Sirimon route
Gentle, steady climb through forest and open moorland, with the best acclimatisation. Our favourite route for first-time trekkers.
- Steepness
- Scenery
Central Kenya · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mount Kenya National Park Guide
Trek Africa's second-highest mountain. Walk through forest and giant lobelias to Point Lenana at 4,985 m and watch the sun rise over glaciers on the equator.
- 5,199 mBatianTechnical climb
- 5,188 mNelionTechnical climb
- 4,985 mPoint LenanaTrekkers' summit
Africa's second-highest mountain
Why visit Mount Kenya National Park?
- 1949national park
- 1997UNESCO listed
- ~200 kmfrom Nairobi
Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano that rises alone from the farmland of central Kenya, just south of the equator. The country takes its name from the mountain.
The national park protects everything above the forest line: bamboo, high moorland, glacier-carved valleys, deep blue tarns and the jagged rock peaks at the top. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
You do not need to be a climber to enjoy it. Fit walkers can trek to Point Lenana with a guide, while others come for a day walk, a forest lodge stay or views of the peaks at sunrise from Nanyuki.
Signature view
Three summits, one mountain
The two highest peaks are steep rock towers for skilled climbers. The third, Point Lenana, is the goal of almost every trekker.
Photo: Don Elvis Muraya, CC BY-SA 4.0Choose your way up
Mount Kenya trekking routes
Three main routes lead to Point Lenana. Many treks go up one route and down another, so you see more of the mountain.
Chogoria route
The most beautiful route, past the Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and Vivienne Falls. Longer drive to the gate but worth it.
- Steepness
- Scenery
Naro Moru route
The shortest and steepest route, crossing the famous "vertical bog". Best for fit trekkers short on time.
- Steepness
- Scenery
Sample itinerary
A 4-day trek to Point Lenana
Our classic Sirimon trek. We can add a rest day for acclimatisation or descend by Chogoria for a 5-day traverse.
Get a quote- Day 12,650 m → 3,300 m
Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp
Drive from Nanyuki to the gate and walk up through forest into the moorland.
- Day 23,300 m → 4,200 m
Through Mackinder Valley
A long, beautiful day past giant groundsels and lobelias to Shipton's Camp below the peaks.
- Day 34,200 m → 4,985 m
Summit Point Lenana
Start before dawn to reach the top for sunrise over the glaciers, then descend.
- Day 4→ 2,600 m
Down and out
Walk down to the gate and drive back to Nanyuki for a hot shower.
Wildlife & plants
Life on the mountain
Each band of altitude has its own world, from elephants in the forest to strange giant plants found only on East Africa's high mountains.
Giant plants
Above 3,500 m the moorland is dotted with giant groundsels that grow taller than a person, and giant lobelias that close their leaves at night against the frost.
Forest animals
Elephants, buffalo, colobus and Sykes's monkeys, bushbuck and giant forest hog live in the lower forest, and are often seen around the lodges.
- Elephant
- Buffalo
- Colobus monkey
- Sykes's monkey
- Bushbuck
- Giant forest hog
- Jackson's francolin
- Scarlet-tufted sunbird
Practical information
Plan your climb and park fees
Getting there
About 200 km and 3.5 to 4 hours from Nairobi to Nanyuki or Naro Moru, the main gateway towns. We pick you up in Nairobi.
Best time
January to February and late June to October are driest, with the clearest summit views. Avoid the long rains of April and May.
What to bring
Warm down layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, a head torch and broken-in hiking boots. Nights near the peaks fall below freezing.
Altitude
Go slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. A rest day helps your body adjust before the summit.
KWS park fees
Per person, per day, since 1 October 2025.
| Visitor | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$70 | US$35 |
| Kenya resident | KSh 1,100 | KSh 550 |
| EA citizen | KSh 800 | KSh 400 |
Children are aged 5 to 17. Guides, porters, huts and fees can change; we confirm them in your quote.
4–5 daysPoint Lenana trekGuide, porters, camps and meals included, via Sirimon or ChogoriaGet a quote12 days12-Day Ultimate Kenya SafariKenya's top parks, north to south · from US$5,489 ppView itineraryCombineClimb + Ol Pejeta safariRest your legs on a rhino safari at the foot of the mountainExplore Ol Pejeta
Good to know
Mount Kenya FAQs
Planning a climb? Our Nairobi team replies quickly on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppHow high is Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa. Its highest peak, Batian, reaches 5,199 m, with Nelion close behind at 5,188 m. Point Lenana, at 4,985 m, is the highest point you can reach on a trek without technical climbing.
Can beginners climb Mount Kenya?
Yes. Fit beginners can trek to Point Lenana with a guide and porters, with no ropes or climbing experience needed. Batian and Nelion are technical rock climbs for experienced climbers only.
How many days do you need to climb Mount Kenya?
Most treks to Point Lenana take 4 to 5 days. A slower itinerary gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude and makes the summit morning easier and safer.
Which is the best route up Mount Kenya?
Sirimon is the gentlest and best for acclimatisation, Chogoria is the most scenic, and Naro Moru is the shortest and steepest. A popular choice is to go up Sirimon or Chogoria and come down a different route.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
The driest months, January to February and late June to October, give the clearest views and the best trail conditions. The long rains of April and May and the short rains of November make the trails wet and the summit cloudy.
How much are Mount Kenya park fees?
Under the Kenya Wildlife Service fees in force since 1 October 2025, non-resident adults pay US$70 and children US$35 per person per day. Kenya residents pay KSh 1,100 and East African citizens KSh 800 per adult per day.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone above about 3,000 m, regardless of fitness. Climb slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you have a bad headache or nausea. Our itineraries include extra time to acclimatise.
Stand on Point Lenana at sunrise
Tell us your dates and fitness level. We will plan the right route, guides and porters, and send a free quote.
