Mt Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa.

Mount Kenya (5,199m) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place from which Kenya draws its name. It is located in central Kenya and clear skies at daybreak are the best times to view its jagged peaks. Mount Kenya National Park is a less visited destination but with plenty of activities for a mountain retreat. Or you can simply sit back and enjoy the fresh highland atmosphere.

Getting There

Mt Kenya National Park is about 200km by road from Nairobi, a 3-hour drive depending on traffic conditions. The A2 or Nairobi-Thika-Nanyuki highway takes you there on a good tarmac road.

Most flights to the Mt Kenya region land at the Nanyuki airstrip along the highway, a 1-hour 15 minute trip from Nairobi. Safarilink and Air Kenya operate daily flights to Nanyuki. Accessible in just half a day, the Mt Kenya region is a great destination for a weekend road trip or short holidays.

Weather

The daily weather starts cool and clear in the morning. Temperatures rise quickly as the day progresses, averaging 22° – 28°C, then dropping at night to 12°C or below. Mt Kenya has two wet and two dry seasons influenced by the monsoon winds. The long, heavy rains occur anywhere from late March to early May, and the short rains from October to December. Dry favourable weather is experienced from January to March, June, September and late December. Cold, drizzly days with early morning frost are common from July to August. Snow and ice occur above 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) and more so during the rainy seasons.

Best Time to Go

Mt Kenya National Park is open year round. December to March, the warm drier months, are the best times to visit. July to October, between the rains is also suitable and a cooler time of year. That said, visitors can still enjoy various excursions in the wider Mt Kenya region throughout the year.

Things to Do

Climb Mt Kenya

Mt Kenya Point Lenana

The trek up Mount Kenya is a challenging yet beautiful expedition. Thick montane forest and bamboo thickets give way to heath, moorlands and crystal clear lakes. Giant lobelias and groundsel are typical in the sub-alpine areas. The topmost parts are devoid of any vegetation while snow and ice cover the rugged peaks. Point Lenana (4,985m) is the most frequently summitted point and accessible by novice climbers. Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) are technically challenging and require expert knowledge.

Mt Kenya can be climbed in 3 days although a longer itinerary allows for a more scenic experience and gentler acclimatization. The three main climbing routes are Chogoria, Naro Moru, and Sirimon, and you can hike as a group or a solo trekker. We recommend making climbing arrangements with a tour company or professional mountaineering guides, for their on-the-ground knowledge, support services and personalised treks.

The Animal Orphanage

Animal Orphanage – Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy

Nestled on the foothills is the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and animal orphanage. This is a rescue and rehabilitation centre wildlife, with over 25 species of antelopes, primates, birds, ‘big cats’ and more. The orphanage and conservancy are also home to the endangered mountain bongo. Bongos are the world’s largest forest antelope and endemic to Kenya’s mountain regions. The orphanage is open daily.

Ragati Conservancy

The 5,000 acre Ragati Conservancy is a protected forest zone on the southern slopes of Mt Kenya. The Afro-montane forest and Afro-alpine heath are an ideal habitat for walking safaris. The conservancy also has some fabulous fly fishing grounds in the Ragati River. ‘Ragati Reds’ (equatorial rainbow trout) were introduced here in the 1920s and are known for their unique red side colouring.

Rhinos, chimps and more

For a savanna excursion near the Mt Kenya area, go to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is less than 1 hour away. This is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the world’s last two northern white rhinos. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya to see these great primates. During your game drive you are likely to spot herds of zebras, buffaloes, different antelopes, rhinos, elephants and even lions.

Complete Destination Guide to Mount Kenya