Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve

Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Kenya’s highest mountain – Mount Kenya (over 17,000 feet) found in the eastern part of the East African Rift Valley.

Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 to protect Mount Kenya, the wildlife, and the surrounding environment, which forms a habitat for wild animals, as well as acting as an area for the catchment of water, to supply Kenya’s water. The park covers around 700 square kilometres protecting the mountain between altitudes of 11,000ft and 17,058 feet above sea level.

Where is Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve located?

Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve is located in Kenya’s northeast region, approximately 110 miles from the capital city, Nairobi, and an approximate four-hour drive along the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru or via Chongoria using the Embu-Meru road.

There are six entry gates into Mount Kenya National Park, namely Naro Moru, Kihari, Mawingu, Sirimon, Kamweti, and Chogoria Gates. By Air, a flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip takes approximately one hour.

The drive to the Sirimon Gate of Mount Kenya National Park is a 20-mile drive. The closest airport to Mount Kenya is at Nanyuki or the Laikipa Airport, though there are several small airports near the private lodges in the area.

What is the best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve?

Mount Kenya experiences two dry seasons (January to February and June to September) and two rainy seasons. The long dry season from July to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate near water sources.

The short rainy season in November and December sees afternoon showers, while the short dry season in January and February offers clear skies. The long rains from March to May can be heavy but intermittent. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons for favorable weather and outdoor activities.

How do I get to Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve?

By Road: from Nairobi, you can take the Nairobi–Nyeri–Nanyuki road or the Nairobi–Embu–Meru road, with the journey covering about 150-200 kilometers, depending on which gate you’re heading to.

For the Naro Moru Gate, follow the Nairobi-Nyeri highway towards Nyeri town, then continue to Naro Moru town, which is about a 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi. For the Sirimon Gate, take the same Nairobi-Nyeri road to Nanyuki, then travel about 15 kilometers to the gate.

Alternatively, for a more scenic route, you can follow the Nairobi-Embu road to Chogoria town and head to the Chogoria Gate, though this path is longer. While the main highways are generally well-paved, the final sections leading to the gates may be rough, especially during the rainy season, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

For those preferring air travel, a 35-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airfield is available, which is just outside of Mount Kenya National Park. There are six entry gates into Mount Kenya National Park, namely Naro Moru, Kihari, Mawingu, Sirimon, Kamweti, and Chogoria Gates.

What type of vegetation can be found in Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve?

Visitors can enjoy activities such as game viewing, mountain climbing, camping, picnicking, bird watching, scenery, and nature photography. Climbing Mount Kenya is considered even more challenging than Kilimanjaro.

Hiking up to the top takes 5 days. If you feel that you are not fit enough to take up the challenge of reaching the summit, you can choose the option of hiking up to the first sections or lower slopes.

On descending, hikers can choose to stay in one of the hotels at the foot of the mountain where they can go fishing, golfing, playing tennis, checking out the Mau Mau Cave monument, or visiting the local tribes in the area. The best time to hike Mount Kenya is from December to February and also from August to September.

Mount Kenya National Park, located around Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital sanctuary for wildlife. Its diverse ecosystems range from dense montane forests to bamboo zones, high-altitude moorlands, and glaciers, supporting an array of animal species.

The park is home to iconic African wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and leopards, which thrive in the lower forested regions. The rare and elusive bongo antelope, which inhabits the montane forests, is a notable conservation focus. Other herbivores, such as bushbucks, elands, and duikers, also roam the area.

Mount Kenya National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 130 recorded bird species. Noteworthy are the endangered Abbott’s starling and the globally threatened Jackson’s francolin. The park’s higher altitudes provide a haven for unique bird species adapted to the alpine conditions, such as the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird.

Reptiles and amphibians are also present, including endemic species like the Mount Kenya bush viper. The park’s unique flora, like giant lobelias and senecios, supports these diverse ecosystems.

The park’s biodiversity faces threats from human activities, such as poaching and habitat encroachment. However, ongoing conservation efforts, including anti-poaching initiatives and community engagement, aim to preserve this critical wildlife habitat. Mount Kenya National Park offers not just spectacular landscapes but also a rich tapestry of wildlife, making it a key ecological and cultural landmark in Kenya.

Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve Entrance Fee (1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024)

