Mount Kenya Overview
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Located in the central part of the country, Mount Kenya is a beautiful and iconic natural wonder that offers a wide range of activities for visitors.
For hikers and climbers, the mountain provides a challenging and rewarding experience. There are several routes to the summit, each with varying degrees of difficulty. The most popular routes are the Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria routes. It is important to prepare and acclimatize properly before attempting to climb Mount Kenya, as the altitude can pose a risk to travelers.
For those who prefer a more relaxed visit, Mount Kenya National Park is home to abundant wildlife and diverse plant species. Visitors can also experience the local culture by visiting nearby villages and learning about the traditions and daily life of the Kikuyu people.
Whether you are an adventure-seeker or simply seeking a stunning natural escape, Mount Kenya is an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone.
Popular Safaris
- 4 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Sirimon Route
- 4 Days Mount Kenya Hiking Naromoru Route
- 6 Days Mt. Kenya Trekking Sirimon - Chogoria Route
- 6 Days Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame Route
- 6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route
- 3 Days Masai Mara Camping Safari
- 3 Days Amboseli Budget Safari
- 4 Days Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Camping Safari
- 3 Days Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Budget Tour
- 4 Days Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro Camping Safari
7 Days Mount Kenya Hiking Adventure
Detailed Itinerary [ Chogoria / Timau Route ]
Day 1: Nairobi – Chogoria Town
Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel at 8am and drive north to Chogoria town (on the eastern side of the mountain) for lunch. Afternoon is spent on leisure walk in the town to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Town at Lizlo Hotel, 2000m.
Meal Plan: L, D
Day 2: Chogoria – Mount Meru Bandas – 4hrs, 16km walk, 950m ascent
After breakfast, take a 4x4WD vehicle to the bamboo forest clearance, 16km from where the hiking starts on Chogoria route. You will walk for 16km through the forest along the dirt and sometimes very muddy road. The trekking / hiking lasts for 4hrs to reach Mount Meru Bandas at 2950m for lunch. Afternoon leisure walking around the camp to discover the nearby scenic areas. Dinner and overnight camping at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (Mt Kenya bandas).
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 3: Mount Meru Bandas – Road Head Camp, 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascent
After breakfast, hiking follows the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Road Head Camp taking approximately 3-4hrs. Dinner and overnight camping at Road Head Camp at 3300m. It is also possible to go via Lake Ellis.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 4: Road Head – Mintos Hut 4 hrs, 12km
After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head. From where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the gorges valley. You will reach Mintos Hut, 4200m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Camp.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 5: Mintos – Point Lenana (Pt. Lenana) – Shipton Campsite – 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent/4200m descent
Leave shortly after midnight at 2am towards the main peaks of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. Divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields. Arriving at Point Lenana (the only trekking peak) at 6:30am. After taking photographs and celebration at the summit, descend from the trekking peak to Shipton camp (4200 M) for breakfast and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Shipton campsite.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 6: Shipton Camp – Allan Campsite 7hrs, 3700m
After breakfast, start the 7 hrs walk to the Allan campsite (3700 M), having lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 7: Allan Campsite – Nairobi 6hrs
You start the descend to the Kwa – Kimani Timau exit trail for 6hrs. From Kwa -Kimani, this is where the hike ends and you drive to Nanyuki having completed the hike. Transfer back to Nairobi in a shared taxi, where you arrive in the evening.
Meal Plan: B, L
- Park entry fees.
- Accommodation at the mountain in tents, huts or bandas at private campsite.
- Services of professional guides, porters and a cook.
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Emergency evacuation cover
- Certificate upon completion of the hike
- Transport from Nairobi & back
- Hiking gear
- Soft drinks, Bottled water, beers
- Personal Items
- Tips & gratuities for the hiking crew.
- Any other item not mentioned in the inclusive list
Mount Kenya Hiking Gear, Equipments & Essentials
- DUFFEL BAG – For a all your climbing gear and clothing : This will be carried by the porters
- DAYPACK -Large enough to carry your camera, water, raincoat, lunch pack, warm jacket or sweater
- WARM SLEEPING BAG
- SKI POLES – Walking Stick
- Water bottle/containers-Total capacity at least 4 liters
- Mount Kenya map (optional). It can also be bought at the gate.
- HIGH ALTITUDE GEARS
- Waterproof, breathable and wind proof jacket
- Waterproof, breathable and wind proof pants
- Polar fleece
- Thermal underwear
- Mittens or warm gloves
- Glove liners If necessary
- One pair thermal socks
- Balaclava Overhead cover
- Gaiters
- Thermal water flask
- Toilet kit – Soap, tooth brush, toilet paper, wet wipes)
- Towel
- Sun screen and lip protection (SPF 30+)
- Zip lock bags -To protect camera etc from dust
- Money belt -For valuables and identification
- Water resistant semi stiff hiking boots
- Shoes – sneakers, running shoes -For overnight camps
- Socks -Several pairs – at least 4
- Liner socks -Keep feet dry and limit blisters
- Sun hat or simillar -Must have a brim
- Head lamp -Spare batteries and extra bulb
- Water purification tablets
- Sunglasses Dark lenses for the climb with a securing strap
- Flashlight/Torch Spare batteries and extra bulb
- Camera (Extra lenses and film ASA 200 film recommended
- Binoculars
- Powdered sports drinks for the climb e.g. game, isotonic drinks
- Pocket knife
- Note book and pencil
- Plastic bags + Masking tape -To keep clothing dry
- Energy snacks and sweets
- Video camera, tapes, battery packs & tri pod