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Kenya trekking destination

Mount Kenya National Park

Glacier-capped peaks, forest trails and quiet routes to Point Lenana at 4,985 metres.

Mount Kenya treks
Plan your trip

Location

Central Kenya highlands

Best time

January to February

Ideal stay

Four to six days

Famous for

Point Lenana trek

Location

Central Kenya highlands

Best time

January to February

Ideal stay

Four to six days

Famous for

Point Lenana trek

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Summit sunrise

Trekkers reach Point Lenana at dawn for views across a sea of cloud.

Africa’s second-highest mountain

Mount Kenya rises above the central highlands a few hours north of Nairobi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its jagged peaks, Batian and Nelion, still hold small equatorial glaciers.

Trekkers climb through bamboo and montane forest, across moorland dotted with giant lobelia and groundsel, to Point Lenana at 4,985 metres. The trails are far quieter than Kilimanjaro’s, and elephant and buffalo roam the forest on the lower slopes.

Where your guide will take you

  • Sirimon route
  • Naro Moru route
  • Chogoria route
  • Lake Michaelson
  • Shipton’s Camp
  • Point Lenana

What you’ll see on the mountain

Forest wildlife, strange alpine plants and glacier-carved peaks, all on one climb.

The summit peaks

Batian and Nelion rise above 5,100 metres, with Point Lenana open to trekkers.

Giant groundsel

Strange alpine plants found only on East Africa’s high mountains.

Forest elephant

Elephants move through the bamboo and montane forest on the lower slopes.

Colobus monkey

Black-and-white colobus leap through the forest canopy.

Buffalo

Buffalo graze forest glades and the edge of the moorland.

Glacial tarns

Clear mountain lakes left behind by the retreating glaciers.

More than the summit

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your time on the mountain.

Summit Point Lenana

4,985 metres at sunrise.

Summit Point Lenana

Reach the trekking summit at dawn for views over the peaks, the glaciers and a sea of cloud.
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The Chogoria route

The most scenic way up.

The Chogoria route

Pass Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley on one of the most beautiful trails in East Africa.
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Forest walks

Bamboo and montane forest.

Forest walks

Guided walks through the lower forest, home to colobus monkeys, forest birds and the occasional elephant.
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Guided day hikes

A taste of the mountain.

Guided day hikes

Not ready for the summit? Day hikes from the park gates give you forest, moorland and big views.
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Camping under the stars

High camps and clear skies.

Camping under the stars

Sleep at camps and huts along the routes, with clear night skies far from any city lights.
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Birdwatching

Forest and alpine birds.

Birdwatching

Look for turacos and sunbirds in the forest and the scarlet-tufted sunbird on the high moorland.
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When to climb Mount Kenya

The mountain has two dry seasons. Pick one for the clearest trails and the best summit views.

Best time

January to February

Prime trekking season

The driest, clearest weeks of the year for reaching Point Lenana.

March to May

Long rains

Wet trails and cloudy summits. Most trekkers avoid these months.

June to October

Second dry season

Good trekking, especially from August, though nights are colder.

November to December

Short rains

Afternoon showers and cloud, with clear spells around Christmas.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

Road or air, to Nanyuki.

  • By road: around three to four hours from Nairobi to Nanyuki or Naro Moru.
  • By air: scheduled flights connect Nairobi with Nanyuki.
  • Combined routes: pairs well with Ol Pejeta, Samburu or Lake Nakuru.

Where to stay

Huts, camps and lodges.

  • On the mountain: huts and high camps along the trekking routes.
  • Before and after: lodges and hotels around Nanyuki and Naro Moru.
  • Any budget: we match accommodation to your plans and comfort level.

Park and camping fees are charged by Kenya Wildlife Service per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Mount Kenya treks and safaris

Guided treks to Point Lenana, with the option to add a safari in Ol Pejeta, Samburu or Lake Nakuru.

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Mount Kenya FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

Batian, the highest peak, is 5,199 metres. Most trekkers climb to Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, which needs no technical climbing.

Our treks take five to six days, allowing time to acclimatise before the summit.

No. Point Lenana is a trek, not a technical climb. Good fitness and a steady pace matter most.

January to February and August to September are the driest months, with the clearest views.

Sirimon is a steady climb with good acclimatisation, Chogoria is the most scenic and Naro Moru is the most direct. Many trekkers go up Sirimon and down Chogoria.

Climb slowly, drink plenty of water and allow an extra night on the way up. Our itineraries are paced to help you acclimatise.

Summit nights drop below freezing, so a warm sleeping bag and good layers are essential.

Yes. Ol Pejeta, Samburu and Lake Nakuru are all within easy reach of the mountain.

Start planning your Mount Kenya trek

Tell us your dates, group size and fitness level. We’ll come back with a trek itinerary built around the season and the route you want.

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