Mount Kenya Treks and Climbing Routes
Mount Kenya – Africa’s second highest mountain – offers a choice of exciting treks and climbs through its varied scenery of volcanic ridges, deep valleys and rugged landscape. To climb Mount Kenya is an experience of a lifetime, highly recommended to the adventurous traveller willing to forego some of life’s luxuries for a few days.
Mount Kenya – Africa’s second highest mountain – offers a choice of exciting treks and climbs through its varied scenery of volcanic ridges, deep valleys and rugged landscape. To climb Mount Kenya is an experience of a lifetime, highly recommended to the adventurous traveller willing to forego some of life’s luxuries for a few days.
Point Lenana (4985m) can be achieved by any physically fit person and no climbing experience is necessary.
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Mount Kenya Treks & Climbing Routes
There are three main approaches to the summit of Mount Kenya and ideally you walk up one route and come down another to experience the very different views. The best choice of routes depends on a number of factors from the time of year to the nature of the terrain.
Access to the eastern side of the mountain and the Chogoria route is only possible from December to March and August to mid October, although this may change as the road is currently being improved.
The Naro Moru route, on the west of the mountain, is a popular choice. However, there is a section known as the Vertical Bog which consists of clumps of tussock grass interspersed with deep and muddy gullies. If taken slowly, this section of the route is challenging but manageable on the way up, but it is trickier to negotiate walking down and we do not recommend it as a descent route.
- The Sirimon route is the most gradual ascent and there are excellent views of the peaks from this combination of routes.
- The Sirimon route, approaching from the north west, is easily accessible from Nanyuki and Naro Moru and will always be included in a high altitude trek, either up or down.
- The Summit Circuit is a ten kilometre trail around the base of the peaks up and down over several passes with spectacular views of the peaks up close.
- For an off the beaten track wilderness experience you can camp on the Chogoria side at Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson where – apart from your mountain team – you may not see other people until you reach Shipton’s Camp at 4,200 metres.
Our example itineraries show the Sirimon-Naro Moru route and Sirimon-Chogoria route but we can help you sift through the options to tailor a climb to your exact requirements accounting for your levels of fitness and budget.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kenya?
There are many tour routes, each with different scenery and varying degrees of exertion required. However, it is the duration of a climb that is as important as the ease of the route.
On climbs to the summit it is advisable to join a trek of at least 6 days in order to acclimatise your body to the increasing altitude as you pass through different climatic zones. The treks that Gamewatchers offers have been carefully devised at around this duration to give you the best chance of success. Longer durations can be arranged for those that would prefer a slower pace.
At the start we recommend staying overnight near the mountain to acclimatize. A mid-range hotel used by many trekkers is the Soames Hotel, where you can relax after travelling from Nairobi before starting your trek on the following day.
After your mountain trek, you could spend some time on safari at the exclusive camps and lodges in nearby Ol Pejeta Or Meru.
Itinerary in Detail
DAY BY DAY
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Tour Experiences
Route A: Chogoria route up and Sirimon route down
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.
Day 2
Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wi-Fi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.
Day 3
After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.
Day 4
You walk to Lake Michaelson at 3,900 m, and camp overnight. This walk is 8 km and takes about 6 hours as you are now climbing steadily, although the last section of the walk is a steep descent down to the lake.
Day 5
You make an early start at around 5.00 a.m. to give you the best chance of good weather and with the aim of reaching Point Lenana at 4,985 m by 9.00-10.00 a.m. After about half an hour at the summit, you descend to Shipton’s Camp where you have lunch and then it’s about an hour’s walk down to our Camp, where you stay overnight. Today you cover 8 km and total walking time is about 7-8 hours.
Day 6
After breakfast, you walk down to Old Moses Camp arriving around lunchtime. This walk covers 11 km and takes about 4 hours, depending on your pace. You transfer from Old Moses Camp back to Nanyuki, via the Sirimon Gate – about an hour’s drive.
Fly back to Nairobi or alternatively, add a few nights on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before returning to Nairobi. Ask us for details and prices.
Route B - Sirimon route up and Naro Moru route
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.
Day 2
Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 10.00 a.m. for the transfer to the Sirimon Gate which takes about 45 minutes. After a picnic lunch at the Gate, you walk up to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 m, where you stay overnight. This walk is 9 km and takes about 4 hours.
Day 3
Your climb continues up to Shipton’s Camp (4,236 m). This walk is 14 km and takes about 6-7 hours. You cross three rivers and two valleys before reaching one of the main U-shaped glacial valleys. You then walk along the Mackinder valley to Shipton’s Camp, where you stay for two nights.
Day 4
A rest day at Shipton’s Camp and an opportunity to do an acclimatisation walk up to the Hausberg Col at nearly 4,600 m, with spectacular views of the main peaks up close. Supper and bedtime are early, so that you are well prepared for your dawn ascent the following morning.
Day 5
You leave Shipton’s Camp between 2.30-3.00 a.m. for the early morning ascent of Point Lenana (4,985 m). This 4 km walk takes 3-4 hours, as you are now at very high altitude. The aim is to reach the summit by sunrise. You walk down to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast, via Austrian Hut, a 2 hour walk covering 4.5 km. Then you continue down to Met Station which takes another 4 hours, covering 12 km. You reach Met Station (3,048 m) by mid-afternoon, where you stay overnight.
Day 6
You leave Met Station after breakfast for the 2 hour walk down to the Naro Moru Gate. You transfer back to Nanyuki Airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi Wilson or alternatively, add a few nights on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before returning to Nairobi. Ask us for details and prices.
Route C - Walking in the Eastern Foothills
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.
Day 2
Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wifi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.
Day 3
After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you fly camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.
