Mount Kenya Trekking Routes
Mount Kenya, located in central Kenya, is the highest mountain in the country and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya has three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana. The highest peak is Batian, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), and it’s considered one of the most challenging peaks to climb in Africa. Nelion is the second-highest peak, standing at 5,188 meters (17,021 feet), and it’s also a challenging climb. Lenana is the third and most accessible peak, standing at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet), and it’s the most popular peak for hikers and climbers.
It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, offering a range of hiking routes with varying levels of difficulty and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Each route has its own unique features, from the lush montane forests and bamboo thickets to the rugged peaks and glaciers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different hiking routes on Mount Kenya, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best route for your skill level and preference. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced mountaineer, Mount Kenya has something to offer, and we’re excited to help you discover it.
The following are the main routes used in hiking Mount Kenya:
- The Sirimon Route.
- The Chogoria Route.
- The Naro Moru Route.
- The Burguret Route.
- The Timau Route.
The Sirimon Route
The Sirimon Route is one of the most popular and easiest routes used in hiking Mount Kenya. It starts on the north-western side of the mountain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.
The route begins at the Sirimon Gate, located on the northwest side of Mount Kenya, and heads towards the Sirimon Valley. The trail passes through montane forest, bamboo, and heather zones before reaching the moorland and high altitude desert. Along the way, hikers can spot various wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, and several species of monkeys.
The Sirimon Route takes about 4-5 days to reach the summit, depending on the hiker’s fitness level and acclimatization. The ascent is gradual, with several campsites available along the way, including Old Moses, Shipton’s Camp, and Austrian Hut. The final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak, requires a pre-dawn start to reach the summit for sunrise.
The Sirimon Route offers stunning scenery, wildlife, and a relatively easier hike compared to other routes, making it a popular choice for hikers of all levels. It’s important to note that proper acclimatization is essential for a successful hike.
The Chogoria Route
The Chogoria Route is one of the most scenic and challenging routes used in hiking Mount Kenya. It starts on the eastern side of the mountain and offers breathtaking views of the Gorges Valley, Lake Ellis, and the Nithi River.
The route begins at the Chogoria Gate, located on the eastern side of Mount Kenya, and heads towards the Gorges Valley. The trail passes through dense montane forest, bamboo, and heather zones before reaching the moorland and high altitude desert. The trail is known for its steep and challenging sections, including the infamous “Vertical Bog,” a muddy and steep section that requires careful navigation.
The Chogoria Route takes about 4-7 days to reach the summit, depending on the hiker’s fitness level and acclimatization. The route offers several campsites along the way, including the Chogoria Bandas, Lake Ellis, Minto’s Hut, and Austrian Hut. The final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak, requires a pre-dawn start to reach the summit for sunrise.
The Chogoria Route offers stunning scenery, wilderness, and challenging terrain, making it a popular choice for experienced hikers. It’s important to note that proper acclimatization is essential for a successful hike, and hikers should take necessary precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Additionally, hikers should be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the eastern side of the mountain is known for unpredictable weather patterns.
The Naro Moru Route
The Naro Moru Route is the most direct and quickest route to the summit of Mount Kenya. It starts on the western side of the mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The route begins at the Naro Moru Gate, located on the west side of Mount Kenya, and heads towards the Met Station. The trail passes through dense montane forest, bamboo, and heather zones before reaching the moorland and high altitude desert. The trail is known for its steep and challenging sections, including the “Vertical Bog” and “The Devil’s Staircase,” which requires careful navigation.
The Naro Moru Route takes about 3-4 days to reach the summit, depending on the hiker’s fitness level and acclimatization. The route offers several campsites along the way, including the Met Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and Austrian Hut. The final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak, requires a pre-dawn start to reach the summit for sunrise.
The Naro Moru Route is a popular choice for hikers who want to reach the summit in a shorter time and with less physical exertion compared to other routes. However, the route’s steep sections and rapid ascent can increase the risk of altitude sickness, and hikers should take necessary precautions, including proper acclimatization and hydration.
The Burguret Route
The Burguret Route is a lesser-known and more remote route used in hiking Mount Kenya. It starts on the northwestern side of the mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
The route begins at the Burguret Gate, located on the northwest side of Mount Kenya, and heads towards the Kamweti River. The trail passes through dense montane forest, bamboo, and heather zones before reaching the moorland and high altitude desert. The route is known for its wilderness and solitude, with fewer hikers compared to other popular routes.
The Burguret Route takes about 6-7 days to reach the summit, depending on the hiker’s fitness level and acclimatization. The route offers several campsites along the way, including the Burguret Camp, the Meteorological Station, the Mintos Hut, and Austrian Hut. The final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak, requires a pre-dawn start to reach the summit for sunrise.
The Burguret Route offers stunning scenery, remote wilderness, and solitude, making it a popular choice for experienced hikers who seek a more adventurous and challenging route. It’s important to note that the route’s remote location can pose additional risks, including navigation challenges and limited access to rescue services. Hikers should take necessary precautions, including proper acclimatization, navigation equipment, and contingency plans.
The Timau Route
The Timau Route is a little-used route on the northwest side of Mount Kenya that starts near the town of Timau. The trail passes through bamboo forests, montane forest, and heather zones before reaching the moorland and high altitude desert. The route is not well-marked.
The Timau Route takes about 5-6 days to reach the summit, depending on your fitness level and acclimatization. The route offers several campsites along the way, including the Maau Campsite, the Likii Valley Campsite, the Kisima Campsite, and the American Campsite. The final ascent to Point Lenana, the third-highest peak, requires a pre-dawn start to reach the summit for sunrise.
The Timau Route is a challenging and less-traveled route, offering a unique and remote wilderness experience. However, hikers should take necessary precautions, including proper acclimatization, navigation equipment, and contingency plans, as the route is not as well-established as other popular routes.
Combining different routes
At Ahambi Tours we are good at this. Combining different routes on Mount Kenya is the greatest way to experience the different landscapes and scenery of the mountain. There are several options for combining routes, depending on your level of experience and the amount of time you have available.
Here are some popular route combinations:
- Sirimon – Chogoria Route: This combination takes about 4-6 days.
- Chogoria – Sirimon Route: This combination takes about 5-7 days.
- Naro Moru – Sirimon Route: This combination takes about 5-6 days.
- Sirimon – Naro Moru Route: This combination takes about 5-6 days.
- Burguret – Sirimon Route: This combination takes about 5-7 days.