Notes

* Mountain Climbing – Mt Kenya packages include camping fees
* Special activity fees exclude park, reserve, or sanctuary conservation fees
* MT. Kenya “Low season” shall be from 1st October to 31st November and 1st March to 31st June
* MT. Kenya “High season” shall be from 1st July to 31st September, and 1st December to 29th February
* International (INTL) Visitors – Refers to visitors other than EAC and the rest of Africa with a valid passport
* Rest of Africa – Refers to nationals of African countries other than East African countries with a valid passport
* Kenyan Citizen – Refers to Kenyan nationals by birth and registration, with a valid Identification Card with a valid passport
* Resident -Refers to persons of other nationalities residing in Kenya with valid documentation from the Kenyan government
* Daily fee is a single entry fee valid for 24 hours of continuous uninterrupted stay inside a KWS national park/ reserve/ sanctuary
* Senior Citizen – Refers to Kenyan Citizens aged 75 years and above. Senior citizens shall access all KWS parks, reserves, and sanctuaries for free
* Children -Refers to persons from the age of five (5) years to seventeen years (17) years. Children below the age of five (5) years shall access all KWS parks, reserves, and sanctuaries for free
* East African Community (EAC) Citizen – Refers to nationals of East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC)
* Conservation Fees – Refers to fees charged in national parks, reserves, and sanctuaries to conserve and protect natural resources, such as wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems
* Persons with Disabilities(PWD) – Refers to Kenyan Citizens who have a physical, sensory, mental, or other impairment, including any visual, hearing, learning, or physical incapability, which adversely impacts social, economic, or environmental participation. PWD access all KWS parks and sanctuaries for free upon presentation of valid documentation from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities
* Student – Refers to an individual from a recognized secondary, government, or private college or university up to twenty-three (23) years old visiting the parks for purposes of learning about conservation through a documented and organized arrangement with that institution. It excludes students on personally arranged holidays. KWS will require a minimum of one (1) week’s notice to issue a written authorization for the student rate

Sirimon Route is nestled on the northwest flank of Mount Kenya and offers a gateway to the mountain’s majestic peaks through the town of Nanyuki. The journey from Sirimon Gate to Point Lenana spans roughly 53 kilometers, with the trailhead starting at an elevation of 2,440 meters and culminating at the peak’s lofty 4,985 meters (16354 ft).

This route is dotted with notable landmarks and campsites, such as Old Moses Camp at 3,300 meters (10826 ft), providing a respite for trekkers early in their ascent, and Shipton Camp at 4,200 meters (13779 ft), which serves as a strategic base for the final push to the summit.

The path unfolds a visual narrative of Mount Kenya’s rich tapestry, from the dense bamboo thickets at lower altitudes to the heather and moorland’s open expanses, culminating in the alpine zone’s stark beauty. Each step offers a new vista, the verdant valleys, or the imposing grandeur of Nelion and Batian, the mountain’s highest sentinels.

The Route is favored for its moderate difficulty and high success rate, attributed to its gradual incline that facilitates acclimatization, a critical factor for mountaineering endeavors. Trekkers are rewarded with the physical triumph of sumitting and the sensory experience of Mount Kenya’s diverse ecosystems.

However, the route’s length demands both time and endurance, potentially posing a challenge for those on a tight schedule. Preparation is key; adequate mountain gear, including insulated clothing and robust boots, is essential, along with camping supplies to weather the mountain’s capricious climate.

The Sirimon Route, with its clearly defined trails and designated campsites, offers a structured approach to the ascent of Mount Kenya. The presence of our professional guides ensures meticulous navigation and safety, providing climbers with a reliable and secure passage through the mountain’s diverse terrains.

Naro Moru Route, a favored path for climbers aiming to conquer Mount Kenya, begins at the Naro Moru Gate, located on the mountain’s western side. The starting point is at an elevation of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). The route itself is approximately 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) in length and leads to Point Lenana, the trekking peak, which stands at an impressive 4,985 meters (16,355 feet) above sea level1.

The trail is known for its steep sections, including the challenging ‘vertical bog’, a marshy stretch that can be quite demanding. As climbers ascend, they pass through the Teleki Valley, offering views of the Tryndall and the Lewis Glacier.

The route includes overnight stops at Met Station Campsite, situated at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), and Mackinder Campsite, located at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), before the final summit attempt1.

The Naro Moru Route is renowned for its direct and rapid ascent, making it the quickest path to the peak. However, this also means that climbers have less time to acclimatize, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness. The route’s vertical bog section adds to the physical challenge.

To navigate this route successfully, climbers must be equipped with the right gear and supplies, and the assistance of a professional guide is highly recommended for safe passage.

Chogoria Route is often lauded as the most picturesque path to the summit of Mount Kenya, offering an immersive experience through diverse landscapes. The journey commences at the Chogoria Gate, with the trailhead situated at an elevation of 2,150 meters (7,054 feet). The route stretches over a distance of approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles), culminating at Point Lenana, the accessible peak at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet).

The ascent begins with a gentle walk through lush montane forests, home to a variety of wildlife, and gradually transitions into moorland, where the terrain opens up to reveal sweeping views of the highlands. Trekkers pass by the enchanting

Lake Ellis at 3,455 meters (11,335 feet), which serves as a serene campsite and offers opportunities for trout fishing. Further along, the path skirts the edge of the dramatic Gorges Valley, showcasing sheer cliffs and the spectacular Nithi Falls.

The route then leads to Mintos Camp at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), positioned near the Hall Tarns, providing a vantage point for the awe-inspiring Temple and Lake Michaelson below. The final push to the summit traverses the alpine zone, where the landscape is dominated by rock, ice, and sparse vegetation, offering climbers a stark contrast to the lush valleys below.

The Chogoria Route’s gradual incline and scenic diversity make it an excellent choice for climbers who wish to acclimatize properly and enjoy the mountain’s natural beauty. The route’s length allows for a slower ascent, which can increase the success rate for reaching the summit.

However, its extended duration may not suit those with limited time, and the descent can be quite long if returning via the same path. To navigate this route, climbers must be equipped with appropriate gear for cold and wet conditions, and the guidance of a professional guide is highly recommended for a safe and enjoyable trek.

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