Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the center of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m, and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885, and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana, and Nelion), point Lenana can be reached by climb Mount Kenya trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of its taller neighbor Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Mount Kilimanjaro may see much more traffic - due to the possibility of summiting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honor of being one of the Seven Summits - but Mount Kenya climbing routes offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow, and ice.
The rock climbing Mount Kenya can be of variable quality but is at its best high on the mountain where the syenite rock is similar to granite. It is rough, hard, and well endowed with features. Apart from the superb climbing potential on Mount Kenya, its tarns and alpine meadows; exotic, equatorial, high-altitude vegetation; sunbirds, hyrax, and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains.
After the cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes, the trails pass through the rain forest, rich in trees of many species but noticeably camphor, then onto a bamboo zone growing to heights of more than 12m or more up through open moorland before reaching the moonscape of higher slopes. The forests are rich in wildlife including elephants, buffalo, and monkeys with even the moor lands offering a long list of mammals including the rock hyrax, the nearest living relative of the elephant.Mt. Kenya is an ancient volcanic mountain much older than Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s believed to have once reached well above 600m. What is left today is a volcanic plug which erosion has fashioned into the complex jagged outline of the central peaks.
The most popular route in Mount Kenya National Park although not the most scenic which approaches from the west. Naro Moru route is also the fastest route to the trekking peak at Point Lenana. Take this classic route up Mount Kenya through the notoriously treacherous vertical bog and into the wide Teleki Valley beneath the Tryndall, The Lewis Glacier. Though the summit can be reached in 4 days hiking as per the below itinerary, we strongly recommend an overnight acclimatization at the base, probably at Naro Moru River Lodge. This can be arranged for at an extra fee. This is one of the most popular hiking trail located near Naro Moru Town on the slopes of Mount Kenya. The route offers trekkers with the chance to see wildlife. Trekking the trail is graded as moderately difficult. Climbing on this trail primarily offers opportunity for hiking past vertical bog (muddy bog) and backpacking.
Day 1: Nairobi/Meteorological Station 3-4 hrs, 10km, 400m ascent An early morning departure from Nairobi at 8am. Transfer to Mount Kenya National Park at Naro Moru Gate for registration and where the hike starts, 2600m. From the gate, keep to the park track, which follows the crest of a board ridge between the Northern and Southern Naro Moru valleys. The going is easy and it’s a pleasant walking through the forest. About two thirds of the way up after the bridge there are good views to the left north down into the Northern Naro Moru valley. The trek ends at Met station 3,000m where dinner and overnight rest will be, L, D.
Day 2: Met Station/Mackinders Camp 5-6 hrs, 10km, 1200m ascent Take an early morning breakfast. Head uphill on the track to pass the radio must on your right after about half an hour. The trek runs into a path and after another 30 minutes, you will reach the end of the forest belt and enter the moorland. This is the vertical bog conditions range from damp to glutinous depending on when it last rained. Continue through until the going improves and you reach a fork overlooking Teleki Valley to reach Mackinders Camp, 4,200m. Dinner and overnight at Mackinders Camp, B, L, D.
Day 3: Mackinders Camp/Point Lenana/Met Station, 8-10 hrs, 11km, 785m ascent The normal approach is to start an early morning at 2 am in order to reach point Lenana taking about 4 hr walk by sunrise at 6:30am. After sunrise, descend down to Mackinders Camp for breakfast, 2hrs and walk further 4hrs, way back to Met Station for dinner and overnight, B, L, D.
Day 4: Met Station/Naro Moru/Nairobi 3hrs, 9km, 400m After breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9km to Mount Kenya National Park's Naro Moru Gate at 2,600m. Here, you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi arriving at approximately 3pm, B, L.
NOTE MKC 401: 4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Naro Moru Route Distance: 40 km | Difficulty: Demanding | Start/Finish: Nairobi
This Mount Kenya climbing route is much more scenic than Naro Moru route. 4-day Sirimon route is on the drier side of the mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climbing up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki Town. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain.
Attempting the summit can be done in 4 days hiking. Those with additional time can opt to spare an extra night at Liki North Camp in between Old Moses Camp and Shipton Camp.
