Mount Kenya - Summit Trek
We are your mountain experts in Africa. Come along and enjoy the beauty of the African mountains with us:
✪ Wild canyons & landscape
✪ Lonely paths, off the beaten track
✪ Diverse and spectacular scenery
Overview
Mount Kenya Trek: This 9-day adventure offers 6 unforgettable days on Mount Kenya, following the scenic Chogoria Route. Highlights include the circumnavigation of the majestic peaks Batian and Nelion (approx. 5,200 m) and the ascent of Point Lenana (4,985 m / 16,355 ft)—a perfect trekking challenge packed into just one week!
For those seeking more, optional climbing on Mount Kenya is available. The tour can also be extended with a safari, a beach holiday, or another trekking destination, like Kilimanjaro. Guided by our experienced team and supported by a dedicated crew in Kenya, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. An incredible journey awaits!
Mount Kenya Trek
Mount Kenya captivates with its raw wilderness, abundant wildlife, dramatic gorges, steep peaks, and breathtaking alpine lakes. To ensure the best possible route, we tailor the descent to the season: the Nithi Gorge (Chogoria Route) forms the basis of our ascent, while the descent follows either the Sirimon or Naro Moru Route. Our detailed planning - featuring carefully chosen camps and worthwhile detours off the standard trails - highlights our expertise, and the remarkable diversity of Mount Kenya truly deserves this level of attention.
Point Lenana (4,985 m) is the third-highest summit of the Mount Kenya massif and the eighth-highest peak in Africa, surpassed only by the giants of Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori. It is the ultimate highlight of the trek. Reaching the summit at dawn rewards climbers with spectacular views of Mount Kenya’s eastern faces and, with a bit of luck, a distant glimpse of Kilimanjaro. Although some sections are exposed, the ascent does not require technical mountaineering skills; however, trekkers should have solid footing, confidence on uneven terrain, and prior hiking experience.
Kenya - the country, it's mountain
Mount Kenya, rising from the central highlands, the endless savannahs teeming with wildlife, and the idyllic beaches along Kenya’s 700-km coastline together define the country’s remarkably diverse landscapes. Not far across the border in Tanzania stands Kilimanjaro with its iconic glaciers. After your Mount Kenya trek (Point Lenana Climb), you can choose from several wonderful extension options with us - either in a group or individually.
Trekkers on Mount Kenya enjoy remote trails that wind through deep gorges, past pristine mountain lakes and rivers, and through zones of unique high-altitude flora. The journey also offers the opportunity to summit Point Lenana, which rises to nearly 5,000 m. Fittingly, the country itself is named after this mountain, originally known as Kinyaa and later written down as Kenya by British explorers.
Mount Kenya Ascent – Your, Our "Expedition"
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. Its highest peaks, Nelion (5,189 m) and Batian (5,199 m), are reserved for climbers. The up to 700-meter-high walls of pristine gneiss create a rock climbing paradise with a strong sense of adventure. Routes starting at grade 5.6 (YDS) / UIAA IV lead to the summit of Mount Kenya. Further details about the normal routes can be found in the itinerary, with additional route information under "Details." We are happy to provide a customized offer for a special Mount Kenya expedition. This climbing trip focuses on reaching the main summit.
In a 9-day trip, this program gives you a solid chance to climb Mount Kenya. The routes are rarely climbed (about 50 ascents per year), but this is not a traditional expedition. The journey from Nairobi is adventurous but relatively short. The route is predictable, and we complete several ascents each year. Unlike a standard commercial expedition, the ascent is done in an alpine style without fixed ropes.
Itinerary Mt. Kenya Trek (9 Days)
You are prepared to join our Mount Kenia adventure. Your fllght to Kenya ideally arrives this evening.
Latest arrival in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Full day to relax at the hotel (located in the city center, with pool), to visit Nairobi or take a trip to the surrounding areas. Meeting with all participants, detailed tour briefing, last purchases (snacks, drinks etc.), dinner together.
- Overnight: Hotel*** accommodation with breakfast (double/twin sharing)
- Nairobi altitude: 1,800 m (5,900 ft)
After breakfast, we begin our 5-hour drive to Chogoria. Upon arrival, we switch to 4x4 vehicles and continue into the national park, reaching the park entrance and, if road conditions permit, driving all the way to shortly below the Chogoria Bandas.
- Drive time: Approx. 5-6 hours
- Hiking time: 1-2 hours
- Overnight: Camping, full board
- Chogoria Bandas altitude: 3,000 m (9,843 ft)
Note: After heavy rainfall, some roads may be impassable. In this case, we will hike up to 15km (9 miles) to reach our camp. The forest belt surrounding Mount Kenya is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and buffalo, so it’s important to stay together as a group. Wildlife sightings are rare, but it's always a thrilling experience to be in such a rich natural environment.
We ascend along a ridge, passing by the Chogoria Gorge before descending into it. Our camp at Lake Michaelson offers a truly unique experience in an awe-inspiring setting—one of the most breathtaking camps on the mountain. We’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Hiking distance: Approx. 14 km (8.7 miles) / 1,000 m (3,281 ft) ascent
- Hiking time: Approx. 6-8 hours
- Overnight: Camping, full board
- Lake Michaelson altitude: 3,960 m (12,992 ft)
Today, we plan to summit Point Lenana: The day begins with an early ascent (departure around 3:00 AM) to catch the stunning sunrise over Lake Michaelson, as we emerge from the gorge. Returning to the classic Chogoria Route, we pass Shimba Camp (Lion Camp) and ascend to Shimba Col (Lion Pass), then continue past Harris Tarn (a small lake) and ascend via the northern side to Point Lenana. Depending on the season, we descend as follows:
- Winter (Dec - March): Descent to the Austrian Hut (4,800 m), followed by a short break and onward to MacKinder’s Hut in the Teleki Valley (approx. 4,200 m).
