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.
Fabulous experience, exceptional guidance and support…
Working with Susan made our experience just perfect. She has everything organized and it all went so well. Her recommendations were perfect. We loved the safaris she chose, the lodges, guides, staff and the experience were wonderful.
"Working with Susan made our experience just perfect. She has everything organized and it all went so well. Her recommendations were perfect. We loved the safaris she chose, the lodges, guides, staff and the experience were wonderful."
Matthys van Aswegen of Discover Africa went above and beyond to plan a two week trip for myself and my family (6 travelers) through multiple African countries that was unforgettable!
There were many moving parts to our schedule, but every step was thoroughly planned out so there was no stress – first class service all around! We were provided tickets and vouchers beforehand, Matthys thoroughly walked us through the activities and schedule, and was very receptive to all of our feedback and requests.
The clear standout of our entire trip was our stay at Simbambili with our incredible guide and tracker, Doctor and Service. They are worth a request! Obviously a ton of work went into the planning up front, but Matthys was also very helpful and responsive to our last minute add-ons while we were in Africa. He was easy to contact and got back to all members of our party immediately.
We would use Discover Africa for our next African adventure in a heartbeat, and we recommend their services to you!
"Matthys van Aswegen of Discover Africa went above and beyond to plan a two week trip for myself and my family (6 travelers) through multiple African countries that was unforgettable!
There were many moving parts to our schedule, but every step was thorou..."
We travelled last August on a trip planned with Dev at Discover Africa. It was a family trip that i wanted us to remember forever and we definetly will! We could not have had an easier or more wonderful time and we would never have been able to plan and manage it ourselves.
We visited Botsana, Victoria Falls and Sabi Sands in South Africa then Mozambique. Every experience was better than we had hoped. Everyone who was part of our experience was so helpful and friendly and went the full measure to make sure we enjoyed our special holiday.
We were so lucky with every safari and saw so many animals, we had wonderful river trips seeing a great deal of wildlife, beautiful birds and even crocs eating a kill rather than just sunbathing. Everyday bought another surprise. Thank you to Dev and the team – your help was so appreciated.
"We travelled last August on a trip planned with Dev at Discover Africa. It was a family trip that i wanted us to remember forever and we definetly will! We could not have had an easier or more wonderful time and we would never have been able to plan and man..."
Very helpful and really accommodating to our needs!
We booked a safari through Discover Africa for Botswana and Zambia and it was fantastic! Chrizaan was super helpful and accommodating, especially when we had to change our dates of travel slightly. She worked with the lodges to accommodate us and found a solution. She booked us in terrific tented safari lodges in Botswana with the nicest staff and very comfortable, modern accommodations. We were so fortunate to see the “Big 5” and even cheetahs with our trusted guides and we also encountered very beautiful birdlife. We found the price of the trip to be reasonable and the food and lodgings were all very good.
It was a wonderful trip that we’ll remember forever and we highly recommend Discover Africa for booking your trips!!
"We booked a safari through Discover Africa for Botswana and Zambia and it was fantastic! Chrizaan was super helpful and accommodating, especially when we had to change our dates of travel slightly. She worked with the lodges to accommodate us and found a so..."
We had been thinking about a Southern Africa safari trip for a few years and had some valuable input from Zimbabwean friends who had been on tour many times. So we had a general idea of when and where but needed guidance on the finer details and options, as well as someone to put it all together once we’d agreed on an itinerary (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana). This was possibly going to be our one and only trip of this type so we wanted to get it right!
I saw an ad for a tour similar to what I had in mind so contacted Discover Africa (DA). Devryn was able to clearly outline his preferences that would meet the brief. He suggested the order of travel, how long at each place, what type of accommodation (generally getting better as we progressed), how to get from A to B, etc., via several email conversations.
We had a Zoom meeting with him before finalising the plan, where we were able to ask further questions, which he was able to answer confidently and competently, given he had been to these places himself.
We felt confident enough with his recommendations to lock it in 12 months ahead of the trip.
Naturally, you anticipate some things will go wrong on tour, e.g., a missed connection, a guide not turning up, or accommodation not being as described, and we were mentally prepared for that.
Garry's Safari Experience
However, every connection was made on time and the accommodation exceeded our high expectations!
The Safari experience itself (which Devryn obviously couldn’t guarantee) was superb. The guides from the lodges we used were experienced, informative, respectful of the animals, and considerate of what we had and hadn’t seen previously and so every day (twice a day!) was another trip into the unknown. Everyone hopes to see the Big 5, which we did early on. After that it was a matter of literally sitting back in the jeep and seeing what would turn up. The birdlife was better than I expected (the lilac-breasted roller was a favourite), and seeing small animals like mongooses (4 different species), a chameleon and a steenbok were unexpected highlights.
The food was varied at the various lodges, with usually a buffet of 3 main courses of western-style cuisine (although I ate wildebeest, crocodile, kudu and springbok when it was offered). We finished off with 3 nights in Cape Town to let the Safari experience sink in, which was a very good move.
So in summary, we did some initial research, worked out a plan with Devryn, and he nailed the brief. We’ll never know if it could have been even better, but I seriously doubt it.
"We had been thinking about a Southern Africa safari trip for a few years and had some valuable input from Zimbabwean friends who had been on tour many times. So we had a general idea of when and where but needed guidance on the finer details and options, as..."
We have returned again after Matthys arranged another trip for us for 2025, and we spent almost 4 weeks in May 2025, where we spent our time at Londolozi, Diulini Moya and Earth Lodge, and cannot thank Matthys enough. The camps we stayed at were once again exceptional, and our final camp was Earth Lodge, which was out of this world. We saw the Big Five, and we were lucky enough to see 2 leopard kills up in a tree as well as see the leopards coming down from the tree. We are avid photographers and have so many photos again which we can treasure forever.
Matthys has already arranged another trip for us, leaving late April and returning May 2026. Matthys I do not know where to begin or how to thank you for being so professional and helpful – anything I needed to change was done, and this is one of the main reasons we keep coming back to South Africa from Australia on a yearly basis and will only deal with Matthys and Discover Africa – I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you for taking such good care of us – we are excited for our next trip.
Thank you again – Kind regards, David and Lana Ogilvie
"We have returned again after Matthys arranged another trip for us for 2025, and we spent almost 4 weeks in May 2025, where we spent our time at Londolozi, Diulini Moya and Earth Lodge, and cannot thank Matthys enough. The camps we stayed at were once again ..."
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