Mount Kilimanjaro might be the highest but whatever Mount Kenya lacks in altitude, it makes up for in scenery and beauty. What Kilimanjaro offers in altitude, Mount Kenya surpasses in beauty. Mount Kenya measures a lofty 5,199m above sea level characterized by U shaped valleys, a few tarns here and there and hanging lakes mainly as a result of glaciation.

Due to its staggering altitudes, Mount Kenya has varied vegetation zones that are equally astonishing with every altitude that you gain. The various vegetation and climatic zones present on Mount Kenya include montane forest, dense bamboo, heathland and of course the Alpine Zone that is characterized by the presence of primal like vegetation, among them are the giant Lobelias and Senecios.

Mount Kenya’s has a number of peaks that crown its summit, Point Lenana standing at an altitude of 4985m, which is a moderate slope made of scree and rock outcrops beginning from the Shiptons Hut at 4,200m. The other two peaks Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m) are more demanding and challenging hence they require special skills and equipment to climb them.

Without following proper acclimatization procedures, it is possible to complete climbing Mount Kenya in as little as three or four days but you may need more days due to the dangers of altitude sickness.

All our Mount Kenya treks begin from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi followed by a brief trek from Sirimon Gate to Old Moses Camp to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.

As you trek past the rainforest zone with closed canopies, everything clears up once you reach the open field of heath and moorland which gives way for a much clearer view of the summit. Various wild animals may be spotted, among them, elephants, Eland and buffaloes.

On leaving Likki North, the trail leads up the Mackinder Valley approaching Shiptons Camp, tucked at the foot of the summits.

Summiting Mount Kenya via the Naro Moru Route

Usually, the midnight or early morning summit attempt is mainly done so as to reach the summit by sunrise and avoid the cloud cover that appears mid in the morning. The trek towards the summit and peak of Mount Kenya, Point Lenana is challenging but worth the try as the views from the summit of the mountain are astonishing with the rising sun from the horizon of the Aberdares ranges causing the tarns to sparkle while it illuminates the valleys below the peak a distance away.

The Naro Moru route can be done in 4 days but we do recommend the 5-day route variation because of the extra acclimatization day which gives you a break from the long day trek up towards Shiptons to Old Moses to Shipton’s with overnight camping at Liki North Camp which is located at 3990m above sea level, then afterwards proceeding to Shipton’s the next day.

How to get to Mount Kenya

To get to Mount Kenya, you have to fly into Kenya first through the International Airports that serve as Kenya’s entry points like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and the Mombasa Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Many air companies fly into Kenya from all over the world e.g Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Kenya Airways fly regular direct flights to Nairobi. There are other airlines that offer competitive prices for air tickets that make a stop from Qatar Airways, Ethiopian and Emirates.

Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta airport is a ½ hr drive away from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi with a distance of about 16km.

This 5 days Naro Moru route for climbing Mount Kenya includes pick up and drop off in the vicinity of Nairobi City by minibus, private car or 4wd Landcruiser.

Best time to climb Mount Kenya -Naro Moru Route

The best time to climb Mount Kenya via the Naro Moru route is during the dry months of January to February. Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, any time of the month but of course, there are better months for climbing the mountain than others. There are least beast times of the year than others depending on the weather on those particular months. The rainy seasons during the months of April and May are the long rain seasons and hence the least favourable time of the year to climb Mount Kenya. Summer months of July, August and September are also good for climbing the mountain via the Naro Moru Route. If you plan to climb Mount Kenya during the wet and rainy seasons, it would be wiser to carry along waterproof gear and garters.

Is the Naro Moru Route suitable for me?

This 5 day Mount Kenya – Naro Moru route trek is probably one of the most accessible and rewarding mountains climbs in the world, but it needs proper preparation and planning for you to enjoy more. With proper planning and preparations, you will have an upper hand in combating, minimising and avoiding is altitude sickness. 5-day Sirimon Naromoru via Likki North is designed to follow proper acclimatization procedures that prove to be very beneficial to climbers. All you have to do is to follow the instructions of your guide, climb slowly and drink as much water as possible. Remember, climbing Mount Kenya is not a race, and you do not to be superhuman fit to climb Mount Kenya, if you can walk for 6-8 hours a day comfortably then you are able to tackle Mount Kenya. Age is not really an obstacle, children as young as 10 and adults as old as 80 have climbed Mount Kenya.

