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Kenya trekking destination
Mount Kenya National Park
Africa’s second highest mountain, with glaciers, rainforest and giant alpine plants. Climb to Point Lenana or hike the forest on a day trip from Nairobi.
Location
Central Kenya
Highest point
Batian, 5,199 m
Ideal trip
Day hike or 4 to 6 day climb
Best time
Jan to Feb, Aug to Sep
Famous for
Point Lenana and glaciers
Kenya’s great mountain on the equator
Mount Kenya National Park protects Africa’s second highest mountain, an extinct volcano that rises just south of the equator in central Kenya. Its jagged twin summits, Batian at 5,199 m and Nelion at 5,188 m, are technical climbs, but Point Lenana at 4,985 m can be reached by fit trekkers with no climbing experience. The park and its surrounding forest are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A climb passes through distinct worlds in just a few days. Bamboo and montane rainforest give way to open moorland dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias, then to bare rock, tarns and the last of the mountain’s glaciers. Elephant, buffalo and colobus monkeys live in the lower forest, and rock hyraxes keep trekkers company near the high camps.
Three main routes lead to the top. Sirimon is the gentlest for acclimatisation, Naro Moru is the most direct, and Chogoria is often called the most scenic. Our 5 day Sirimon route and 6 day Naro Moru and Chogoria climb are the most popular Mount Kenya tours, while a Mount Kenya day trip from Nairobi offers a taste of the forest.
Why climb or hike Mount Kenya
Six reasons Mount Kenya is a favourite with trekkers who want a quieter alternative to Kilimanjaro.
A summit without ropes
Point Lenana is a non-technical peak, reachable by fit hikers on a guided trek.
Fewer crowds
Far fewer climbers than Kilimanjaro, so trails and camps feel peaceful.
Changing landscapes
Climb from rainforest and bamboo to moorland, alpine lakes and glaciers in a few days.
Giant alpine plants
Giant groundsels and lobelias grow taller than people on the high moorland.
Forest wildlife
Elephant, buffalo, colobus monkeys and bushbuck live on the lower slopes.
Easy to reach
The trailheads are only 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Nairobi.
When to climb Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya can be climbed all year, but the dry months give the best views and the safest conditions on the trail.
January to February
Main dry season
Clear skies, stable weather and the best summit views. The most popular time to climb.
- Best summit conditions
August to September
Second dry season
Cold nights but generally clear mornings, a good alternative to the new year season.
- Good summit conditions
March to May
Long rains
Heavy rain and snow higher up make trails muddy and views limited.
- Not recommended
October to December
Short rains
Afternoon rain and cloud are common. Climbs are possible with good gear and flexibility.
- Possible with care
Wildlife and plants on Mount Kenya
Each altitude zone has its own residents, from forest elephants to plants found nowhere else on Earth.
- Forest zone
Cape buffalo
Buffalo graze in forest glades and along the trails, so guides keep a careful eye out.
- Forest glades
- Often seen at dawn
Things to do on Mount Kenya
Whether you have one day or a full week, there is a way to experience the mountain.
Summit Point Lenana
Join a guided 4 to 6 day trek and reach the summit at sunrise, with glaciers and the twin peaks beside you.
Day hike from Nairobi
Drive to the forest gates and hike through rainforest and bamboo, returning to Nairobi the same evening.
Cross the equator
Stop at the equator line near Nanyuki on the way to the mountain.
Visit Lake Michaelson
Trek the Chogoria route past this deep glacial tarn below the Gorges Valley cliffs.
Combine with a safari
Add Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Samburu after your climb for a trek and safari in one trip.
Planning your Mount Kenya climb
Practical details to help you choose a route, prepare well and climb safely.
Getting there
- From Nairobi: around 3 to 4 hours by road to Nanyuki, Naro Moru or Chogoria, depending on your route.
- Transfers: guided climbs usually include road transfers from Nairobi to the gate and back.
- Day trips: leave Nairobi early for a forest hike and return in the evening.
Choosing a route
- Sirimon: a gradual ascent from the dry northwest side, good for acclimatisation.
- Naro Moru: the most direct route, with a steep and often muddy vertical bog section.
- Chogoria: the most scenic, with lakes and gorges, and often used for the descent.
Good to know
- Altitude: climb slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide about any symptoms.
- What to pack: warm layers, a good sleeping bag, waterproof gear and broken-in boots.
- Fitness: no climbing skills are needed for Point Lenana, but regular walking practice helps.
Mount Kenya climbs and hikes
Guided treks to Point Lenana on the Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria routes, plus a day hike from Nairobi.
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Naro Moru Route, Chogoria Route, Batian Peak
- 5 Days 4 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, Sirimon Route, Chogoria Route
Mount Kenya climbing questions
Answers to the questions climbers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kenya?
Most guided climbs to Point Lenana take 4 to 6 days, depending on the route. Extra days help your body adjust to the altitude and improve your chance of reaching the top.
Do I need climbing experience for Mount Kenya?
Not for Point Lenana, which is a trek rather than a technical climb. Batian and Nelion, the two highest summits, need rock climbing skills and equipment.
Which Mount Kenya route is best?
Sirimon is best for acclimatisation, Naro Moru is the fastest and Chogoria is the most scenic. A popular choice is to climb up Sirimon or Naro Moru and come down Chogoria.
Can you do a Mount Kenya day trip from Nairobi?
Yes. A day trip takes you to the forest zone for a guided hike of a few hours, with around 3 to 4 hours of driving each way. Reaching the summit needs a multi-day climb.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
January to February and August to September are the driest months, with the clearest views and the best trail conditions.
Is Mount Kenya harder than Kilimanjaro?
Point Lenana is lower than Kilimanjaro’s summit, but the terrain can be steeper and wetter. Both need good fitness. Compare our Kilimanjaro treks if you are deciding between them.
Start planning your Mount Kenya climb
Tell us your dates, fitness level and preferred route, and our team will arrange guides, porters and transfers.
