National Park · Central Kenya
Mount Kenya National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, protecting Africa's second-highest peak and its surrounding glacial and Afro-alpine zones.
How to get there
By road from Nairobi, roughly three to four hours north, based from Nanyuki or Naro Moru.
What to find
Multi-day mountain trekking, twelve glaciers, and vegetation zones that shift dramatically with altitude.
Overview
Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain. Its jagged twin summits are Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), and Point Lenana (4,985m) is the peak most trekkers reach. The national park and surrounding forest were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
The climb passes through bamboo forest, giant heather and wildflower moorland, glacial valleys and tarns. It's quieter than Kilimanjaro and, for many, more scenic.
Highlights
- Trekking to Point Lenana for sunrise
- Glacial valleys, tarns and giant groundsels
- Technical rock climbs on Batian and Nelion for experienced climbers
- Forest wildlife on the lower slopes
Things to do
Point Lenana trek
Usually 4 to 5 days on the Sirimon, Chogoria or Naro Moru routes.
Technical climbing
Batian and Nelion need rock-climbing skills and specialist guides.
Day hikes
Forest and moorland walks for non-summiters.
Best time to visit
January to February and late June to October are the driest periods for trekking.
Getting there
About 3 to 4 hours by road from Nairobi to Nanyuki, Naro Moru or Chogoria.
Where to stay
Mountain huts and camps on the routes, plus lodges in Nanyuki and on the lower slopes.
Nanyuki, Ol Pejeta & Mount Kenya
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in Kenya →
Good to know
- Allow extra days to acclimatise. Altitude sickness is a real risk.
- The Chogoria route is often called the most scenic way down.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.