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
5 Days Mount Kenya Hiking
Detailed Itinerary [ Naromoru Route ]
Day 1: Nairobi – Naro Moru
After meeting up in Nairobi at 9 am, we will head north toward Mount Kenya, crossing the equator on the way. We will spend the night in the lodge at Nanyuki Simbas.
Meal Plan: L, D
Day 2: Nairobi -Met station ( 3,050 m )3 -4 hrs, 10km, 400m ascent
After pick up in Nairobi drive to the Naru Moru park gate for lunch. From the gate, we trek up through the magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first cabins( Met Station) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 – 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 600m.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 3: Met Station – Mackinders camp (4,300m).5-6 hrs, 11km, 1,200m ascent
A short walk to the end of the forest line from where you hike across the marshy vertical bog of the lower moorlands. Picnic lunch at the Picnic Rocks before continuing further to Mackinders camp, gaining 1300m in altitude in about 5 hours. Dinner and overnight – Mackinders camp (4300m)
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 4: Mackinders – Pt Lenana (4,985m) – Old Moses camp. 11 hrs, 685m ascent, 1,685 descent
Leave at 0300 hrs for predawn summit attempt, trekking for 3-4 hours across bare rock and scree slopes characteristic of the alpine region up to Pt. Lenana (4985m), the hiker’s summit, arriving in time to catch the African sunrise. Later descend to Shipton’s camp (Sirimon route) for breakfast. After breakfast, begin a 5-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to Met station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest.
Meal Plan: B, L, D
Day 5: Met Station / Naro Moru / Nairobi – 3hrs, 9km, 400m descent
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9km to Naro Moru Park Gate at 2,600m where you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3pm.
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