The Chogoria route is widely considered the most beautiful path up Mount Kenya, climbing past waterfalls, giant lobelia and three glacial tarns (Lake Michaelson, Lake Ellis and Nithi Falls). Five days allows a relaxed pace and excellent acclimatization. You ascend via Chogoria and descend via Sirimon for variety.
Drive to Chogoria town, then 4x4 to Chogoria Gate (3,000m). Short walk to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas. Distance 6km.
Hike 5–6 hours past giant heather and waterfalls to Lake Ellis (3,950m). Distance 10km, ascent 950m.
Trek 4–5 hours up to Mintos Hut (4,300m) overlooking Lake Michaelson. Acclimatization afternoon. Distance 7km.
3am start for the summit of Point Lenana (4,985m) at sunrise. Descend the Sirimon route to Shipton's Camp (4,200m).
Descend to Sirimon Gate and drive back to Nairobi. Distance 14km descent.
Summiting Point Lenana at sunrise was the most incredible moment of my life. The team at Comprehensive Kenya Safaris handled everything — the acclimatization day made all the difference, and our guide David knew every step of the mountain. I made it to the top feeling strong. Worth every dollar.
The Chogoria route is stunning — lakes, waterfalls, giant lobelia, and barely another soul on the trail. Our guide was patient and encouraging, the food was far better than we expected at altitude, and the summit morning was magical. The most beautiful trek we have ever done.
Yes. It is mandatory by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations to climb Mount Kenya with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted. All our guides are KWS-certified and wilderness first-aid trained.
Point Lenana (4,985m) is Mount Kenya's trekking peak — reachable on foot without technical climbing. Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are the true summits and require technical rock climbing (Grade IV+). About 95% of climbers aim for Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya climbing costs from $480 for a day hike to around $890 for a 4-day Sirimon trek to Point Lenana, and from $2,400 for a 7-day technical Batian summit. Prices are per person and include park fees, crew, food and camping gear.
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.
The best months to climb Mount Kenya are January–February and July–October, when the weather is driest and the trails are clearest. March–May and November are the long and short rains. Technical Batian climbs are best in the July–September dry window.
For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.
All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.
Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.
The Sirimon route is the most scenic and gentlest ascent of Mount Kenya, approaching through dense bamboo and podocarpus forest before openi…
The Naromoru route is the shortest and steepest path to Point Lenana, popular with trekkers short on time. It passes the Vertical Bog and th…
A perfect taster of Mount Kenya for travelers with limited time. Hike through bamboo and rosewood forest on the Sirimon route to Old Moses C…