Mount Kenya

On a Kenya safari, Mount Kenya is one of the most popular destination that dominates the central highlands of Kenya, Standing at 5199m, Mt Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. The mountain has 3 glaciated peaks; point Lenana at 4,985m reached by anyone who is physical fit, Batian peak at 5,199m and Nelion at 5,88m with technicalities involved in climbing the other peaks.

Mount Kenya hiking routes

Located only 200km from Nairobi, Mt Kenya is accessible by road using buses, taxi and private vehicles. Drive through the towns of Naromoru, Nnayuki and Chogoria. Ech of these towns has a Mt Kenya hiking route that extends deep into the snowy peaks of the mountain. There are three main Mt Kenya trekking routes which are Naromoru Route trek, Sirimon Route hiking and Chogoria Route.

Mt Kenya trekking and hikes on Mount Kenya all have something different to offer. Mount Kenya Naromoru Route is the fastest route to point Lenana but not as scenic as the other two. Mt Kenya Trekking through Chogoria Route hike is the most scenic and Mt Kenya hiking Sirimon Route the most interesting because it is on the drier side of Mount Mount Kenya.

The mountain is one of Kenya’s most visited water drainage areas with several water streams like Sirimon, Nazita, Sagana, Burguret and others streaming from the melting glacier peaks. Tana River and Ewaso N’gwiro River are also part of the water streams coursing in the Mt. Kenya fringes.

When to go

Climbing Mount Kenya is good all year round but look out for the dry season hiking from January and February, also around August and September. You’ll have clearer views of the snow peaks and exotic blooming plants on the slopes especially in the mornings. Heavy rains on the mountain are during March to mid May and lesser on e around October and December.  The nights are quite chilly and frosty with temperatures between 5-15ºC and freezing on the peaks. Mount Kenya hiking is good in the early morning at aroun10h00 when you can catch the rising sun while the afternoon is filled with convectional rains.

Mount Kenya climbing is notably challenging and technical for a few peak climbs besides Lenana. The extinct volcanic plug is surrounded by an abundant wildlife park at its foot, a protected area covering some 800sq km, many cultivated farms at the lower slpes, lush rain forests and many exotic plants like giant lobelias and birds.

Mount Kenya hiking safaris include camping on the route camps like Old Moses camp and Shipton Camp located down Sirimon Mt. Kenya hiking route. Other overnight options include Minto’s hut, Chogoria bandas where you’ll be served breakfast, dinerand lunch while doing your hiking expeditions.Some of the animals that inhabit the lush rain forest slopes and park include elephants, buffalos, antelopes, lions, leopards, hyrax and many others.

Make sure that you pack a sleeping bag, rain jackets, warm clothing, comfortable hiking boots, woolen hat, warm gloves, sunglasses, flashlights and anything you may need on your climbing Mt. Kenya safari. It is unlikely that you’ll find people on your Mt Kenya Hiking if you book around the low season, after the dry season.

Mt Kenya, Africa’s second top peak is known as the domain of Ngai, god of the area Kikuyu tribe. Customarily, all Kikuyu homesteads were definitely designed to face this sacred summit. They refer to it as Kirinyaga, or sometimes place of light.
This mountain can be an awe-inspiring view. Its ragged series of summits are topped with snow, while the slopes are thick with forest. The mountain is best visible in the early morning, when the day’s early lighting shadows the spectacular summit raised over the neighboring plains.
While the 5199 metre high peak is often a difficult specialized climb, the lower peak for Point Lenana (4985m) can be simply hit by every physically fit climber.
This trek can take between 3 and 5 days, via a thrilling realm of jungles, wildlife, special montane vegetation which includes podocarpus and grounsel, and finally the world’s rarest scenery, equatorial snow. Those of you that do not plan to trek high into the Mountain the breezy highlands which surround its root are worthy of a try. The jungles are great for game watching, while you’ll notice crystal clear mountain streams which are abound with Trout.
Major highway access towards Mt Kenya is by way of Nanyuki as well as Naro Moru, either conveniently accessed from Nairobi using bus/matatu or simply private transport. A few trekkers and Climbers reach the Mountain through the small village of Chogoria. You can find an airstrip within Nanyuki, with equally booked as well as hire flights offered.
A lot of safari companies can plan travel from Nairobi and into Mt Kenya. Hotels around Nanyuki and even Naro Moru will organize transport to the gates of Mt Kenya National Park.