Trek to Point Lenana
Point Lenana, at 4,985 m, is one of Africa's great non-technical summits, reached at dawn with views over the glaciers and the central highlands.
Kenya Mountains & Coast
Mount Kenya
Rising to 5,199 m above the central highlands, Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain, a wild world of glaciers, jagged peaks, tarns and giant lobelias that few travellers ever see.
- Location
- Central Kenya highlands
- Altitude
- 5,199 m (17,057 ft)
- Known For
- Point Lenana trek
- Best Time
- January – February, July – October
Discover Mount Kenya
Africa's second summit, and its wildest.
From the Indian Ocean coast, Kenya's low plains rise to the central highlands, which are bisected by the Great Rift Valley with fertile plateaus on either side. These highlands are among the most productive farming regions in Africa, and they are crowned by Mount Kenya, the highest point in the country and the second-highest peak on the continent after Kilimanjaro, reaching 5,199 m (17,057 ft) and still holding glaciers on its upper slopes.
Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano whose eroded core forms a cluster of dramatic rock peaks. The highest, Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), are technical climbs for experienced mountaineers, while Point Lenana (4,985 m), the third summit, can be reached by fit trekkers without climbing equipment. Kenya's climate here ranges from warm farmland at the base to cold, snow-capped peaks at the top.
The journey up passes through distinct zones: cultivated foothills, thick montane and bamboo forest, open heath and moorland studded with giant groundsels and lobelias, and finally a high alpine world of scree, tarns and ice. It is a quieter, wilder alternative to Kilimanjaro and a superb add-on to a Kenya safari.
Why Mount Kenya
A mountain of extraordinary variety.
Mount Kenya rewards trekkers with spectacular scenery, fewer crowds and some of the most beautiful high-altitude landscapes in Africa.
Dramatic Rock Peaks
Batian and Nelion form a jagged skyline unlike any other African mountain, attracting technical climbers from around the world.
Glaciers and Tarns
Shrinking glaciers, glacial valleys and jewel-like tarns such as Lake Michaelson and the Hall Tarns create unforgettable scenery.
Otherworldly Moorland
Giant groundsels and lobelias, unique to East Africa's high mountains, give the moorlands a surreal, prehistoric look.
Forest Wildlife
The lower forests shelter elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys and, for the very lucky, the rare mountain bongo.
Fewer Crowds
Mount Kenya sees far fewer trekkers than Kilimanjaro, offering a peaceful, wilderness experience.
Location
Where is Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya stands in central Kenya, just south of the equator, roughly 150 km north-east of Nairobi. The main trailhead towns of Nanyuki, Naro Moru and Chogoria are about 3 to 4 hours' drive from Nairobi, and Nanyuki also has an airstrip with scheduled flights from Wilson Airport.
From Arusha, travellers usually drive to Nairobi via the Namanga border in around 5 to 6 hours, or fly, before continuing to the mountain. Mount Kenya combines naturally with Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu and the Aberdares, and on exceptionally clear days Kilimanjaro can be seen far to the south from the high peaks.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Mount Kenya story.
Mount Kenya has two dry seasons that offer the best trekking conditions, separated by two rainy seasons.
Short Dry Season
Often the clearest and warmest trekking weather, with good summit views and firm trails.
Long Rains
Heavy rain in the forest and snow higher up make trails muddy and visibility poor. Trekking is possible but challenging.
Long Dry Season
A popular trekking season, with dry trails and cold, clear nights. August and September are especially reliable.
Short Rains
Afternoon showers and cloud cover the mountain, though mornings can be clear. Fewer trekkers on the trails.
What is the best month to climb Mount Kenya?
January, February and July to October offer the most reliable conditions, but Mount Kenya can be trekked year-round with good preparation.
Dry, clear and one of the best months for reaching Point Lenana.
Excellent trekking weather with clear mornings and firm trails.
The long rains begin, with cloud building and wetter forest trails.
The wettest month, with heavy rain in the forest and snow on the peaks.
Wet and cloudy, with very few trekkers on the mountain.
Rains ease towards the end of the month and trails begin to dry.
Dry season trekking resumes, with cold nights and clear summit views.
A reliable dry month and one of the most popular times to climb.
Dry and clear, ideal for trekking and technical climbing.
Generally dry early in the month, with showers building later.
Short rains bring afternoon cloud and showers to the forest.
Showers ease in the second half of the month, with quieter trails.
Explore the area
Discover the routes and zones of Mount Kenya.
Three main routes lead to Point Lenana, each with its own character, and many treks go up one side and down another.
