Mount Kenya: Africa’s Best-Kept Alpine Secret
While nearby Mount Kilimanjaro often steals the spotlight, those who’ve ventured onto the slopes of Mount Kenya will swear it’s the real hidden gem of East Africa. With fewer crowds and more dramatic diversity, this extinct volcano offers an experience that feels raw, untamed, and incredibly personal.
Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a first-time trekker, Mount Kenya delivers a route for every ambition — from gentle forested trails to challenging ascents. Each path offers its own rhythm, scenery, and sense of discovery. Below, you’ll find the most popular trekking routes, each with its own character and highlights. Click through to uncover full itineraries, must-see features, and expert tips.
At its icy crown, Mount Kenya boasts three peaks: Batian and Nelion—formidable climbs requiring technical skills—and Point Lenana, the most accessible summit, reachable on foot. But truth be told, the summit is just the icing; the real magic lies in the journey through ever-changing landscapes.
🌿 Sirimon Route
A gentle approach from the northwest, ideal for acclimatization. Expect open highlands, ancient valleys, and a gradual climb through Mackinder’s Valley — a favorite for those easing into altitude.
🏞️ Naro Moru Route
The most direct path to Point Lenana — and the steepest. Known for the infamous Vertical Bog and fast summit access, this route is perfect for trekkers chasing a quick but intense adventure.
🌄 Chogoria/Sirimon
Often hailed as the most scenic trail up Mount Kenya, Chogoria delivers jaw-dropping drama: think towering cliffs, turquoise lakes, and the natural amphitheater of The Temple. A visual feast from start to finish.
🌲 Burguret Route
For trekkers craving solitude, Burguret winds through dense, untouched forest and wild moorlands. Remote, rarely traveled, and deeply immersive — this is Mount Kenya at its most raw.
Mount Kenya isn’t just a mountain — it’s a journey through ecosystems, climates, and silence. Whether you’re chasing the summit or simply walking among the clouds, this ancient peak has a way of changing you.