Mount Kenya offers a range of trekking and climbing adventures — from scenic 3-day hikes to challenging 7-day expeditions.
Whether you want to reach Point Lenana (the trekking summit) or test your technical skills on Batian and Nelion, these itineraries combine adventure, ecology, and cultural immersion.
1️⃣ 3-Day Mount Kenya Trek — Naro Moru Route (Fast Ascent to Point Lenana)
Intent: For travelers short on time who want a quick yet challenging climb to the trekking summit.
Difficulty: Moderate to high
Best for: Experienced hikers acclimatized to altitude
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive from Nairobi (180 km, ~4 hrs) to Naro Moru Gate (2,400 m)
- Register with KWS, hike to Met Station (3,050 m) (3–4 hrs)
- Dinner and overnight at Met Station Camp
Day 2:
- Early ascent through the “Vertical Bog” to Mackinder’s Camp (4,200 m) (6–7 hrs)
- Afternoon rest and acclimatization with views of Batian and Nelion
Day 3:
- Summit attempt (2 a.m.) to Point Lenana (4,985 m) for sunrise
- Descend to Met Station and drive back to Nairobi by evening
2️⃣ 4-Day Mount Kenya Sirimon Route Trek (Most Scenic and Gradual)
Intent: For trekkers seeking stunning scenery, gentler gradients, and good acclimatization.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: First-time high-altitude hikers
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive Nairobi → Sirimon Gate (2,650 m) → Old Moses Camp (3,300 m) (3–4 hrs hike)
Day 2:
- Hike across moorlands to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m) (6–7 hrs)
- Spot giant lobelias, senecios, and hyraxes
Day 3:
- Summit attempt at 3 a.m.; reach Point Lenana (4,985 m) by sunrise
- Descend via Mackinder’s Valley to Old Moses
Day 4:
- Trek down to Sirimon Gate; return to Nairobi
Optional: Add a Ngare Ndare Forest canopy-walk extension for swimming in blue pools before returning to Nairobi.
3️⃣ 5-Day Mount Kenya Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse (Most Beautiful and Diverse)
Intent: For hikers who want the classic full experience — forests, alpine lakes, glaciers, and two routes in one.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Nature photographers and eco-trekkers
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive Nairobi → Chogoria Gate (2,950 m); hike or 4×4 ride to Meru Bandas (3,000 m)
Day 2:
- Trek to Lake Ellis (3,400 m) and camp; spot waterfowl and panoramic views
Day 3:
- Hike through alpine meadows to Mintos Camp (4,200 m); view Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson
Day 4:
- Early ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 m) via Hall Tarns; descend to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m)
Day 5:
- Hike down Mackinder Valley → Old Moses → Sirimon Gate; transfer to Nanyuki or Nairobi
4️⃣ 6-Day Mount Kenya Technical Climb — Batian Peak (5,199 m)
Intent: For advanced climbers seeking Africa’s second-highest summit via technical rock routes.
Difficulty: Very high (Grade IV–V rock climb)
Best for: Experienced alpinists with technical gear
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp (3,300 m)
Day 2: Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m) via Mackinder Valley
Day 3: Acclimatization & gear sort; short climb practice on Point Lenana (4,985 m)
Day 4: Start climb on north face of Batian; overnight bivy or top camp (5,100 m)
Day 5: Summit Batian; descend via Nelion or Austrian Hut; camp at Mackinder’s or Shipton’s
Day 6: Descend to Sirimon Gate and return to Nanyuki
Required: Licensed mountain guide, technical climbing permit, helmets, harnesses, ropes, and seasoned weather planning.
5️⃣ 7-Day Mount Kenya Traverse — Naro Moru to Chogoria Eco Expedition
Intent: For eco-conscious trekkers and photographers wanting a full east–west traverse of the mountain.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best for: Slow-travel adventurers and small groups
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi → Naro Moru Gate → Met Station (3,050 m)
Day 2: Met Station → Mackinder’s Camp (4,200 m)
Day 3: Rest/acclimatization hike around Austrian Hut and Teleki Valley
Day 4: Summit Point Lenana (4,985 m) → descend to Mintos Camp (4,200 m) via Hall Tarns
Day 5: Descend to Meru Bandas (3,000 m) through Gorges Valley
Day 6: Walk out to Chogoria Town → transfer to Embu or Nanyuki
Day 7: Return to Nairobi with optional stop at Equator Monument in Nanyuki
Conservation Highlight: Includes tree-planting session and briefing by Mount Kenya Trust rangers on ecosystem protection.