The summit at Lenana Peak can be reached in 4 days hiking as per the below itinerary. However, we recommend an overnight acclimatization at the base in Nanyuki town. Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions can helps in arranging for an extra day at an additional fee.
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmier Camp (Old Moses Camp), 3-4 hrs, 9km, 860m ascent Leave Nairobi early morning at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Mount Kenya National Park Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the Sirimon Park Gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
Day 2: Judmier Camp/Shipton Camp, 6-7hrs, 14km, 900m ascent After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley. From the valley, there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
Day 3: Shipton Camp/Point Lenana/Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp), 9-10hrs, 21km Attempting the summit at Lenana Peak. Leave early morning at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns. Arrival at Point Lenana (Lenana Peak) is at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Shipton Camp, 2hrs, for breakfast. Then hike further 4hrs down to Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight, B,L,D
Day 4: Judmaier Camp/Sirimon/Nairobi, 2-3hrs, 9km After breakfast, walk down through the rainforest for 2~3 hours to reach Sirimon Gate to sign out of Mount Kenya National Park. From Sirimon park gate, you will now connect with your transport to Nanyuki Town for lunch. This will be followed by vehicle transfer back to Nairobi arriving at approximately 3pm, B,L
NOTE MKC 402: 4 Days Mount Kenya Climb - Sirimon Route Distance: 53 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Start/Finish: Nairobi
Pack camping gear and supplies to strike out on the eastern side of the mountain up this long but spectacular approach through the deep chasm of gorge valley. Mount Kenya Climbing Expeditions recommends the 5-day Chogoria route as it is the most scenic of all the routes. Hiking on this route allows one to enjoy the remarkable Nithi Falls, Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and the Gorges Valley. It is possible to add an extra day at Austrian Hut, top hut giving one and opportunity to acclimatize comfortably thus reducing summit distance and time.
Mount Kenya is characterized by a series of peaks which are naturally crowned with snow, and its slopes are covered with forests. Here you can perform an adventurous activity, as the 5199 meter (17,057 ft) high summit is a difficult technical climb. Mount Kenya presents the perfect destination for the experience. It’s an extinct volcano with some trees half a million years old. Straddling the Equator, the mountain provides a mosaic of woods, moorland, stone, and ice, and is crowned by the glittering twin peaks of Batain (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m).
Regarded as the sacred home of Ngai, God of the Kikuyu men and women. Mount Kenya is Kenya’s premier mountain, a climbers mecca, as well as the state’s namesake. Mount Kenya is a favorite destination for a vacation. The mountain is located 175km north of Nairobi and readily available from Nanyuki, through the Naro Moru gate or Sirimon gate. Travelers from the Meru and Embu towns can use the Chogoria Gate.
Day 1: Chogoria/Mount Meru Bandas - 4hrs, 16km walk, 950m ascentPick up from your hotel in Nairobi at 7am to Chogoria town for an early lunch. After lunch, take a 4x4WD vehicle to the forest clearance, 16km from where the walk starts. You will walk for 16km through the montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zone along the dirt and sometimes very muddy road. Also, hiking through the high altitude moorland to reach Mount Meru Bandas at 2950m in 4hrs. Dinner and overnight at Mt. Meru Bandas, B,L,D
Day 2: Mount Meru Bandas - Road Head Camp, 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascentAfter breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. After walking for approximately 3-hrs, you will reach Road Head Camp. Overnight at Road Head Camp at 3300m.
Day 3: Road Head/Mintos Hut - 4 hrs, 12km After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head from where the path drops to cross a stream. The it follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley to reach Mintos Hut, 4200m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Hut, B, L, D
Day 4: Mintos/Point Lenana/Met Station - 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent/1985m descentLeave shortly after midnight at 2am towards the main peaks. The route divides after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields, arriving at point Lenana at 6:30am. After taking photographs, descend via Naro Moru route to Mackinders for breakfast. Continue walking down to Met Station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest, B,L,D
Day 5: Met Station/Naro Moru/Nairobi - 3hrs, 9km, 400m descentAfter breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9km to Naro Moru Park Gate at 2,600m where you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3pm, B,L
NOTEMKC 501: Chogoria Route Down Naro Moru routeDistance: 75 km | Difficulty: Demanding | Start/Finish: Nairobi
The combination of Sirimon route starting from the west of Mount Kenya National Park passing through the driest side of the mountain. On this ascent, trekkers encounter with giant trees, rocky terrain and the charming Mackinders Valley before descending via the Chogoria route. On descending Chogoria spotting the characteristic lush bamboo zone and the highland forests while gazing at the magnificent Gorges Valley, waterfalls and tarns.
