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.

Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park

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;

Mount Kenya Climbing Charges

Climbing Mt Kenya is a thrilling and challenging adventure that attracts many outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Here are some key facts, routes, and charges for climbing Mt. Kenya:

Climbing Mt Kenya

Facts:

  • Mt. Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, after Kilimanjaro, with its highest peak, Batian, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
  • Mt. Kenya is a stratovolcano, and its last eruption occurred about 3 million years ago.
  • Mt. Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area in Kenya, with diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Mount Kenya bush viper and the Mount Kenya mole-rat.

Mt Kenya Routes:

There are several routes to climb Mt. Kenya, ranging from easy to difficult, and the choice of route depends on one’s fitness level, climbing experience, and personal preference. Some of the popular routes include:

Sirimon Route

This is the easiest and most scenic route, and it starts from the northwest side of the mountain. It takes about 4-5 days to climb and is ideal for beginners.

Chogoria Route

This is the most scenic and beautiful route, and it starts from the east side of the mountain. It takes about 5-6 days to climb and requires some technical skills.

Naro Moru Route

This is the shortest and most popular route, and it starts from the west side of the mountain. It takes about 3-4 days to climb, but it is steep and requires a good level of fitness.

Burguret Route

This is the least used and most challenging route, and it starts from the north side of the mountain. It takes about 6-7 days to climb and requires a high level of fitness and mountaineering experience.

Charges:

Climbing Mt. Kenya requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) or authorized tour operators. The permit fees vary depending on the route and the number of days. Here are some approximate charges:

  1. Sirimon Route: $220 for non-residents, KES 5,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,500 for East African residents.
  2. Chogoria Route: $280 for non-residents, KES 6,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,800 for East African residents.
  3. Naro Moru Route: $200 for non-residents, KES 4,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,200 for East African residents.
  4. Burguret Route: $300 for non-residents, KES 6,500 for Kenyan residents, and KES 1,800 for East African residents.

In addition to the permit fees, climbers also need to pay for other expenses, such as park fees, camping fees, guide and porter fees, and transportation costs.

Best time to climb Mt Kenya

The best time to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry season, which is typically from January to March and from July to October. During this period, the weather is generally clear and dry, with lower chances of rain, and the trails are less muddy and easier to hike. The temperatures during the day are mild, usually ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), while at night, they can drop below freezing, especially at higher altitudes.