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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Experience our Tailor-made Tours in Climbing Mount Kenya
Looking for Something Unique?
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.
A unique safari experience!
We were referred to Discover Africa to book our honeymoon safari by friends who had used them previously and spoke very highly of them and we could not have been happier. We worked with Susan and Adelle and they listened to what we were thinking in regards to amount and types of adventures vs. leisure, settings, and budget and helped craft a great itinerary that made our honeymoon so special. They listened to what we wanted and gave advice when needed to help build this trip together.
We spent 4 days in Zanzibar at a hotel of their recommendation and it was the perfect way to start the trip coming right from the wedding. We then spent 8 nights on Safari and it was everything we could ever dreamed of. We had a private guide, Charmy, for 2 days in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater and he was one of the highlights of our trip. He was so welcoming, knowledgeable about the animals/environment, and was so easy to connect with that he instantly made us comfortable and excited about the trip. He listened to us and what we were hoping to see and also recommended and made it a personal experience that was so memorable. We couldn’t recommend Charmy more to anyone coming on a Safari. He was a perfect guide.
The second 4 days we were in the Northern Serengeti with a different guide, Habib, and had an equally amazing and different experience than the other 3 locations. We learned so much from Habib and Victor about the Great Migration, the habitats and habits of the animals that live on the savannah and really came away with incredible memories and knowledge. It was a phenomenal 4 days here.
The travel, transfers, and communication was seamless and allowed us to travel with ease around the 5 different locations on our 12 night trip. The Discover Africa team was there to help make it as easy for us to enjoy this trip as possible and they succeeded. Thank you!
"We were referred to Discover Africa to book our honeymoon safari by friends who had used them previously and spoke very highly of them and we could not have been happier. We worked with Susan and Adelle and they listened to what we were thinking in regards ..."
Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania exceeded expectations!
Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania met and exceeded expectations! The Africa Safari Expert took our group’s information and my requests and created a trip that hit all the highlights of an African Safari. The itinerary took us through two countries and six regions – all with different views, animals and people. Accommodations were nicer than expected (even the temporary camp) and all were clean with extremely attentive and helpful personnel. All our guides were very knowledgeable, got us closer than expected to a wide range of animals and were responsive to our requests. For six days of the 12-day trip, we had two Discover Africa guides who were tremendous – they were nice, enthusiastic, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. It was obvious they were quite experienced, with books and maps to enhance their information.
Normally I love planning our trips but quickly realized it needed a professional since African travel is complicated by many factors. I picked Discover Africa because of a friend’s recommendation and their reviews. During the planning process, the Discover Africa representative provided an itinerary with detailed information (including pictures of the lodgings). Once the trip was booked, our representative made changes when our flights to/from were rebooked. As the trip got closer, they sent us comprehensive travel information (including pre-trip checklists). And there was an online link to our itinerary we used while on the trip!
I was especially impressed by all the vendors they used. All the guides, cars and planes were ready for us – no searching or waiting. All the lodgings were beautiful. And when there was an issue with a hotel (a water leak in one of the wings), another hotel had already been arranged (equally nice and down the street, and we got a free dinner too!).
"Our trip to Kenya and Tanzania met and exceeded expectations! The Africa Safari Expert took our group’s information and my requests and created a trip that hit all the highlights of an African Safari. The itinerary took us through two countries and six regi..."
We initially felt quite overwhelmed by the number of different tours, lodges and options available when planning an African adventure, so we decided to speak with Discover Africa to help us create a memorable trip. We are so glad we did!
Chrizaan took the time to listen to what we wanted from our trip and then put together an incredible itinerary that gave us a real taste of Africa and some experiences we will never forget. From the different safari lodges and game drives to Victoria Falls, the trip offered such a wonderful variety of experiences. Some were absolute highlights and created memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Everything from the flights and transfers to the accommodation and activities was organised so efficiently. For someone who experiences a lot of anxiety when travelling, having everything organised and knowing there was someone who knew our itinerary and could help if needed was incredibly comforting.
Of course, with a trip this big and complicated, we did encounter a few hiccups along the way. What made such a difference was knowing that Chrizaan was only a quick phone call away. She was always helpful, responsive and quick to assist in resolving anything that came up, which gave us great peace of mind while we were travelling.
