Kenya · Mount Kenya & Nanyuki
Mount Kenya
Point Lenana, 4,985 m (trekkers' peak) · Challenging · from $950 per person
About the trek
Africa's second-highest mountain and, most hikers agree, the more beautiful trek. Giant lobelias, glacial tarns and a sunrise on Point Lenana with Kilimanjaro floating on the horizon.
Health & safety
Altitude & acclimatisation
- This trek tops out at 5,199 m — altitude sickness (AMS) is the main risk, not fitness.
- Ascend slowly: our itineraries never gain more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per night above 3,000 m.
- Hydrate to 3–4 litres a day and avoid alcohol for the duration of the climb.
- Report any headache, nausea or dizziness to your guide immediately — descent is the only cure that matters.
- Guides carry pulse oximeters and check every trekker morning and evening; bottled oxygen and a hyperbaric bag travel with every departure.
- Ask your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) before travel — it speeds acclimatisation for many trekkers.
Medical & insurance
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover to the trek's maximum altitude is a condition of booking.
- Carry a personal first-aid kit plus any prescription medication in your daypack, not your main bag.
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country; malaria prophylaxis recommended for the coast and lowlands around your trek.
- Tell us about any heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions at booking — we will flag the right itinerary pace and, where needed, request a doctor's letter.
On the trail
- Every trek is led by a licensed, Wilderness First Responder-trained guide; hard routes carry a second guide or porter-medic.
- Stay behind the lead guide and in front of the sweeper — never walk ahead of the group alone.
- Pole-pole: the slow, steady Swahili pace is how summits are reached. Walk slower than feels necessary.
- Wildlife on the lower slopes is handled by your guide (armed ranger where required by the park) — follow instructions without discussion.
Weather & exposure
- Mountain weather changes in minutes: carry a waterproof shell every single day, whatever the forecast.
- UV intensity at altitude is roughly double sea-level — SPF 50+, a brimmed hat and Category 3–4 sunglasses are essential.
- Leave a copy of your route plan with your emergency contact; our office tracks every group daily.
Guidance is indicative and not medical advice — consult your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Routes
Sirimon–Chogoria Traverse
5 days · 62 km · Challenging · 90% success · Mountain huts and tents
From $1,290 pp
- Best of both sides
- Lake Michaelson
- Gorges Valley descent
Chogoria Route
5 days · 58 km · Challenging · 88% success · Bandas and tents
From $1,250 pp
- Most scenic approach
- Hall Tarns
- Vivienne Falls
Sirimon Route
4 days · 46 km · Moderate · 86% success · Old Moses & Shipton's huts
From $990 pp
- Gentlest gradient
- Mackinder's Valley
- Driest side
Naro Moru Route
4 days · 42 km · Challenging · 74% success · Meteorological Station huts
From $950 pp
- Fastest ascent
- The Vertical Bog
- Teleki Valley
Burguret Route
6 days · 55 km · Strenuous · 80% success · Full camping
From $1,490 pp
- Wild, unmarked forest
- Elephant trails
- Almost no other parties