A Mt Kenya trek is one of Africa’s most rewarding alpine experiences, offering dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity and far fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro.
Rising to 4,985m (16,355ft), Point Lenana is the highest trekking peak on Mount Kenya and an achievable challenge for fit hikers seeking something more remote, more varied, and more immersive than the region’s better-known climbs. With towering cliffs, glacial tarns, and Afro-alpine flora, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed massif is often considered the most visually stunning of Africa’s ice-capped mountains.
Our Mt Kenya trek begins in Nairobi and takes the scenic Chogoria approach, renowned for its alpine lakes and excellent acclimatisation. After a night in the forest Bandas near the park gate, we begin the ascent via Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson — two of the mountain’s most picturesque high camps — before entering the alpine zone at Simba Tarn. The pre-dawn summit of Point Lenana is a highlight of the journey, with panoramic views over the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion, and Kilimanjaro visible in the far distance on clear days.
The descent via the Sirimon Route completes a spectacular mountain traverse, offering contrasting views and a peaceful final walk through the Mackinder Valley.
With unique wildlife sightings, varied terrain, and some of the most dramatic scenery on the continent, this Mt Kenya trek is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more scenic alternative to Africa’s more commercial climbs.