We would absolutely recommend Discover Africa to anyone wanting to organise a trip to Africa, and particularly Chrizaan. She took our ideas, hopes and vision for the trip and turned them into an incredible reality.
Thank you, Chrizaan, for helping us create an African adventure we will be talking about for years to come! ❤️
"We initially felt quite overwhelmed by the number of different tours, lodges and options available when planning an African adventure, so we decided to speak with Discover Africa to help us create a memorable trip. We are so glad we did!
Chrizaan took th..."
We booked our 10-day safari in Tanzania and Kenya through Discover Africa, and it exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation through the end of our journey, everything was exceptionally well organized, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying the experience.
A special thank you to Bianca, who helped us design our itinerary. She was knowledgeable, responsive, and incredibly patient throughout the planning process. We had a lot of questions, compared multiple itinerary options, and made several adjustments along the way. Bianca always provided thoughtful recommendations, explained the tradeoffs, and never made us feel rushed. Her expertise was invaluable in building an itinerary that perfectly matched what we were looking for.
Every transfer, flight, and accommodation was seamlessly coordinated. We never had to worry about logistics, and everything ran exactly as planned.
The itinerary itself was phenomenal. We experienced Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Tanzania, and Kenya, culminating in an unforgettable safari where we witnessed the Great Migration, saw the Big Five, and had incredible wildlife encounters throughout. The accommodations Discover Africa selected were all excellent, each offering something unique while consistently delivering outstanding hospitality and service.
What impressed us most was that Discover Africa didn’t simply book hotels and flights. They helped craft an experience. The pacing of the trip, the choice of camps, and the routing between destinations all came together to create a vacation we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
If you’re planning an African safari and want a company that genuinely listens to your preferences and takes the stress out of organizing a complex itinerary, I highly recommend Discover Africa. Thank you to Bianca and the entire team for helping us create the trip of a lifetime.
"We booked our 10-day safari in Tanzania and Kenya through Discover Africa, and it exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation through the end of our journey, everything was exceptionally well organized, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying ..."
I would highly recommend working with Discover Africa!
My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can’t say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinerary that was exactly right for us-thoughtful, seamless and perfectly tailored. Every detail was handled flawlessly. The drivers were prompt and professional, the local agents knowledgeable and the hotels outstanding.-each one what we hoped for. There was not a single disappointment on the trip which is rare for a trip of this scale.
What stood out the most was Susans care and attention. She checked in regularly to make sure everything was going smoothly.
I would highly recommend working with Discover Africa for a trip that would be memorable, stress free and tailored to your preferences and budget. Susan is not only incredibly organized but highly invested in making your experience special.
Debby Anziano's Safari Experience
She found the most outstanding places for us to stay with our favorite by far Leopard Hills Lodge in Sabi Sands Reserve, A small intimate lodge with incredible rooms, food and the game drives did not disappoint as we saw the big 5 every day and many leopards while feeling we were only ones in the park. I have been on several safaris in Africa but this was different how alone and private it was.
The other hotel I would not miss was one of the best hotels we ever stayed at in the world in Johannesburg, The Residence Hotel which was amazing and since our flight was cancelled due to a Lufthansa strike we had to stay an extra night which was also a highlight of our trip and we would go back to Johannesburg to stay there again.
Thank you Susan for making this such an amazing trip!
"My son Max and I just returned from an incredible trip to South Africa and Mauritus, and I can't say enough about how exceptional Susan Veldman was throughout the entire process. From the very beginning she listened to what we wanted and designed an itinera..."
Susan you are amazing you gave us an experience that only dreams are made of.
Susan and the team from Discover Africa you have excelled yourself through the initial contact to the very end of our journey. We were dazzled with the views of Cape Town. Victoria Falls and of course the game parks. The animals did not disappoint the spectacular service of all the staff will be etched in our memories forever.
The animals were the stars of the show but I have to mention the service,food and accomodation was out of this world. I took this tour with my 23 year old son and i was so impressed with all that this beautiful country had to offer. Susan, from the Wales family you are one amazing lady. Thank you again. To see our trip visit on instagram Saxons_odyssey
"Susan and the team from Discover Africa you have excelled yourself through the initial contact to the very end of our journey. We were dazzled with the views of Cape Town. Victoria Falls and of course the game parks. The animals did not disappoint the spect..."