Kenya trekking destination
Mount Kenya National Park
Glacier-capped peaks, afro-alpine moorland and ancient forest on Africa’s second-highest mountain.
Location
Central Kenya
Size
About 715 sq km
Ideal stay
3 to 5 days
Best time
Jan to Feb, Aug to Sep
Famous for
Trekking and glacial peaks
Africa's roof beyond Kilimanjaro
Mount Kenya National Park protects the upper slopes of Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Rising from Kenya’s central highlands, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its glaciers, jagged volcanic peaks and afro-alpine moorland.
Trails suit both first-time trekkers and experienced climbers. Most trekkers aim for Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, while the technical summits of Batian and Nelion attract experienced mountaineers. Forest on the lower slopes shelters elephant, buffalo and colobus monkeys.
Why Mount Kenya belongs on your itinerary
Six reasons to trek Africa’s second-highest mountain.
Glacier-capped peaks
Jagged summits and some of Africa's last equatorial glaciers.
Routes for every level
Trails for first-time trekkers and experienced climbers alike.
Afro-alpine landscapes
Giant groundsels and lobelias found almost nowhere else on earth.
Wildlife on the lower slopes
Elephant, buffalo and colobus monkey move through the montane forest.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognised for its outstanding natural landscape.
Quieter trails
Far fewer trekkers than Kilimanjaro, with a real sense of wilderness.
When to visit Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya can be visited all year, but the dry seasons give the best trekking conditions.
January to February
Prime trekking season
Clear skies, stable weather and the best summit views of the year.
August to September
Second dry season
Reliable weather that still suits multi-day treks and summit attempts.
March to May
Long rains
Wet, slippery trails. Generally not recommended for a summit attempt.
June to July
Cooler and cloudier
Trekking is possible, but conditions are less predictable than in peak season.
Wildlife and nature on Mount Kenya
From forest wildlife to rare alpine plants, the mountain changes with every thousand metres.
Elephant
Forest elephants move along the lower slopes and bamboo zone.
Colobus monkey
Black and white colobus leap through the montane forest canopy.
Buffalo
Buffalo graze forest clearings and are often seen near trailheads.
Mountain birds
Sunbirds, raptors and forest species live at different altitudes.
Giant groundsels
Giant alpine plants that give the high moorland its otherworldly look.
Things to do on Mount Kenya
Summit treks are the highlight, but there is plenty to enjoy at every level of the mountain.
Summit trekking
Climb towards Point Lenana on the Sirimon, Chogoria or Naro Moru routes.
Forest walks
Explore the lower-slope forest, home to elephant, buffalo and colobus.
Tarns and glaciers
Visit high-altitude lakes tucked beneath the glacial peaks.
Birdwatching
Spot species that live only at higher elevations.
Camping under the stars
Sleep high on the mountain, far from any town.
Planning your trip to Mount Kenya
Practical details to help you prepare for a trek.
Getting to Mount Kenya
- By road: the trailhead towns of Nanyuki, Naro Moru and Chogoria are a few hours north of Nairobi.
- Choosing a route: Sirimon up and Chogoria down is the classic combination for scenery and acclimatisation.
- Fitness: no climbing experience is needed for Point Lenana, but good walking fitness makes the trek far more enjoyable.
Where to stay
- On the mountain: mountain huts and campsites along each route.
- Before and after: lodges and hotels in the towns at the foot of the mountain.
- With your trek: accommodation on the mountain is arranged as part of our climbing itineraries.
Mount Kenya trekking tours
Guided treks on the main Mount Kenya routes, each with time built in to acclimatise.
- 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
Mount Kenya FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about trekking Mount Kenya.
How high is Mount Kenya?
The highest summit, Batian, reaches 5,199 metres. Point Lenana, the summit most trekkers reach, stands at 4,985 metres.
Do I need climbing experience for Mount Kenya?
No. Point Lenana is a trekking summit reached on foot. Batian and Nelion are technical climbs that require mountaineering experience.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Kenya?
Most treks take four to six days, depending on the route and how much time you allow for acclimatisation.
What is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
January to February and August to September offer the driest and clearest conditions.
Is Mount Kenya harder than Kilimanjaro?
Point Lenana is lower than Kilimanjaro’s summit, but the terrain can be steeper and rougher. Both need proper acclimatisation.
What wildlife lives on Mount Kenya?
Elephant, buffalo and colobus monkeys live in the lower forest, while rock hyrax and mountain birds are common higher up.
Start planning your Mount Kenya trek
Tell us your dates and fitness level and we will recommend the right Mount Kenya route.