Route is much more scenic than Naro Moru route. It is on the dry side of mountain (Mount Kenya National Park) which offers some of the finest walking experiences. Climb up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. This 5-days Climbing Mt Kenya route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki at Sirimon Park Gate. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain. The last night is at the comfortable Mt Kenya Bandas equipped with well deserved hot and cold showers
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp), 3-4 hrs, 9km, 860m ascentLeave Nairobi at 7.30am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate (Sirimon Park Gate), 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
Day 2: Judmier Camp/Shipton Camp, 6-7hrs, 17km, 900m ascentAfter breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. Following one hour trekking from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North. Continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks (Nelion, Batian and Lenana). Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
Day 3: Shipton Camp - acclimatization daySpend the day acclimatizing with guided hikes. You will spend the day trekking to Kami Hut and down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for an early dinner and overnight in readiness for the next day's summit attempt, B,L,D.
Day 4: Shiptons/Point Lenana/Mount Meru Bandas (Chogoria Gate), 11-12hrs, 32km, 785m ascentYou are awake early in the morning for some. We now leave the camp at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns. The journey lasts about 3 hours arriving Mount Kenya Point Lenana (6km from Shipton Camp) at 6:30am. Trekking to Lenana Peak at 4985m taking about 3hrs or so. Enjoy photographic session and sightseeing from the summit. After the African sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut (6km), 2hrs, for breakfast. Proceed with the adventure hiking for 20km, 4-5hrs further down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m (Mt Kenya Bandas). Dinner and overnight at Mount Kenya Bandas, B,L,D
Day 5: Chogoria Bandas/Chogoria/Nairobi, 2hrs, 15kmAfter enjoying your last breakfast, you will walk down by trekking for 2hrs, 15km to forest clearance. The remaining part distance of approximately 16km is by 4x4WD vehicle. Catch a 4x4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, B,L.
This 6-day Chogoria - Naro Moru route trekking expedition is by far the most scenic and interesting route to reach the trekking peak at Lenana Point (Pt Lenana). The first night is at the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (Mt Kenya Bandas) grounds with camping. There is an option to stay at the Meru Mount Kenya Lodge or Bandas at an additional cost.
Chogoria route trekking starts from the Eastern side of the mountain. It takes in tropical forests, bamboo forest, and the moorland. The Mount Kenya hiking route offers accommodation in camping for all the nights. Descent is via Naro Moru route to overnight at Met Station. Also, descending is possible via Sirimon route / Shipton's Camp with an overnight at Old Moses Camp. Breakfast would be at Shipton camp 4200m before onward hike down through Mackinders Valley.
Some of the scenic spots that makes this route to be the most interesting include Nithi Falls, Lake Ellis, Nithi River, Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson, giant billiard table and the hall tarns.
Day 1: Nairobi/Chogoria TownPick up from your Nairobi Hotel at 8am and drive north to Chogoria town (on the eastern side of the mountain) for lunch. Afternoon is spent on leisure walk in the town to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Town at Lizlo Hotel, 2000m, L,D.
Day 2: Chogoria/Mount Meru Bandas - 4hrs, 16km walk, 950m ascentAfter breakfast, take a 4x4WD vehicle to the bamboo forest clearance, 16km from where the hiking starts on Chogoria route. You will walk for 16km through the forest along the dirt and sometimes very muddy road. The trekking / hiking lasts for 4hrs to reach Mount Meru Bandas at 2950m for lunch. Afternoon leisure walking around the camp to discover the nearby scenic areas. Dinner and overnight camping at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (Mt Kenya bandas), B,L,D.
Day 3: Mount Meru Bandas - Road Head Camp, 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascentAfter breakfast, hiking follows the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Road Head Camp taking approximately 3-4hrs. Dinner and overnight camping at Road Head Camp at 3300m. It is also possible to go via Lake Ellis, B,L,D.