6️⃣ 6-Day Mount Kenya Burguret–Chogoria Route (Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure)
Intent: Remote trek for those seeking solitude and wilderness camping.
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Experienced hikers with good fitness
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Nanyuki → Burguret Gate → Gathiuru Forest Camp (2,800 m)
Day 2: Heath zone trek to High Camp (3,900 m)
Day 3: Cross Shipton’s Col to Austrian Hut (4,790 m)
Day 4: Summit Point Lenana at sunrise; descend to Mintos Camp
Day 5: Descend to Meru Bandas through Gorges Valley
Day 6: Exit via Chogoria Gate → Nairobi
Appeal: Minimal crowds, prime wildlife viewing, and exceptional views of the northern masses and Moorland Zone.
7️⃣ 8-Day Mount Kenya & Samburu Combined Adventure
Intent: Combine mountain trekking with lowland wildlife safari.
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Adventure travelers interested in both climbing and conservation
Sample Itinerary
Days 1–5: Mount Kenya Climb via Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse (reach Point Lenana)
Day 6: Drive north to Samburu National Reserve; afternoon game drive
Day 7: Full day safari searching for reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra
Day 8: Return to Nairobi
Conservation Benefit: Portion of proceeds supports Mount Kenya Trust and Samburu community wildlife programs.
8️⃣ 4-Day Mount Kenya Family Hike & Nature Retreat
Intent: Soft adventure for families and beginners seeking nature immersion below the summit zone.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Families with children or leisure travelers
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nanyuki; forest walk near Serena Mountain Lodge
Day 2: Guided nature hike to Castle Forest and waterfalls
Day 3: Visit Mount Kenya Trust offices and learn about wildlife corridors
Day 4: Cultural visit to Karatina Market and return to Nairobi
9️⃣ 10-Day Mount Kenya Summit & Aberdare Conservation Circuit
Intent: For eco-travelers who want a longer expedition combining trekking and forest ecology.
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Experienced hikers and research groups
Sample Itinerary
Days 1–6: Full Mount Kenya Traverse (Sirimon to Chogoria)
Day 7: Drive to Aberdare National Park; stay at The Ark or Treetops Lodge
Day 8: Waterfall and moorland hike to Karuru Falls
Day 9: Community forestry and rehabilitation session with KWS rangers
Day 10: Return to Nairobi
🔟 Mount Kenya Private Guided Technical Course (Rock & Ice Climbing Clinic)
Intent: Train for multi-pitch alpine climbing with professional Kenyan mountain guides.
Difficulty: Advanced
Best for: Climbers wanting technical skills development
Sample Itinerary (6 days)
- Day 1: Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp
- Day 2: Shipton’s Camp and introduction to safety systems
- Day 3: Rock and ice practice on Point Lenana ridges
- Day 4: Rope management and anchor workshop on Batian base
- Day 5: Simulated multi-pitch ascent and rescue drills
- Day 6: Descent and review; certification ceremony
Includes: Professional guides, gear orientation, and environmental stewardship training.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Package | Route | Duration | Difficulty | Summit Included | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naro Moru Express Trek | Naro Moru | 3 Days | High | ✅ Point Lenana | Short-stay climbers |
| Sirimon Classic Trek | Sirimon | 4 Days | Moderate | ✅ Point Lenana | Beginners |
| Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse | Chogoria–Sirimon | 5 Days | Moderate | ✅ Point Lenana | Photographers |
| Technical Batian Climb | Sirimon / North Face | 6 Days | Very High | ✅ Batian Peak | Experienced alpinists |
| Eco Traverse | Naro Moru–Chogoria | 7 Days | Moderate | ✅ Point Lenana | Eco-trekkers |
| Burguret Adventure | Burguret–Chogoria | 6 Days | Challenging | ✅ Point Lenana | Solitude seekers |
| Mount Kenya + Samburu | Sirimon–Chogoria + Samburu | 8 Days | Moderate | ✅ Point Lenana | Adventure + Wildlife |
| Family Nature Retreat | Forest Zone | 4 Days | Easy | ❌ | Families |
| Summit + Aberdare Circuit | Sirimon–Chogoria + Aberdare | 10 Days | Challenging | ✅ Point Lenana | Eco-expeditions |
| Technical Course | Sirimon | 6 Days | Advanced | ✅ Point Lenana | Climbing students |
💚 Responsible Climbing Principles
All Mount Kenya climbing safaris follow “Leave No Trace” guidelines and support local conservation.
- Use licensed guides and porters.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Camp only in designated zones.
- Participate in tree planting when possible.
- Respect wildlife and local communities.