For the thrill seekers out there, you’ll find the perfect blend of wildlife and mountain to explore
Mount Kenya is the second highest peak mountain in Africa, with its highest peak standing at approximately 5 199 meters above sea level. It also serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a realm of the mythical Kikuyu god known as Ngai. The ancient Kikuyu people built their customary homes facing this sacred peak as they believed it was a place of light; hence the name Kirinyaga.
Mount Kenya comprises three magnificent peaks namely Nelion (5 188 m), Lenana (4 985 m), and Batian (5 199 m), all of which offer various degrees of difficulty when it comes to mountain climbing. These peaks also provide wildlife and birds with distinctly different environments and landscapes, thus making them unique ecosystems that can be vastly different from one another. You can expect rainforests, African moors and rocky terrain. The mountain flaunts a ragged series of peaks crowned with snow that creates crystal clear pools of fresh water at the base of the slopes. The best time to get a fascinating view of the mountain is at dawn when the early light of day silhouettes its stunning summit high over the plains surrounding it.
Mount Kenya National Park is also home to the Big Five (elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, and rhino) and troops of baboons and monkeys whose fascinating behaviour is a joy to observe. You will also be able to see such animals as waterbucks, tree hyrax, elands, and the white-tailed mongoose. Expect birds in abundance, with owls, eagles, nightjars, ibises and hawks taking centre stage.
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Enjoy an authentic African experience.
Why Mount Kenya?
Pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty
The National Park has many unusual species of plants
Hiking trekkers can take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the region
Visit the second highest mountain in Africa
Where to go in Mount Kenya
The park is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Key areas include the Naro Moru and Sirimon Routes for climbers and the dense forests of the lower slopes for wildlife enthusiasts. Each region within the park provides distinct experiences and scenic beauty.
Mount Kenya National Park offers diverse regions, each with unique landscapes and experiences.
From the challenging Naro Moru Route to the scenic Chogoria Route, and the wildlife-rich lower slopes to the serene lakes and moorlands, discover the best areas for trekking, wildlife viewing, and photography in this magnificent park.
Introduction: The Naro Moru Route is renowned as the most popular and quickest path to reach Point Lenana, one of Mount Kenya’s trekking peaks.
Highlights: This route offers challenging hikes through its lush landscapes, including dense forests, heathlands, and alpine zones. Unique features include the Vertical Bog and Teleki Valley, which provide stunning views and fascinating geological formations.
Wildlife: Along the trail, you can spot colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and various bird species, enhancing the trekking experience with opportunities for wildlife observation.
Activities: The route is best suited for challenging hikes and scenic photography, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and nature photographers.
Unique Facts: The Naro Moru Route is known for the Vertical Bog, a challenging section due to its muddy and slippery conditions. The Teleki Valley offers spectacular views of the peaks and is named after Count Sámuel Teleki, a Hungarian explorer.
2. Sirimon Route
The snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya near Nanyuki in Kenya | Photo credit: Brandon Johnson, Getty Images via Canva ttest2
Location: Northwestern side of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The Sirimon Route is appreciated for its gentler gradient and picturesque scenery, making it a popular choice for climbers and trekkers.
Highlights: This route takes you through beautiful montane forests and open moorlands, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The route also offers breathtaking views of the rocky spires of Batian and Nelion peaks.
Wildlife: Common wildlife sightings include elephants, buffaloes, and hyenas, along with diverse bird species.
Activities: Ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, the Sirimon Route also offers ample opportunities for photography due to its stunning landscapes.
Unique Facts: The Sirimon Route is known for its well-maintained trails and huts, making it one of the more comfortable and accessible routes up Mount Kenya. It also offers a high success rate for reaching Point Lenana.
3. Chogoria Route
Trekking in Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya
Location: Eastern side of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The Chogoria Route is often regarded as the most scenic route up Mount Kenya, featuring dramatic landscape and lakes.
Highlights: This route includes spectacular views of gorges, waterfalls, and pristine lakes such as Lake Michaelson. It is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
Wildlife: Wildlife sightings on this route may include giant forest hogs, zebras, and antelopes, adding to the richness of the trekking experience.
Activities: Scenic trekking and wildlife spotting are the main activities, with numerous opportunities for capturing the park’s natural beauty through photography.
Unique Facts: The Chogoria Route is renowned for its dramatic and varied scenery. Lake Michaelson, one of the highlights, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa.
4. Lower Slopes and Forests
Hut Tarn and peaks in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Lower elevations of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The lower slopes of Mount Kenya are characterized by dense bamboo and rainforests, offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Highlights: These areas are perfect for guided nature walks and bird watching excursions. Unique flora such as the giant lobelia and senecio plants thrive in these environments.