Day 4: Road Head/Mintos Hut - 4 hrs, 12kmAfter breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Mintos Hut, 4200m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Camp, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mintos/Point Lenana (Pt. Lenana)/Met Station - 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent/1985m descentLeave shortly after midnight at 2am towards the main peaks of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. Divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields. Arriving at Point Lenana (the only trekking peak) at 6:30am. After taking photographs and celebration at the summit, descend from the trekking peak via Naro Moru route. Alternatively, it is also possible to hike down via Sirimon Route and shipton's camp - shipton camp 4200m to spend the night at Old Moses Camp). Hike down to Mackinders for breakfast. Continue with your trekking down to Camp at Met Station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest, B,L,D
Day 6: Met Station/Naro Moru Gate/Nairobi - 3hrs, 9km, 400m descentAfter breakfast, descend by hiking for approximately 3hrs through the rainforest which is 9km to Naro Moru Gate at 2,600m. From the gate, you will connect with your transport to Naro Moru Town for lunch. Take an onward transfer back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3pm, B,L
NOTEMKC 601: 6 Days Chogoria Route Down Naro Moru routeDistance: 75 km | Difficulty: Demanding | Start/Finish: Nairobi
MKC 602: 6 Days Sirimon - Naro Moru Route - Trek Mt KenyaDistance: 60km | Difficulty: Demanding | Start/Finish: Nairobi
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmaier Camp (Old Moses Camp), 3-4 hrs, 9km, 860m ascentLeave Nairobi at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Mount Kenya National Park's Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From Sirimon Gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmaier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
Day 2: Old Moses | Liki North Camp, 10km, 3hrs, 3900mAfter breakfast, the trekking follow the track uphill through the Mount Kenya National Park rain forest to 3990m, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go towards the left contouring through the Moorland and crossing over to the Liki North Camp for the night (camping) at 3993m, B,L,D.
Day 3: Liki North Camp | Shipton's Camp, 5km, 2hrs, 4000mWake up a sumptuous breakfast. You will then start trekking from Liki North Camp uphill to Mackinders Valley. At this valley, experience viewing panoramic sights up the towards the main peaks (Nelion, Batian and Lenana). After a scenic trek, arrive at your overnight camp. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
Day 4: Shipton Camp | Mackinders Camp, 7km, 3hrs, 4200mFrom Shipton’s camp the trail leads to Kami hut below the north face of Batian. Continuing west – southwest the trails climbs up switchbacks in the fine snow before reaching Hausberg col at 4590m. We will descend into the upper Hausberg valley and rest at the aptly named oblong and Hausberg tarns. Ascending to the crest of a ridge known as Arthur’s seat we see the trail winding along a beautiful series of rock ledges. We will descend to Mackinder's Camp for the night, B,L,D.
Day 5: Mackinder's Camp | Point Lenana, 7km, 4hrs | Met Station, 23km, 7hrsThe normal approach is to wake up early and start at 2 am in order to reach the peak in time to catch sunrise. Hiking from Mackinder's Camp to Point Lenana takes about 4 hr walk reaching the summit by sunrise at 6:30am. After sunrise and summit photography, descend down to Mackinders Camp for breakfast, 2hrs. Trek Mt Kenya further down for 4hrs to arriving at Met Station for dinner and overnight, B,L,D.
Day 6: Met Station | Naro Moru Gate, 9km, 3hrs| NairobiAfter breakfast, hiking descent through the rainforest which is 9km to Mount Kenya National Park's Naro Moru Gate at 2,600m. Here, you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi arriving at approximately 3pm, B, L.
Hike volcanic craters, track elusive leopards, and witness the breathtaking drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Immerse yourself in ancient cultures, where vibrant traditions paint a living history onto the canvas of time. Each day brings new discoveries, each sunset a chance to breathe in the magic of this untamed land.
Book your David and Goliath safari today and embark on a journey that will stay with you long after the dust settles. Remember, the greatest adventures are not always about conquering giants, but about becoming one yourself.Farewell, fellow adventurers May your memories be as vast as the savanna, and your spirit as wild as the wind. Go forth, and conquer your own Goliaths! And who knows, you might just find yourself singing the song of David on your way back.