Day 4
An early start at 5.30 a.m. to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill (3,480 m). This is a gentle ascent taking about an hour with a welcome cup of tea at the top. As the sun rises, the dark silhouettes of Batian, Nelion and Lenana transform into warm terracotta-coloured peaks. You return to camp for breakfast and then walk back to the Bandas via the Nithi Falls if you didn’t visit them on the previous day. You stay overnight at the Chogoria Bandas.
Day 5
After an early breakfast, you drive to Chogoria town and then continue on to Nairobi via Embu. This vehicle transfer takes about 5 hours.
Tour Experiences
Route A: Chogoria route up and Sirimon route down
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to Soames Hotel for 1 night including Lunch and Dinner. (Optional upgrade to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club).
Day 2
Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wi-Fi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.
Day 3
After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.
Day 4
You walk to Lake Michaelson at 3,900 m, and camp overnight. This walk is 8 km and takes about 6 hours as you are now climbing steadily, although the last section of the walk is a steep descent down to the lake.A rest day in Shipton’s Camp and an opportunity to do an acclimatization walk up to the Hausberg Col at nearly 4,600 m, with spectacular views of the main peaks up close. Supper and bedtime are early, so that you are well prepared for your dawn ascent the following morning.
Day 5
You make an early start at around 5.00 a.m. to give you the best chance of good weather and with the aim of reaching Point Lenana at 4,985 m by 9.00-10.00 a.m. After about half an hour at the summit, you descend to Shipton’s Camp where you have lunch and then it’s about an hour’s walk down to our Camp, where you stay overnight. Today you cover 8 km and total walking time is about 7-8 hours.
Day 6
After breakfast, you walk down to Old Moses Camp arriving around lunchtime. This walk covers 11 km and takes about 4 hours, depending on your pace. You transfer from Old Moses Camp back to Nanyuki, via the Sirimon Gate – about an hour’s drive.
Fly back to Nairobi or alternatively, add a few nights on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before returning to Nairobi. Ask us for details and prices.
Route B - Sirimon route up and Naro Moru route
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.
Day 2
Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 10.00 a.m. for the transfer to the Sirimon Gate which takes about 45 minutes. After a picnic lunch at the Gate, you walk up to Old Moses Camp at 3,300 m, where you stay overnight. This walk is 9 km and takes about 4 hours.
Day 3
Your climb continues up to Shipton’s Camp (4,236 m). This walk is 14 km and takes about 6-7 hours. You cross three rivers and two valleys before reaching one of the main U-shaped glacial valleys. You then walk along the Mackinder valley to Shipton’s Camp, where you stay for two nights.
Day 4
A rest day at Shipton’s Camp and an opportunity to do an acclimatisation walk up to the Hausberg Col at nearly 4,600 m, with spectacular views of the main peaks up close. Supper and bedtime are early, so that you are well prepared for your dawn ascent the following morning.
Day 5
You leave Shipton’s Camp between 2.30-3.00 a.m. for the early morning ascent of Point Lenana (4,985 m). This 4 km walk takes 3-4 hours, as you are now at very high altitude. The aim is to reach the summit by sunrise. You walk down to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast, via Austrian Hut, a 2 hour walk covering 4.5 km. Then you continue down to Met Station which takes another 4 hours, covering 12 km. You reach Met Station (3,048 m) by mid-afternoon, where you stay overnight.
Day 6
You leave Met Station after breakfast for the 2 hour walk down to the Naro Moru Gate. You transfer back to Nanyuki Airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi Wilson or alternatively, add a few nights on safari at Porini Rhino Camp before returning to Nairobi. Ask us for details and prices.
Route C - Walking in the Eastern Foothills
Day 1
Guide to collect you from Nanyuki Airstrip for the short transfer to Soames Hotel. You have the afternoon to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at Soames on Bed & Breakfast rate. Lunch and Dinner are not included.Fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to Soames Hotel for 1 night including Lunch and Dinner. (Optional upgrade to Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club).
Day 2
Our Guide to collect you from Soames Hotel at 9.00 a.m. for the transfer to Chogoria via Meru, which takes about 2.5 hours. Then you continue to the Chogoria Park Gate (2,950 m) and the Chogoria Bandas (just near the Gate) where you stay overnight. This transfer takes about 1.5 hours and covers 32 km, including 22 km up a steep track through the forest. On arrival, you have a late lunch followed by a gentle stroll in the surrounding parkland. You have your own room with a private bathroom, and hot showers are available in the early evenings. Supper is served in front of a log fire in your sitting room. Wifi is now available in the bar/restaurant area.
Day 3
After breakfast, you set off along the Chogoria route towards the conical Mugi Hill. Then you turn off the main route and walk to Lake Ellis at 3,405 m, where you fly camp overnight. This walk takes 3 hours and covers 8 km, including a detour to the Nithi waterfalls for a picnic lunch.
Day 4
An early start at 5.30 a.m. to walk to the summit of Mugi Hill (3,480 m). This is a gentle ascent taking about an hour with a welcome cup of tea at the top. As the sun rises, the dark silhouettes of Batian, Nelion and Lenana transform into warm terracotta-coloured peaks. You return to camp for breakfast and then walk back to the Bandas via the Nithi Falls if you didn’t visit them on the previous day. You stay overnight at the Chogoria Bandas.
Day 5
After an early breakfast, you drive to Chogoria town and then continue on to Nairobi via Embu. This vehicle transfer takes about 5 hours.
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Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
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My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
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Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
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Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
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Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
More Walking & Climbing Safaris
Discover the thrill of Africa on foot and redefine your idea of a safari. Browse our walking and climbing itineraries today to find your perfect adventure. Whether you’re trekking through lush forests, climbing Africa’s iconic peaks, or exploring remote plains, our walking and climbing safaris are the perfect way to reconnect with nature and challenge yourself.