Always cross-check your kit and make sure you have all the essential and required gear. Be mentally and physically prepared, you will need both the physical and mental stamina to climb Mount Kenya. Logically, you will go for days without having a shower, sometimes up to 4 or 5 days. Mount Kenya facilities are pretty basic, from the toilets to the huts, it is recommended that you bring wet wipes for body hygiene. last but not least, bring a proper sleeping bag for high altitude mountaineering purposes. 

Safety for climbing Mount Kenya

For the latest and official travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office please check www.gov.uk/travelaware

Day1

Nairobi to old Moses Hut 3,340M

Tranquil Kilimanjaro representatives will pick you up from the airport or somewhere within the Nairobi town vicinity early in the morning for a drive towards the base of Mount Kenya, traversing farmlands and beautiful landscapes.

After meet and greet session with your mountain crew, your guide and porters you will be briefed on your trek and a thorough check of your equipment. A short hike ensues to your first accommodation point, your hut located at 3,340m with a total ascent of 740m in a short duration of 2-3 hours. The Sirimon – Naro Moru route cuts through pass various mountain zones of the dense rain forest, bamboo and eventually out of the canopies to open ground of heath and moorland. The trail is dusty but well maintained by the KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) to speed up response times during emergencies on the mountain. Wild animals that include big animals like buffalo, elephants roam freely with chances of spotting some birds. Distance: Approx 10km / 2.5 hrs from Sirimon Gate with 740m altitude gain from the gate
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Old Moses Hut
Transport (where relevant): Drive Nairobi – Sirimon Gate (250km / 4 hours)

Day 2

Old Moses Camp 3,340M - Likki North Camp 3,990m

Day 2 of this trek is set aside for acclimatization purposes where you will catch a break from going up the mountain to Shipton’s from Old Moses with overnight at Liki North Camp at an altitude of 3990m above sea level. This day will be a moderate hike that will allow you to get back to camp earlier than usual around mid-afternoon with a brief afternoon trek higher up the mountain then a descent back to camp. This ensures you follow the proper acclimatization rule of “climb high and sleep low”.

Distance: Approx 5 hours walking and 850m ascent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation: Camping at Liki North Camp
Transport (where relevant):

Day 3

Liki North Camp 3,990m - Shiptons Camp (4,236m)

On this third day of your 5 day Mount Kenya trek, we descend into the Liki Valley after a dramatic climb out of the valley that is filled with medieval-like vegetation of giant lobelia and Senecio plants dotted with glacial features on the terrain. This zone offers you the chance to spot some wild animals, among them the Hyrax and sunbirds. Before you get back to camp for the much-needed rest and retiring to bed after a long day of trekking you will make a short hike past Mackinders Caves then proceed to Shiptons Camp. By following the acclimatization rule of climb high and sleep low, you will make a descent back to camp after going up to 100m.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation: Shiptons Camp Hut
Transport (where relevant):

Day 4

Summit Day (4,985m)

The fourth day on the mountain using the Sirimon – Naromoru route and the big moment is here. The summit day, it begins at around 3 am in total darkness, head torches and warm layers of clothing will come in handy at this moment of making that final push to the summit of Mount Kenya. The reason for starting this summiting journey very early is to make sure we reach the summit just in time for sunrise and avoid the cloud cover that is a normal occurrence in the mid-morning.

