National Park in Kenya
Africa’s second-highest mountain
Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain, a 5,199 metre extinct volcano that rises from the equator, with glaciers on its peaks and moorland, bamboo forest and giant lobelia on its flanks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the trek to Point Lenana at 4,985 metres is one of the great non-technical mountain walks in Africa.
Three main routes climb the mountain: Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria. Chogoria is the most scenic, with sheer cliffs, tarns and the Gorges Valley, and Sirimon is a gentler approach that suits acclimatisation. Most treks take four or five days, with nights in mountain huts or campsites.
Mount Kenya suits walkers who want a high-altitude challenge without technical climbing, and combines naturally with Laikipia and Samburu.
The forest on the lower slopes shelters elephant, buffalo, bushbuck, black-and-white colobus, Sykes’ monkey and giant forest hog. Higher up, rock hyrax and the hardy mountain buzzard live among the lobelia and groundsel. Leopards and spotted hyena live on the mountain but are rarely seen.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The mountain rises in a jagged peak above forest, bamboo and heather, with glaciers, tarns and spectacular glacial valleys. The giant lobelia and groundsel plants of the moorland are among the strangest in Africa.
Activities here
The mountain is cold, with temperatures at the gates around 15°C to 21°C and well below freezing on the summit. Weather changes fast, and clouds often cover the peaks in the afternoon.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 7 | 60 |
| Feb | 21 | 8 | 70 |
| Mar | 21 | 9 | 120 |
| Apr | 19 | 10 | 250 |
| May | 18 | 9 | 200 |
| Jun | 17 | 7 | 60 |
| Jul | 16 | 6 | 50 |
| Aug | 17 | 7 | 70 |
| Sep | 19 | 7 | 60 |
| Oct | 19 | 8 | 110 |
| Nov | 18 | 9 | 190 |
| Dec | 19 | 8 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
January to March and late August to September are the driest and clearest times, with the best views from the summit. Early starts avoid the afternoon cloud.
The long rains from April to June and the short rains in October and November bring snow, mist and slippery tracks, and we avoid trekking during the heaviest weeks.
January to March and late August to September are the best times to climb, with the clearest weather. Plan for cold nights at any time of year.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Sep
The park gates at Naro Moru and Sirimon are about 175 kilometres from Nairobi, a drive of around three hours to Nanyuki or Naro Moru. Chogoria is on the eastern side, near Meru. It links easily with Laikipia, Ol Pejeta and Samburu.
Park and climbing fees are included in our packages, and guides and porters are mandatory. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
Altitude sickness is the main risk, so we build in rest days and a slow ascent. You should be fit and comfortable walking for six to eight hours. Please ask your doctor about altitude medication, and carry good travel insurance that covers trekking above 4,000 metres.
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“Our take”
Do not rush the mountain. Four days is possible for fit trekkers, but an extra day for acclimatisation makes the summit morning far more enjoyable.
Safaris from
US$1,128 per person
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