Kenya / Nairobi & the Central Highlands / Mount KenyaMount Kenya
Africa's Second-Highest Mountain, on the Equator
A glaciated extinct volcano rising to 5,199 m at Batian, with Point Lenana (4,985 m) the summit trekkers reach on a 4-5 day route (Sirimon up, Chogoria down is the classic). Below the moorland, the forest has elephants, buffalo and colobus monkeys, and the lodges round Naro Moru and Nanyuki make a cool, green break between Laikipia and the parks. Trek with a registered guide and porters, booked through an operator; the altitude needs a slow ascent.
Highlights
- Sunrise on Point Lenana (4,985 m)
- Sirimon route through moorland of giant groundsels and lobelias
- Lake Michaelson on the Chogoria route
- Forest walks with colobus monkeys
- Crossing the equator at Nanyuki
- Trout fishing in the mountain streams
Things to do
- Guided forest walk on the lower slopesMorning · 4h
- Day hike to the Met Station on the Naro Moru routeMorning · 6h
- Equator crossing and market at NanyukiAfternoon · 2h
- Trout fishing on a mountain streamAfternoon · 3h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: January – February, August – September
Worth knowing
Rainy Season on Mount Kenya
⚠️ The rains make the trekking routes wet and cold, with snow and poor visibility near Point Lenana. January-February and August-September are the trekking seasons; outside them, keep to the forest and lower slopes.