Wildlife: The forests are home to elephants, buffaloes, Hartlaub’s turaco, and the African green pigeon, among other species.
Activities: Best suited for guided nature walks and birdwatching, these areas offer a tranquil experience for nature enthusiasts.
Unique Facts: The dense bamboo forests serve as a critical habitat for elephants, providing both food and shelter. The rainforests are part of the Aberdare-Mount Kenya ecosystem, which is crucial for regional biodiversity.
5. Lakes and Rivers
Wildlife in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Throughout Mount Kenya National Park
Introduction: The park is dotted with beautiful lakes and rivers, such as Lake Alice and the Gorges Valley, providing serene spots for relaxation and photography.
Highlights: These water bodies offer picturesque settings and are vital for the park’s diverse ecosystems. They are perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Wildlife: Aquatic and birdlife, including the African fish eagle and kingfishers, can be observed around these lakes and rivers.
Activities: Relaxation, photography, and birdwatching are the primary activities in these areas.
Unique Facts: Lake Alice, located on the northern slopes, is named after Alice, the wife of a former governor of Kenya. The Gorges Valley is known for its dramatic cliffs and is a popular spot for adventurous hikes.
6. Moorlands and Tarns
Climbing Mount Kenya in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Higher elevations of Mount Kenya
Introduction: Above the forests, the park opens into expansive moorlands and tarns, characterized by unique alpine vegetation and stunning vistas.
Highlights: This area is ideal for trekking and exploring unique flora and fauna adapted to high-altitude environments.
Wildlife: Look out for the endemic Mount Kenya rock hyrax and various sunbirds that thrive in these high-altitude habitats.
Activities: High-altitude trekking and exploring the unique alpine flora and fauna are the main activities here.
Unique Facts: The moorlands are home to giant groundsels and lobelias, which have adapted to the harsh conditions. The tarns, small mountain lakes, are formed by glacial activity and add to the area’s serene beauty.
Discover Unique Experiences in Mount Kenya National Park
Hiking up Mount Kenya
Climbing and Trekking
Mount Kenya offers premier climbing and trekking experiences, from reaching Point Lenana to exploring lower slopes. Unique features like Hall Tarns and Mackinder Valley enhance these treks.
Wildlife Viewing
Encounter elephants, black rhinos, Jackson’s francolin, and more. Guided game drives and nature walks provide close wildlife encounters.
Scenic Photography
Capture diverse landscapes, from glaciers to bamboo forests, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Cultural Tours
Engage with local Kikuyu communities and learn about Mount Kenya’s cultural significance through insightful cultural tours.
Mount Kenya National Park offers a unique blend of challenging treks, breathtaking scenery, and diverse wildlife.
Whether you choose the fast-paced Naro Moru Route, the gentle Sirimon Route, or the scenic Chogoria Route, each area provides its own special experiences. Discover the lower slopes and serene lakes for rich wildlife encounters and tranquil moments.
Ready to explore Mount Kenya? Embark on your adventure today and experience the majestic beauty and diverse landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan your trip now and create unforgettable memories in one of Kenya’s most iconic national parks.
Where to Go in Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park offers diverse regions, each with unique landscapes and experiences.
From the challenging Naro Moru Route to the scenic Chogoria Route, and the wildlife-rich lower slopes to the serene lakes and moorlands, discover the best areas for trekking, wildlife viewing, and photography in this magnificent park.
Introduction: The Naro Moru Route is renowned as the most popular and quickest path to reach Point Lenana, one of Mount Kenya’s trekking peaks.
Highlights: This route offers challenging hikes through its lush landscapes, including dense forests, heathlands, and alpine zones. Unique features include the Vertical Bog and Teleki Valley, which provide stunning views and fascinating geological formations.
Wildlife: Along the trail, you can spot colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and various bird species, enhancing the trekking experience with opportunities for wildlife observation.
Activities: The route is best suited for challenging hikes and scenic photography, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and nature photographers.
Unique Facts: The Naro Moru Route is known for the Vertical Bog, a challenging section due to its muddy and slippery conditions. The Teleki Valley offers spectacular views of the peaks and is named after Count Sámuel Teleki, a Hungarian explorer.
2. Sirimon Route
The snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya near Nanyuki in Kenya | Photo credit: Brandon Johnson, Getty Images via Canva ttest2
Location: Northwestern side of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The Sirimon Route is appreciated for its gentler gradient and picturesque scenery, making it a popular choice for climbers and trekkers.
Highlights: This route takes you through beautiful montane forests and open moorlands, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The route also offers breathtaking views of the rocky spires of Batian and Nelion peaks.
Wildlife: Common wildlife sightings include elephants, buffaloes, and hyenas, along with diverse bird species.
Activities: Ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing, the Sirimon Route also offers ample opportunities for photography due to its stunning landscapes.