The summiting trek is a steady climb on a slope filled with scree and rock outcrops. nevertheless, it is all worth it as the summit, Point Lenana will reward you with views out of this world, probably one of the most beautiful sunrise views you have ever experienced making a backdrop of the shimmering tarns and glaciers as well as the dramatically jagged-edged peaks of Mount Kenya. With luck on your side, on a clear sky, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. It can get chilly on the summit and temperatures can drop to as low as -20 degrees C with strong winds.  You can enjoy a moment or two at the summit, take some pictures for memories before descending the mountain for two hours or so passing sheets of glaciers on a trail filled with scree towards Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast. If you are willing you can still trek a further 9km descent to the Met Station for the overnight and rest or alternatively you can spend the night at Mackinder’s Camp. Approx. 750m up and 3km in length to Point Lenana (4985m) followed by 685m descent and 3.5km to Mackinder’s Camp (4,300m) or onto Met Station (4hrs) to cut down on the walking distance on the final day on the mountain day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation: Mackinder’s Camp or Met Station (both huts)
Transport (where relevant):

Day 5

Descend and return to Nairobi

Day 5 marks the last day on Mount Kenya as you continue with the descent traversing the windward side of the mountain. The trail approaches the infamous vertical bog and dips into the dense bamboo and dense rain forest to converge at the park headquarters near the Naromoru gate just in time for a nice bath or shower and lunch at Mountain Rock Lodge which lies at the base of Mount Kenya. We will drive back to Nairobi where you will dropped at your hotel or airport. Walk 22km / 6 hours from Mackinder’s Camp (4,300m) to Naro Moru Gate (2,600m)
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch included
Accommodation: End of services
Transport (where relevant): Drive from Naro Moru park gate to Nairobi 210km / 4-5 hours

The cost for the whole 5 days Kenya Sirimon – Naro moru route trek includes and excludes the following items

5 Days Mount Kenya Trek Price includes

All National Park fees

Camping & mountain Huts fees where applicable

Camping equipment EXCEPT sleeping bags, mattresses

English speaking guide(s)

Porters & Cook(s).

Meals while on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Transfers from and back to base hotel/lodge.

Pick up and drop off at either Nairobi airport, hotel or residence

Government taxes and local levies

Price Excludes

Tips & Gratuities

Meals/drinks not mentioned as included

Insurances.

Visa

Any increase in National Park fees or other fees/taxes charged by National Park and/or other government authorities.

Sleeping bag / mattress and other personal equipment (a limited selection of hire equipment is available – please pre-order).

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya climbing costs depend on a few factors. These are the number of days you will spend on the mountain, the number of people in your group among other factors. Currently, the entrance fees into the Mount Kenya National Park are $150 per adult for a three-day itinerary, $220 per adult for four days or $300 per adult for 5 days. This includes the entrance fee plus camping fees. 

Can you climb Mount Kenya?

Yes, you can climb Mount Kenya with the help of guides and porters. There are designated routes to the summits of Mount Kenya and each route can be accessed by all types of people, from first-timers to experienced mountain climbers.

What animals live on Mount Kenya?

There are many wild animals roaming around Mount Kenya and the Mount Kenya national park. They include, elephants, bushbucks, buffaloes, duikers etc.

Can you see Mount Kenya from Nairobi?

At an altitude of about 17,057 feet and being the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya can be seen from Nairobi, on a clear sky but from the top of a tall building in Nairobi which is about 85 miles away.

How hard is it to climb Mt Kenya?

By comparison, MtKenya is easier to climb than Kilimanjaro because it is lower and you get to spend much less time in the cold, thin-air zone.

How many days does it take to climb Mt Kenya?

It would take you between 4 to 8 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depending on the route that you choose and your mountain climbing expertise.


How high is Mount Kenya?

The Elevation of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,199 m above sea level from the base of the mountain to the peak.

Does Mt Kenya have snow?
Due to the high altitudes, the peak of Mount Kenya that lies on the alpine zone is constantly covered with snow and ice. This is mainly because of the sub-zero temperatures at the top that can fall to as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). 

How much higher is Mount Kilimanjaro than Mount Kenya?
Mount Kilimanjaro measuring 5,895 meters above sea level is about 695m higher than Mount Kenya, standing at 5,199 meters above sea.
Mount kenya trek
Mount kenya trek
7 days Mount kenya Sirimon - Chogoria route