Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest peak. It reached heights of 19,700 feet (6000 meters) at its peak before being eroded down to its current height. The mountain has 12 remnant glaciers which are all rapidly receding.
The mountain has one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes. The property also includes lower lying scenic foothills as well as arid habitats of high biodiversity. This is located in the ecological transition zone between the mountain ecosystem and the semi-arid savanna grasslands, via the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve.
How to get to Mount Kenya
Private Transport
If you wish to drive use Thika road all the way to Katarina town. Then turn right onto sign post and drive to Naro Moru town after 12.5km towards Nyeri. Take a right turn to Mt Kenya road which is Clearly marked. Then follow the sign for 15kms to Naro Moru park.
Public Transport
For those using public transport, you take the Matatu to Noru Moru at the Tea Room bus stop. From Naru Moru, take the Matatu to Kiambuthia village, 3 km from the park gate.
Best time to visit Mt Kenya
Mount Kenya National Park is open all year. However, hiking Mount Kenya during the rainy seasons of March to June and October to December is unquestionably more difficult. The dry seasons of January to February ,and July to September are the best times to visit and hike Mount Kenya. The mountain on the other hand, has permanent snow at its summit and is cold all year due to its elevation.
Mount Kenya summits
MT Kenya has three main peaks. The two highest of which are highly technical (Batian and Nelion) and are rarely climbed in comparison to the third peak, Point Lenana, which is a trekking peak.
Mount Kenya climbing Routes
The following are the popular routes. However there are three main routes on the mountain used by most trekkers visiting the mountain. Naro Moru in the west, Sirimon in the northwest, and Chogoria in the southeast. Most people pace in some combination of these three.
Naro Moru Route (2 days & 1 night)
This is the most popular and fastest route to Point Lenana, but is often crowded with tourists. The ascent usually takes only three days, and overnight bunkers are available along the way. Alternatively, this route will take you through the vast Teleki Valley with stunning views of the Tyndall Glacier.
Sirimon Route(2 days)
It is the driest region and avoids much of the rain falling on the mountain. The route passes through unique yellow wood forests teeming with wildlife that merge directly into the moors. The bamboo forest is absent in this part of the mountain. Typical itinerary for informal hikes to Point Lenana Sirimon via Chogoria Traverse: This is a typical itinerary for combining the two most scenic routes, Sirimon via Chogoria, and includes a mandatory overnight camping.
Chogoria Route( 6 days)
The Chogoria route strategies from the east of a National Forest Reserve gate near Chogoria village . However, there is no cabin for your high camp, and it’s a bit longer unless you use 4x4s to cut through the ground.
Both routes converge again near the head of a spectacular cliff-top amphitheater known as The Temple. At the bottom of flows Lake Michaelson and at the west end a large inlet where the Nithi River flows.
Burguret Route (3 nights)
This is a rarely used route suitable for people who wish too climb alone. It follows the North Burget river to the peak circuit path to hut turn, and the quickset route to the Peak of Lenana.
Timau Route(2 days & 1 night)
This isn’t the best route to use as it doesn’t have a place to stay overnight. Climbers South ridge route to Nelion and North face route to Batian.
Accommodation and Food
There is a variety of accommodation options in Mount Kenya National Park. Camping is another option allowed throughout the park. Although the use of cabins is encouraged to protect the environment. Cabins can be reserved at any of the park’s 3 main entrances. Cabin facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms are available at no additional cost.
Tourist Attraction sites in Mount Kenya
- Lewa wildlife conservancy
- Mount Kenya national park
- Ol Pejeta ranch
- Laikipia plateau
- Aberdare national park
How much Does it cost to Climb Mount Kenya with Guide
This normally depends on duration and the packages are as here under;