Unique Facts: The Sirimon Route is known for its well-maintained trails and huts, making it one of the more comfortable and accessible routes up Mount Kenya. It also offers a high success rate for reaching Point Lenana.
3. Chogoria Route
Trekking in Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya
Location: Eastern side of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The Chogoria Route is often regarded as the most scenic route up Mount Kenya, featuring dramatic landscape and lakes.
Highlights: This route includes spectacular views of gorges, waterfalls, and pristine lakes such as Lake Michaelson. It is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.
Wildlife: Wildlife sightings on this route may include giant forest hogs, zebras, and antelopes, adding to the richness of the trekking experience.
Activities: Scenic trekking and wildlife spotting are the main activities, with numerous opportunities for capturing the park’s natural beauty through photography.
Unique Facts: The Chogoria Route is renowned for its dramatic and varied scenery. Lake Michaelson, one of the highlights, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa.
4. Lower Slopes and Forests
Hut Tarn and peaks in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Lower elevations of Mount Kenya
Introduction: The lower slopes of Mount Kenya are characterized by dense bamboo and rainforests, offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Highlights: These areas are perfect for guided nature walks and bird watching excursions. Unique flora such as the giant lobelia and senecio plants thrive in these environments.
Wildlife: The forests are home to elephants, buffaloes, Hartlaub’s turaco, and the African green pigeon, among other species.
Activities: Best suited for guided nature walks and birdwatching, these areas offer a tranquil experience for nature enthusiasts.
Unique Facts: The dense bamboo forests serve as a critical habitat for elephants, providing both food and shelter. The rainforests are part of the Aberdare-Mount Kenya ecosystem, which is crucial for regional biodiversity.
5. Lakes and Rivers
Wildlife in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Throughout Mount Kenya National Park
Introduction: The park is dotted with beautiful lakes and rivers, such as Lake Alice and the Gorges Valley, providing serene spots for relaxation and photography.
Highlights: These water bodies offer picturesque settings and are vital for the park’s diverse ecosystems. They are perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Wildlife: Aquatic and birdlife, including the African fish eagle and kingfishers, can be observed around these lakes and rivers.
Activities: Relaxation, photography, and birdwatching are the primary activities in these areas.
Unique Facts: Lake Alice, located on the northern slopes, is named after Alice, the wife of a former governor of Kenya. The Gorges Valley is known for its dramatic cliffs and is a popular spot for adventurous hikes.
6. Moorlands and Tarns
Climbing Mount Kenya in Mount Kenya National Park
Location: Higher elevations of Mount Kenya
Introduction: Above the forests, the park opens into expansive moorlands and tarns, characterized by unique alpine vegetation and stunning vistas.
Highlights: This area is ideal for trekking and exploring unique flora and fauna adapted to high-altitude environments.
Wildlife: Look out for the endemic Mount Kenya rock hyrax and various sunbirds that thrive in these high-altitude habitats.
Activities: High-altitude trekking and exploring the unique alpine flora and fauna are the main activities here.
Unique Facts: The moorlands are home to giant groundsels and lobelias, which have adapted to the harsh conditions. The tarns, small mountain lakes, are formed by glacial activity and add to the area’s serene beauty.
Discover Unique Experiences in Mount Kenya National Park
Hiking up Mount Kenya
Climbing and Trekking
Mount Kenya offers premier climbing and trekking experiences, from reaching Point Lenana to exploring lower slopes. Unique features like Hall Tarns and Mackinder Valley enhance these treks.
Wildlife Viewing
Encounter elephants, black rhinos, Jackson’s francolin, and more. Guided game drives and nature walks provide close wildlife encounters.
Scenic Photography
Capture diverse landscapes, from glaciers to bamboo forests, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Cultural Tours
Engage with local Kikuyu communities and learn about Mount Kenya’s cultural significance through insightful cultural tours.
Mount Kenya National Park offers a unique blend of challenging treks, breathtaking scenery, and diverse wildlife.
Whether you choose the fast-paced Naro Moru Route, the gentle Sirimon Route, or the scenic Chogoria Route, each area provides its own special experiences. Discover the lower slopes and serene lakes for rich wildlife encounters and tranquil moments.
Ready to explore Mount Kenya? Embark on your adventure today and experience the majestic beauty and diverse landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan your trip now and create unforgettable memories in one of Kenya’s most iconic national parks.
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From witnessing rare wildlife to enjoying tranquil birding adventures or embarking on fun-filled family safaris, Mount Kenya National Park offers something for everyone. Discover luxury lodges, romantic honeymoons, and thrilling horseback safaris.
Hear from our guests who have experienced the wonders of Mount Kenya National Park. Their stories of exceptional trip planning, life-changing adventures, and memorable experiences reflect the magic of our safaris and the unmatched beauty of Mount Kenya.
