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)—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!
Expedition leaders
Itinerary Mount Kenya - Summit Trek
Mount Kenya fascinates with its wilderness, rich wildlife, deep gorges, steep peaks, and breathtaking mountain lakes. For the best possible route, we adjust the descent according to the season: The Nithi Gorge (Chogoria Route) serves as the basis for this trek during the ascent, while we descend via either the Sirimon or Naro Moru Route. In this detailed plan, with special camps and detours from the standard routes, our expertise is evident, and the diversity of Mount Kenya truly deserves this attention.
Kenya - the country, it's mountain
Mount Kenya, located in the central highlands, endless savannahs teeming with fascinating wildlife, and the idyllic beaches along Kenya’s 700-km coastline define the country’s diverse landscapes. Not far away in Tanzania lies Kilimanjaro with its iconic glaciers. Following your Mount Kenya climb, you can choose from several wonderful extension options with us, either as part of a group or individually. Trekkers on Mount Kenya enjoy remote trails through gorges, past mountain lakes and rivers, encounter unique flora, and can summit the nearly 5000m-high Point Lenana. Interestingly, the country itself is named after this mountain, originally called "Kinyaa."
Point Lenana (4,985m): This is the third-highest peak of the Mount Kenya massif and the eighth-highest in Africa (surpassed by peaks in Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori). It is the ultimate highlight of the trek. Reaching the summit early in the morning offers spectacular views of Mount Kenya’s eastern walls and, with a bit of luck, a glimpse of Kilimanjaro in the distance. While some sections are exposed, the climb does not require technical mountaineering skills, but trekkers should have a good sense of footing and prior hiking experience.
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 (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.
Kenya travel & Covid-19
- Test: You need a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before their travel to Kenya (children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement, as are airline crew on a layover)
- Vaccination / Certificate: Passengers who are aged 18 or over must have a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are considered valid by public health officials in Kenya.
Travellers who are exempt from vaccination or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the preceding 90 days are exempt from this requirement; however, such persons must provide a letter from a medical practitioner confirming their exemption or recovery from COVID-19. - Upload Documents: Travellers must upload their certificate of vaccination and negative PCR test certificate to https://globalhaven.org/ before boarding their flight
- All passengers irrespective of nationality and residency status shall be expected to fill in the travellers’ form (link) before travel.
- A random antigen test may be taken by port health officers on entry, depending on risk evaluation of the country of origin. Any person who tests positive will be directed to isolate at home (for Kenyan residents) or in a Ministry of Health designated facility (for non-Kenyan residents) for 10 days, at their own cost
- All passengers displaying flu-like symptoms on arrival, or who develop symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of arrival, may be placed into quarantine at home or at a government facility, at their own cost
- Any passengers testing positive will be required to take a PCR test and isolated awaiting results. If the PCR is positive, passengers will need to isolate for 10 days at Government of Kenya approved isolation facilities at their own cost, with a repeat PCR test on day 7
- All passengers departing Kenya will be required to show a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, unless they have a certificate of exemption from a medical practitioner. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are considered valid by public health officials in Kenya. You must have received a full dose of a WHO-approved vaccination. Under 18s are exempt from this requirement.
- Test: For the flight/rules of your home country we may have to take another PCR-test / antigen test before departure.
- Most countries require you to fill out an online arrival form before travel or entry.
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Voraussetzungen (Trekking)
Eine durchschnittliche Kondition und ein starker Wille sind ausreichend, um den Point Lenana Gipfel zu erreichen. Man braucht für das Mount Kenia Trekking keine ausgeprägten Bergsteigerkenntnisse, Wandererfahrung ist hilfreich. Die notwendigen Tagesetappen betragen bei moderaten Tempo:
- meist 4 bis 6 Stunden
- max. 10 bis 12 Stunden (Gipfeltag)
- Längere Ausflüge bieten wir optional an.
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Dokumente & Visum
Gültiger Reisepass (6 Monate gültig ab dem Datum der Ankunft in Kenia, mit mindestens einer leeren Seite)
ETA Kenia: Alle Reisenden (mit Ausnahme von Staatsangehörigen Kenias und der Partnerstaaten der Ostafrikanischen Gemeinschaft) müssen vor Einreise nach Kenia ein ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) beantragen.
Impfungen: Empfohlen werden alle Pflichtimpfungen (Diphterie, Polio, Tetanus, usw.) sowie die Impfung gegen Hepatitis A und B.
- Kenia ist Gelbfiebergebiet und bei Ein- oder Durchreise von einem Gelbfiebergebiet besteht Impfpflicht.
- Covid-19-Pandemie Regeln (unverändert seit Anfang 2024): KEINE
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Kenia Reisen - Hinweise
Allgemeine Reisehinweise zu Kenia:
- AT: Einschätzung Außenministerium: Reiseinformationen Kenia
- DE: Einschätzung Auswärtiges Amt: Kenia, Reisehinweise Kenia
Testimonials
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$ 315 / 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
