Climb Mount Kenya: Routes, Best Time and Tips for Reaching Point Lenana
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain, and trekking it is one of East Africa’s great adventures. You walk through forest, bamboo and open moorland to alpine lakes and rocky peaks, and you don’t need technical climbing skills to reach Point Lenana, the highest trekking peak. This guide covers the routes, the best time to go and how to prepare.
How high is Mount Kenya?
The highest peak, Batian, is 5,199 m (17,058 ft), but it needs technical rock climbing. Most trekkers climb Point Lenana at 4,985 m (16,355 ft), which is reachable by a fit walker with proper acclimatization and a guide.
What are the main routes up Mount Kenya?
There are three main trekking routes, and most people go up one and down another.
- Sirimon: approaches from the north-west with the most gradual ascent and good acclimatization options. It is the easiest of the three and passes through drier, quieter country. Shipton’s Camp in the Mackinder Valley is a key stop.
- Chogoria: approaches from the east and is widely considered the most scenic, with moorland, lakes and the deep Gorges Valley. It works well as a descent route.
- Naro Moru: the shortest and steepest route, and the most popular. It is quicker but less gradual, so acclimatization needs extra care.
The most popular combinations are Sirimon up and Chogoria down (usually 5 to 6 days on the mountain) and Sirimon up and Naro Moru down.
Which route should I choose?
For scenery and acclimatization, choose Sirimon and Chogoria together. It’s a slower ascent, which improves your chances of reaching the summit, and it shows you much more of the mountain. If time is short, Naro Moru is the fastest option, but allow a rest day to adjust to the altitude.
We offer these treks:
- Sirimon Route (5 days, 4 nights)
- Chogoria–Sirimon (6 days, 5 nights)
- Naromoru–Sirimon (6 days, 5 nights)
When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
The dry months are best: January to March and late August to October. The mountain can be climbed all year, but April, May and November tend to be rainy, and weather has become harder to predict. Mountain weather is always changeable, so pack for cold, wind and rain whatever the month.
How fit do I need to be?
You need good general fitness, not mountaineering experience. Days are long, especially summit day, which starts in the early hours and can last many hours. Regular hill walking before your trip helps a lot.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Go slowly and give your body time to adjust. Longer itineraries of five or more days give better acclimatization and comfort. Drink plenty of water, tell your guide at once if you feel unwell, and be ready to turn back if symptoms get worse. Talk to your doctor before you travel.
What should I pack?
- Layered clothing, including a warm jacket, hat and gloves, plus waterproofs
- Sturdy, broken-in walking boots and trekking poles
- A headlamp for the pre-dawn summit start
- Sun protection, because UV is strong at altitude
- A warm sleeping bag if the itinerary includes camping
Combine a climb with a safari
Mount Kenya pairs well with a wildlife safari. Many travelers climb first, then relax on game drives in the Maasai Mara, Samburu or Amboseli. See our Maasai Mara guide, Amboseli guide and Samburu guide.
Message us on WhatsApp at +254 706 287 600 or email info@africasafaridiscovery.com to plan your climb.