mountain tarns
Clear lakes and streams fed by glaciers and rainfall.
Glaciers and peaks
Ice, rock and the dramatic summits of Batian and Nelion.
When to climb
Mount Kenya through the year
Dry months bring the clearest views and the easiest trails.
Peak season
January to February
Main dry season
Clear skies, firm trails and the best summit views. The most popular time to climb.
Great time
August to September
Second dry season
Cooler, dry weather and good conditions on all routes.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Wet, muddy trails and cloud on the summit. Not ideal for climbing.
Good value
October to December
Short rains
Changeable weather with green scenery and quieter trails.
Things to do
More than the summit
The mountain offers plenty to see on every day of your trek.
Point Lenana trek
Reach the trekking summit at sunrise for views across Kenya.
Chogoria gorges
Walk past waterfalls, lakes and deep valleys on the eastern side.
Forest walks
Explore the lower forests in search of birds and monkeys.
Mountain camping
Spend nights under the stars in camps and mountain huts.
Photography
Glaciers, giant plants and dramatic peaks at every turn.
Moorland hiking
Cross open moorland with sweeping views of the summit.
Plan your climb
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the mountain.
By road
About three hours from Nairobi to the Sirimon or Naro Moru gates, a little longer to Chogoria.
By air
Scheduled flights link Nairobi with Nanyuki, close to the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes.
Where to stay
Mountain huts and camps during the climb, with hotels in Nanyuki or Naro Moru before and after.
Mount Kenya treks
Trips that include Mount Kenya
Classic treks to Point Lenana, plus safaris that pass through the mountain region.
- Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Naro Moru Route, Chogoria Route, Batian Peak
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Naro Moru Route
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, Sirimon Route, Chogoria Route
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, Sirimon Route
- 5 Days 4 Nights
Good to know
Mount Kenya questions, answered
The things climbers most often ask before booking. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
No. Point Lenana is a trek and needs no ropes or technical skills, though good fitness makes it far more enjoyable.
Sirimon is gradual and scenic, Naro Moru is the most direct, and Chogoria is the most beautiful descent. Many climbers combine two routes.
Most treks take four to six days, giving your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Some climbers feel mild symptoms. Walking slowly, drinking plenty and telling your guide early all help.
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, good boots, gloves and a hat. Nights near the summit are below freezing.
Yes. Samburu and Ol Pejeta are close by and make a great finish after the trek.
Ready to climb Mount Kenya?
Tell us your dates and hiking experience, and we will suggest the route and pace that suit you best.
