Overview
Strap on your hiking boots for a thrilling 5-day trek up Mount Kenya!
As you make your way toward Kenya’s tallest summit (5,199 m / 17,058 ft), you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes that shift with every step. The route winds through misty moorlands, follows flowing rivers, and culminates in a challenging rocky path leading to Point Lenana. Reaching this point at 4,985 meters above sea level is a reward in itself: take in the awe-inspiring sunrise lighting up the peaks of Nelion and Batian—and on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The descent is just as enchanting, guiding you down through the dense, vibrant rainforest of this ancient volcanic massif.
Highlights
- Summit Point Lenana (4,985 m) – Reach the highest trekking peak of Mount Kenya for an unforgettable sunrise.
- Spectacular Scenery – Hike through diverse landscapes including moorlands, alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and dense rainforests.
- Guided Adventure – Trek with experienced local guides who provide insights into the mountain’s geography, ecology, and cultural significance.
- Challenging Yet Rewarding Trails – Enjoy well-paced trekking routes suitable for adventurous hikers with moderate experience.
Itinerary
The adventure begins the moment you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
You’ll be warmly welcomed by your personal Africa Safari Trips guide with a cheerful “Karibu Kenya – welcome to Kenya!” From there, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel, where you can unwind and get your first glimpse of Nairobi’s vibrant energy.
The following day, your exclusive safari experience kicks off. With your own private safari jeep and guide, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace—lingering at sightings as long as you wish and fully immersing yourself in the wonders of the wild.
Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with a scenic drive from Nairobi to the Sirimon Gate (2,640 m), taking roughly 3 to 4 hours.
After enjoying a light lunch at the trailhead, you set off on your first trek into the highlands. The trail leads you through lush tropical rainforest, where vibrant plant life and rich bird calls accompany your steps. As you ascend, the forest gradually gives way to open heathland, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape. After hiking for about 3 to 4 hours, you arrive at Old Moses Camp, situated at 3,300 meters. Here, you’ll settle into the camp’s cozy huts, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest up for the next day’s climb.
Fueled by a hearty breakfast, you begin your second day of trekking from Old Moses Camp (3,300 m).
The day’s journey takes around seven hours and leads you through diverse alpine terrain. You’ll cross the Ontulili River, traverse open moorlands, and pass Liki North Camp before ascending into the striking MacKinders Valley. Along the way, take in sweeping views of Mount Kenya’s dramatic peaks.
By afternoon, you arrive at Shipton’s Camp, nestled at 4,200 meters. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and settle into one of the huts for the night—ready to acclimatize at this ideal altitude on day three.
Today is all about acclimatization at 4,200 meters—a key step in preparing for the summit and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
After breakfast, take a gentle acclimatization hike to help your body adjust to the thinner air and shifting climate. You’ll return to Shipton’s Camp in time for lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free for relaxation. Take it easy, hydrate well, and get a good night’s sleep—tomorrow is summit day!
Summit day has arrived—today, you stand on the roof of Mount Kenya!
At 3:00 AM, under a starry sky, you begin your final ascent along a steep, rocky path. After a challenging climb, you reach Point Lenana around 6:30 AM—just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise from 4,985 meters above sea level. On a clear morning, you might even spot Mount Kilimanjaro in the far distance, over 350 kilometers away.
After soaking in the views and capturing unforgettable memories, you descend for two hours back to Shipton’s Camp for a well-earned breakfast. Later, you continue for about four hours to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m), where you’ll rest for the night.
After breakfast, it’s time for the final descent.
You make your way down through the lush rainforest, enjoying the serene beauty of Mount Kenya one last time. After about three hours, you arrive at Sirimon Gate and officially exit the national park. From here, your driver picks you up and takes you to Nanyuki for a relaxing lunch. Depending on your travel plan, you then continue the drive back to Nairobi, reaching the city in the late afternoon.
Settle into your hotel and take a moment to reflect on your achievement—you’ve conquered Kenya’s highest mountain and are ready for whatever adventure comes next!
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
The Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Drinks
FAQs
Absolutely—especially with a trusted tour operator like us.
Kenya is a welcoming and generally safe destination for travelers, particularly those on organized safaris with professional guides, as you will be. Like any major city, areas of Nairobi and Mombasa require extra awareness, but with basic precautions, you’ll enjoy a trouble-free experience.
We recommend using a trusted driver when going out at night, rather than walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and always keep your personal belongings secure. With these simple measures, you can focus on enjoying the incredible landscapes, wildlife, and culture Kenya has to offer.
This is your very own private safari—tailored entirely to your pace and preferences.
Crafted just for you, this journey is shaped by your interests, with the help of our expert travel consultants who ensure every detail aligns with your vision. There are plenty of benefits to traveling this way.
You’ll explore in a private safari vehicle with your own dedicated guide, giving you complete flexibility in your daily schedule—depart when you like and return when it suits you, with helpful guidance from your expert.
Inside the national parks, linger at wildlife sightings as long as you want—whether you’re captivated by a lion pride or a herd of elephants, there’s no rush. Your personal guide, attuned to your interests, will offer insider tips that make every moment special, turning your safari into a truly unforgettable adventure.
At Majestic Mara Trips, we believe in designing your journey together.
When you plan your African adventure with us, it’s more than just booking a holiday—it’s about crafting a personalized experience that reflects your unique travel dreams. We take the time to understand your preferences and work closely with you to ensure every detail fits your vision perfectly.
To make the planning process even easier, we also offer a curated selection of our most popular tours and safaris. These serve as inspiration and a flexible starting point to build the ideal trip just for you.
Without a doubt, Kenya is home to all members of the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with an incredible variety of other wildlife.
It’s a true haven for nature lovers and photographers alike. Watching these majestic animals roam freely in their natural environments is what makes Kenya one of the top safari destinations in the world.