North-westSirimon RouteA gradual, scenic route through drier forest and wide moorland, well suited to acclimatisation and often used for the ascent.
EastChogoria RouteWidely considered the most beautiful route, passing the Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and the Hall Tarns.
WestNaro Moru RouteThe most direct route, known for the steep, boggy section called the Vertical Bog, and often used for the descent.
Summit circuitPeaks and TarnsA high circuit around the central peaks, linking valleys, tarns and viewpoints for those with extra time.
Lower slopesMontane and Bamboo ForestDense forest rich in birdlife and wildlife, where elephants and buffalo leave tracks across the trails.
Technical summitsBatian and NelionThe true summits, requiring rock and sometimes ice climbing skills, with routes for experienced mountaineers.
Wildlife
Wildlife on Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya's forests and moorlands support a surprising range of wildlife. Elephants, buffalo and monkeys inhabit the lower forest, while hyraxes and specialised birds thrive at high altitude. The rare mountain bongo still survives in the forests, though sightings are extremely rare.
10 animals to look for
Black-and-white colobus
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Montane forest
Often seen leaping through the forest canopy with long white tails flowing behind them.
1 / 10
Sykes's monkey
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Forest edges and camps
A common forest monkey around the lower trailheads and lodges.
2 / 10
Elephant
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Lower forest
Forest elephants move through the lower slopes; you are more likely to see tracks and signs than the animals themselves.
3 / 10
Buffalo
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forest glades and lower moorland
Encountered in forest clearings; guides keep a respectful distance.
4 / 10
Rock hyrax
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Moorland and high camps
Tame and inquisitive hyraxes live around the high huts and rocky areas.
5 / 10
Bushbuck
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Forest and glades
A shy, striped antelope of the forest edges.
6 / 10
Leopard
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Forest and moorland
Present across the mountain but very rarely seen.
7 / 10
Mountain bongo
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Dense high forest
A critically endangered forest antelope; a sighting would be exceptionally lucky.
8 / 10
Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Moorland with giant lobelias
A dazzling sunbird that feeds on the flowers of the giant lobelias.
9 / 10
Augur buzzard
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Moorland and cliffs
A handsome raptor often seen soaring over the open moorland.
10 / 10
The Point Lenana Summit Trek
Sunrise on Africa's second mountain.
Most trekkers reach Point Lenana on a four- to five-day trek, climbing through forest and moorland to high camps before setting out in the dark for the summit. As the sun rises, the glaciers, the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion and the plains far below come into view.
A popular choice is to ascend by the Sirimon Route and descend via Chogoria, enjoying the mountain's finest scenery. Our experienced guides and porters manage the logistics and pace, so you can focus on the journey.
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Tell us your fitness level, dates and how many days you have. A GIP Adventure specialist will help you choose the right route and combine your climb with a Kenya safari or a Kilimanjaro trek.
Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Mount Kenya.
Mount Kenya is sacred to the Kikuyu people, who know it as Kirinyaga and traditionally believed it to be the home of their god, Ngai. Homes were once built with doors facing the mountain, and it remains a deeply important place for the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru communities who live around its slopes. The name of the country itself is linked to the mountain.
The first recorded ascent of Batian was made in 1899 by Halford Mackinder's expedition. Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949, and the mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its outstanding landscapes and unique Afro-alpine ecology. Its forests are also a vital water catchment for much of central Kenya.
How high is Mount Kenya?
The highest peak, Batian, reaches 5,199 m (17,057 ft). Nelion is 5,188 m and Point Lenana, the trekking summit, is 4,985 m.
Do I need climbing experience?
Not for Point Lenana, which is a non-technical trek. Batian and Nelion require rock climbing skills and specialist equipment.
How many days does a Mount Kenya trek take?
Usually four to six days, depending on the route. Extra days help with acclimatisation and enjoyment.
Which is the best route?
Sirimon is good for acclimatisation, Chogoria is the most scenic, and Naro Moru is the most direct. Many treks combine Sirimon and Chogoria.
Is Mount Kenya harder than Kilimanjaro?
Point Lenana is lower than Kilimanjaro's summit, but treks are often faster and the terrain can be rougher. Both require good fitness and acclimatisation.
When is the best time to climb?
January to February and July to October, when the weather is driest.
Can I combine Mount Kenya with a safari?
Yes. Ol Pejeta, Samburu and the Aberdares are close by, and many travellers add the Masai Mara or Tanzania's parks.
Your safari starts here
Ready to climb Mount Kenya?
Let GIP Adventure guide you through forest, moorland and glacier valleys to sunrise on Point Lenana.