Climbing Mount Kenya
Scaling Africa’s second-highest peak
Begin your climbing adventure by flying into Kenya’s capital of Nairobi. From here, transfer to Nanyuki Airstrip at Mount Kenya, before transferring to your accommodation to acclimatise. What you experience and see on your Mount Kenya ascent will depend on the route you choose to take. There are five main routes — Sirimon, Burguret, Naro Moru, Chogoria and Timau. Chogoria offers spectacular scenery of waterfalls and gorges, while Naro Moru is the most direct. Most trips will combine one route on the ascent and another on the descent.
Expect your hike to take you through bamboo forests, past mountain lakes, waterfalls, culminating in stunning dawn views over Kenya, with the mountain’s other peaks surrounding you
Good to know
- The seasons are: Jan-mid March, June to mid-October and December.
Key information
Destinations | Nairobi, Mount Kenya |
---|---|
Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Nature & Wildlife |
Physical Level | Strenuous |
Suggested itinerary
Nairobi
Day 1
Most visitors to Kenya simply fly in and out of capital Nairobi – which is a huge mistake. Yes, it might be a concrete jungle when compared with the rest of Kenya’s natural landscapes, but vibrant Nairobi is a centre of art, music and cultural heritage. Take some time to explore the city’s music and food scene and you won’t be disappointed.
Don't miss
Feed a baby elephant at a Nairobi sanctuary
Many trips to Kenya start and finish in its largest city and capital, Nairobi. For a shot of cuteness, visit one of its wildlife sanctuaries to see baby elephants — many of which are orphaned due to poachers — feeding and playing happily in the mud.
Climb Mount Kenya
Day 2–6 in Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya might only be Africa’s second-highest mountain, but it’s considerably more beautiful than it’s bigger cousin, Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya and its surrounding National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and while the highest peaks of Batian and Nelion are only accessible to mountaineers, third-highest Point Lenana (4985m) can be reached by hikers. Most travel up the picturesque Chogoria route, with sightings of elephants, buffalo and impala, before descending to the Sirimon Park gate.
Return to Nairobi and depart
Day 7 in Nairobi
Transfer to Nanyuki Airstrip for your return Safarilink flight to Nairobi.
Where to stay
Superior
Kongoni Camp
Located in the outskirts of Nanyuki, just over 13 miles from Mount Kenya National Park, Kongoni Camp offers laid-back accommodation, a restaurant, outdoor heated swimming pool, spa, coffee shop, children's play area, free parking and bike and car rental facilities.
Superior
Soames Hotel
Located in Nanyuki, just under 20 miles from Mount Kenya National Park, Soames Hotel boasts cosy accommodation, scenic garden and terrace, a shared lounge and restaurant.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators may cost between $1,200 and $2,000pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.