- Summer (June - Sept): Descent on the northern side to Shipton's Hut (approx. 4,200 m).
Summit Day:
- Hiking distance: Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles) / 1,100 m (3,609 ft) ascent
- Ascent time: Approx. 6-8 hours
- Descent time: Approx. 4 hours (Winter) / 3 hours (Summer)
- Summit altitude: 4,985 m (16,355 ft)
- Overnight: Camping / Full board (or simple hut) at 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Extra Day for your Mount Kenya Summit: This day serves as a reserve for the Point Lenana ascent, but it can also be used for additional hikes in the area or simply for rest.
For those feeling particularly fit, there’s the option to circumnavigate the main peaks (Nelion and Batian). For climbers, the day offers the opportunity to attempt a summit of Batian (5,199 m), the highest peak of Mount Kenya, as part of the "Trek & Climb" option (see the Mount Kenya Climbing Tour under Climbing).
- Rest day / Reserve day
- Hiking at your leisure
Depending on the season, we will choose the best route for the descent:
- Winter (Dec - March): From MacKinder’s Hut (approx. 4,200 m) through the Teleki Valley to Naro Moru.
- Summer (June - Sept): From Shipton's Hut (approx. 4,200 m) to Old Moses Camp, then to Nanjuki.
A vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Nairobi, where we will enjoy a final dinner with the group.
Hotel/Lodge: Overnight stay with breakfast (Double Room/Full Board).
Today, we say "Asante Sana Kenya" (Thank you, Kenya) for the completed Mount Kenya trek.
This is a free day and reserve day for additional activities, onward travel, or return flights.
Prepare
You are an active hiker and sporty traveler? - We invite you to join and explore a scenically unique region on exciting trails away from mass tourism and to climb Kenya's Point Lenana.
General information
• Tour as Trek & Climb (climbing optional)
• Changeable weather, occasional snow and ice
• Comfortable tent camps.
Temperatures
• At 4000m: nights drop below 0°C
• Lenana summit: night/morning around -5°C
• Summit daytime: ~0°C with wind chill down to -10°C
Gear & Rental
• Rent/Buy: We offer a service for renting sleeping bags, down jackets, and other items. Some gear can be rented directly in Nairobi, while other equipment can be ordered in advance (EU area).
Downloads
Participation requirements
Requirements (Trekking): An average physical condition and a strong will are sufficient to reach the summit of Point Lenana. You will hike for a maximum of 6 hours a day; longer excursions are optional. You don't need to have a strong mountaineering background for our Mount Kenya trekking though experience in hiking would be helpful.
Additional option - Climbing: Optionally, the ascent of the main peaks Batian/Nelion can be planned as part of your Mount Kenya Trekking. For climbing and non-climbing friends or couples, the trip can be adapted as well. See the requirements and the information on the separate page: climbing > Mount Kenya.
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Requirements
An average level of fitness and a strong will are sufficient to reach the Point Lenana summit. No advanced mountaineering skills are required for Mount Kenya trekking, though hiking experience is helpful. The necessary daily stages at a moderate pace are:
- Usually 4 to 6 hours
- Up to 10 to 12 hours (summit day)
Longer excursions are offered optionally.
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Documents & Visa
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Kenya, with at least one blank page.
Kenya ETA: Most travelers (except Kenyan citizens and citizens of East African Community partner states) need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering Kenya.
Health & Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, polio, tetanus, etc., are recommended, along with Hepatitis A and B.
Kenya is a yellow fever area, so vaccination is required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever zone.
COVID-19: No pandemic-related entry rules in effect (as of early 2024).
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Kenya - travel advise
Please check offical travel advises:
UK foreign travel advice for Kenya
US state department travel advisery
Testimonials
In 2002 Felix Berg lived in Kenya for a year and since then he has climbed and travelled to Mount Kenya on over 20 tours. As a Managing Director of Summit Travel, he is personally committed to our trekking tours on Mount Kenya and to the mountain itself. Since 2004 he has been volunteering as a trainer for the KWS (Kenyan Wildlife Service) Mount Kenya Rescue Team and advises the directors of KWS on Mount Kenya. Felix is our East Africa expert and speaks Swahili, knows the rangers at Mount Kenya, the best local guides, and has excellent contacts for organizing our tours in East Africa.
Costs & Services
Many extensions of this Kenya trip are possible: safari, Kilimanjaro, as well as individual upgrades. Please register online or send us your request. We will be happy to answer and advise you individually.
Full Service
- Expedition leader:
- smaller groups with 2-7 participants led by one of our experienced Kenyan guides
- larger groups with 8-12 participants led by SummitClimb expedition leader, accompanied by Kenyan guides
- max 12 participants in the group - Organized tour from/to Nairobi (and extensions if wanted)
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- 2 nights in ***hotel in Nairobi with breakfast
- Transfer from Nairobi to the mountain and back
- 4x4 drive to the National Park gate / end of the road, depending on conditions
- National Park fees (US$ 350/ 5-day package)
- All group camping equipment: dining tent, kitchen tent, and kitchen material
- Setting up of camps and overnight stay in tents (2 persons per tent, single upgrade on request)
- Catering by our experienced kitchen team, full board on the mountain
- Porters for our group material and food
- Personal porter (one bag up to 15 kg)
- Emergency assistance
- Full first-aid kit
- International flight
- Personal equipment
- Private expenses (such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks, gifts etc.)
- Travel insurance (health, accident, travel cancellation)
- Visa fees for Kenya
- Tips
