Mount Kenya at a glance
- Batian: 5,199 m — the highest peak, a technical rock climb
- Nelion: 5,188 m — also a technical climb
- Point Lenana: 4,985 m — the trekking summit, reached without climbing skills
- Location: central Kenya, just south of the equator; a UNESCO World Heritage site
The mountain
Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano, eroded into a ring of sharp peaks, glacial valleys and tarns. Trekkers pass through bamboo forest, moorland with giant lobelias and groundsels, and alpine scenery around the peaks. It is much quieter than Kilimanjaro and, for many, more beautiful.
The trekking routes
- Sirimon: from the drier north-west, with a gradual climb and good acclimatisation.
- Naro Moru: from the west — the most direct route, including the boggy "vertical bog" section.
- Chogoria: from the east, often called the most scenic, past gorges and lakes.
A popular plan is to go up one route and down another. Our 6-Day Experience the Thrill of Mt. Kenya trek (from $1,024 per person) follows the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes to Point Lenana.
When to go
The driest and best months are January to early March and July to September. The long rains (April–May) and the short rains (November) make the trails wet and the views uncertain.
Altitude
Point Lenana is nearly 5,000 metres — high enough for altitude sickness. Choose an itinerary with enough days, walk slowly, drink plenty and tell your guide how you feel. Our altitude sickness guide applies here too.
Preparing
- Train with regular hill walks carrying a daypack — see training for a high trek.
- Bring warm layers, a good sleeping bag and waterproof boots — nights at the high camps are below freezing. Our Kilimanjaro gear list works for Mount Kenya.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers trekking to 5,000 m.
Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is higher and the summit is Africa's highest point; Mount Kenya is quieter, more varied and a little lower. Some trekkers climb Mount Kenya first as acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro. See our Kilimanjaro climbing guide.
