Chogoria Route
The definitive scenic traverse: ascend by the gentler Sirimon side, reach Point Lenana and descend through Chogoria’s sheer valleys, tarns and waterfalls. Approximately 60km in total.
Mount Kenya · Private treks
Go higher.
Feel smaller.
A wild, beautiful climb through bamboo forest, moorland and otherworldly Afro-alpine country — paced for acclimatisation and guided by people who know the mountain.
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The mountain, properly understood
A living landmark
at 5,199 metres.
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain and one of the country’s most important ecosystems, rising east of the Great Rift Valley.
The mountain is a vital water tower, supplying water to a large part of Kenya and supporting much of the country’s hydroelectric power. For trekkers, the goal is Point Lenana at 4,985m: a demanding but non-technical summit reached through forest, bamboo, moorland and Afro-alpine terrain.
No specialist climbing equipment or previous mountaineering experience is normally required. What matters is a sensible route, proper acclimatisation and a mountain crew that understands the pace of altitude.
Choose your route
Three proven traverses.
One unforgettable mountain.
Naro Moru Route
The most popular traverse, combining a steady Sirimon ascent through Mackinder’s Valley with a faster descent through Naro Moru’s vertical bog and dense rainforest.
Sirimon Route
A gradual ascent through forest and broad moorland, often considered the most approachable shorter route. Mountain huts are available, although private camping can also be arranged.
SirimonForest to moorland
A gradual ascent with space to acclimatise and notice the landscape changing around you.
ChogoriaThe dramatic side
Tarns, cliffs and long views through the mountain’s most cinematic high country.
Point LenanaSunrise at 4,985m
A summit morning supported by an experienced local mountain crew.
Photography: Thad K., Bett Duncan, Marc van Adrichem and Galkey / Wikimedia Commons. Cropped for layout.
Conditions & timing
Prepare well.
Climb slowly.
Mount Kenya can be trekked throughout the year, but the drier windows generally offer the most comfortable conditions.
Rain makes the mountain more difficult from roughly mid-March to mid-June and again from October to mid-December. Higher camps are cold in every season, with night temperatures capable of falling to around −10°C. Mornings are often clearer, with cloud building towards noon.
We rarely recommend the little-used Timau route because facilities, marked paths and tree cover are limited. Your designer will instead match one of the proven traverses to your fitness, available time and appetite for camping.
Beyond the summit
Pair altitude
with the wild.
Come down from the mountain to the conservancies of Laikipia, the rare northern species of Samburu or a restorative coast stay. We arrange the whole arc.
4,985mPoint Lenana
60kmClassic traverse distance
LocalMountain crews & guides
Made for you
The mountain is calling. Shall we answer?
Tell us how you want to feel, what you want to see and how you like to travel. We will take care of the rest.
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