Trek and Climb Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is Kenya's highest, and Africa's second highest, mountain. Straddling the equator, its white summit reaches 5,199m. Above the 3,200m contour, the mountain forms a national park consisting of three primary zones: the barren peak area, actually an eroded volcanic plug, with its mantle of (declining) glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone with its giant lobelias and senecios; and the forested foothills, with bamboo jungle and rainforest similar to that found on other East African mountains, including Kilimanjaro and in the Rwenzoris.

Many rivers flow from the perpetual snows, among them the mighty Tana, Kenya's largest and longest river and the source of much of Kenya's electricity supply. Most visitors to Kenya are content to marvel at the mountain's beauty but others will want to attempt to reach the peaks. The mountain's lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by the fit and the adventurous.

Gane and Marshall, specialists in East African trekking holidays, invite you to join one of our Mount Kenya treks. We offer programmes to summit Lenana Point between 4 days and 8 days in duration. Our most successful short itinerary is the 5 days Sirimon-Chogoria Crossover. Another popular programme is the 8 day combo that starts with a safari in Hell's Gate National Park, followed by a climb of Mt Longonot overlooking the Rift Valley Lakes, before finally tackling Mt Kenya by the Sirimon-Chogoria Crossover.

When to climb Mount Kenya?

The ideal Mount Kenya climbing seasons are December to March and June to October.

You may want to climb Mt. Kenya when the moon is full or nearly full. Reaching your chosen peak in the period three or four days before or after full moon will still ensure a moon-lit climb. Contact us for more information on planning your climb to coincide with the full moon.

How tough is Mount Kenya?

The popular trek to Lenana Point (4,985m) is quite achievable, even for those with little experience of high altitude conditions or mountain trekking. Many first-time climbers treat Mt Kenya as a stepping stone towards an attempt on Kilimanjaro - an ambition no doubt fuelled by the stunning views of Kilimanjaro available from Lenana Point! (For those with enough time, tackling Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro together in the course of a single itinerary can make for a great combination, with the altitude acclimatisation gained from the trek to Lenana Point greatly boosting your fitness for Kilimanjaro.)

The last 200+ metres required to reach Mount Kenya's summit at 5,199m is a technical climb suitable for experienced climbers only. Our staff have experience of both Batian and Nelion routes to the summit and can help you plan your technical climb. Visit our Mt Kenya Technical Summits page for more information.

How much does it cost to climb Mt Kenya?

Prices start from approx. £1,000 for a full guided and portered climb with mountain transfers, assuming 2+ climbers. For the full range of routes and rates see our Mount Kenya Trekking Routes and Rates Chart. For technical climbs, please contact us for rates tailored to your group size.

Our team will help you plan your climb and, if requested, a safari or beach extension to follow the exertions of the mountain trek. We offer competitive packages combining climb and a safari/beach extension. Please contact us for more information.