The experience was amazing!
We really enjoyed our trip from South Africa to Botswana and Zimbabwe! Sometimes a lot of whether a trip is successful comes down to the logistics. In this case, Susan Veldman and the company took care of all details related to our accommodations, transitions between countries and transportation from day to day so that our trip was seamless. The vendors and their staffs (hotels, restaurants, drivers, etc.) were so helpful and friendly. The experience was amazing!
"We really enjoyed our trip from South Africa to Botswana and Zimbabwe! Sometimes a lot of whether a trip is successful comes down to the logistics. In this case, Susan Veldman and the company took care of all details related to our accommodations, transitio..."
This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa’s Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserve and all the beautiful scenery in that area. Another Discover Africa staff member, Kayla Robson, joined Glenna and me for dinner one evening and it was such a delight getting acquainted with another Discover Africa person whose talents enrich the travel experience.
When we arrived in Botswana we were so pleased to have the two guides I have always requested and, even though I’ve been at Camps Moremi and Savute before, they provided us with safaris that added to my previous experiences, learning new things about animal behavior and, the bonus, twice seeing a cheetah – a cat I hadn’t yet seen in Botswana!
And I’m already planning my next trip to these two fabulous countries!
"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."
I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything.
Frank, my guide and driver, was beyond expectations. I was an unusually quiet person, and somehow Frank seems to know that and provided me a perfect safari experience with just enough information and friendliness without making it seems overwhelming for me. He somehow noticed a lot of details while searching for animals, birds, plants and even insects while driving in the relatively difficult paths.
Both accommodations suggested by Adelle were great. I couldn’t ask for more. As a solo traveller, it isn’t always easy. It turned out to be beyond I had ever dreamed of. The feeling and experience when we stopped in the middle of hundreds or thousands of animals walking around us in the same direction was more than words can describe. Thank you Adelle. Thank you Frank.
Thank you Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw, and thank you Kirimu Camp. I am already thinking about my next experience with Discover Africa.
"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything.
Fra..."
Thank you Megan for orchestrating such a wonderful journey!
We truly cherished every moment of our trip—there are countless experiences and memories that words can hardly capture. Cape Town was a vibrant and thrilling city, full of upscale shopping and exceptional dining. Jock Lodge stood out with its charming, rustic “woodsie” design and unique layout. And Palm River Hotel was simply magical—sipping coffee while watching elephants, warthogs, monkeys, and kudu roam freely in their natural habitat was unforgettable.
Thank you Megan for orchestrating such a wonderful journey!
"We truly cherished every moment of our trip—there are countless experiences and memories that words can hardly capture. Cape Town was a vibrant and thrilling city, full of upscale shopping and exceptional dining. Jock Lodge stood out with its charming, rust..."
Discover Africa helped me and my family have an unforgettable and unique experience.
We had a wonderful experience with Discover Africa from the planning stage all the way through to the end of the trip. I communicated what my family was looking for with a visit to Africa and Vihann helped construct a trip that provided the quality and experience to match our wishes. Using a travel agent, communication is of the upmost importance and Vihann was readily available during all parts of planning via email and even during the trip via WhatsApp.
If you choose to visit multiple countries in Africa and remote locations within those countries, transportation and logistics can be very challenging, and we were consistently at ease during our travel knowing that we’d always be in the correct place at the correct time because of Discover Africa. There were no hiccups or concerns going between locations and that alone made using Discover Africa worth it. In addition to logistics, Vihann chose incredible accommodations at each location in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The camps in Botswana (African Bush Camps Kwai Lediba & Atzaro Okavango) and Zimbabwe (Old Drift Lodge) were luxurious and intimate and the staff at the camps made our stays far exceed expectations. On top of the camp hosts and staff being personable and accommodating, the safari guides were extremely knowledgeable and made it possible for us to see every kind of wildlife we wished to that was native to the areas (including lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and wild dogs).
While the price for the overall trip can change quite a bit based on the accommodations you choose, I strongly recommend paying the additional dollars for the comfort and service that you receive at the higher-end camps. Overall we had an amazing trip due to the planning and service provided by Discover Africa and Vihann. I would absolutely use them again in the future knowing that we would be taken care of and set up for success.
"We had a wonderful experience with Discover Africa from the planning stage all the way through to the end of the trip. I communicated what my family was looking for with a visit to Africa and Vihann helped construct a trip that provided the quality and expe..."
Justin helped me book my camp experience with short notice, he made the whole process very easy, took care of everything, was easy to contact and my trip was perfect.
"Justin helped me book my camp experience with short notice, he made the whole process very easy, took care of everything, was easy to contact and my trip was perfect."
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