Mount Kenya (5,199 m) is Africa’s second-highest mountain and offers several trekking routes leading to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the highest trekking peak. Each route has its own scenery, difficulty level, and unique experience

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1. Sirimon Route (North-West)

Distance: Approximately 56 km (round trip)
Duration: 4–5 days
Starting Elevation: 2,650 m (Sirimon Gate)

Highlights

• Most popular route for first-time climbers.
• Gentle gradient allows better acclimatization.
• Passes through beautiful cedar forest, heathland, and Mackinder Valley.
• Overnight camps include:
  • Old Moses Camp (3,300 m)
  • Liki North Camp (optional)
  • Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m)

Advantages

• Lowest risk of altitude sickness.
• Excellent trail conditions.
• Ideal for families, groups, and beginners.
• Spectacular sunrise over Batian and Nelion.

Best For

• First-time climbers
• 4-day and 5-day expeditions
• Sirimon–Chogoria traverses

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2. Chogoria Route (East)

Distance: Approximately 64 km (round trip)
Duration: 4–6 days

Highlights

Often regarded as the most scenic route on Mount Kenya.

Attractions include:

• Lake Ellis
• Lake Michaelson
• Gorges Valley
• Nithi Falls
• Giant Lobelias
• Mintos Hut
• The Temple cliffs

Advantages

• Incredible photography opportunities.
• Rich wildlife and vegetation.
• Ideal for nature lovers.

Challenges

• Longer approach.
• Requires a 4×4 vehicle to access the roadhead during many seasons.
• Steeper descent in some sections.

Best For

• Photographers
• Nature enthusiasts
• 5-day traverses

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3. Naro Moru Route (West)

Distance: Approximately 39 km (round trip)
Duration: 3–4 days

Highlights

The shortest and fastest route to Point Lenana.

Main camps:

• Met Station
• Mackinder’s Camp

Famous Feature

Vertical Bog, one of the steepest and muddiest sections on Mount Kenya.

Advantages

• Fastest summit route.
• Good for climbers with limited time.

Challenges

• Rapid altitude gain.
• Higher chance of altitude sickness.
• Can become very muddy during rainy seasons.

Best For

• Experienced hikers
• Weekend climbs

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4. Burguret Route (West)

Distance: Approximately 50–55 km

Duration: 4–6 days

Highlights

• One of the least-used routes.
• Dense indigenous forest.
• Bamboo zones.
• Beautiful waterfalls.
• Very remote.

Advantages

• True wilderness experience.
• Very few hikers.
• Excellent wildlife viewing.

Challenges

• Poorly developed trail.
• Camping only.
• Requires experienced guides.

Best For

Adventure seekers and experienced trekkers.

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5. Timau Route (North)

Distance: Approximately 55–70 km

Duration: 4–6 days

Highlights

• Wide alpine plains.
• Giant Senecios.
• Excellent views of the northern slopes.
• Very peaceful with few visitors.

Advantages

• Great for acclimatization.
• Fantastic landscape photography.
• Less crowded than the main routes.

Challenges

• Limited facilities.
• More exposed to wind and weather.

Best For

Experienced hikers seeking solitude.

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6. Kamweti Route (South)

Distance: Approximately 45–55 km

Duration: 4–6 days

Highlights

• Thick rainforest.
• Bamboo forests.
• Rivers and waterfalls.
• Rich birdlife.

Advantages

• Extremely quiet.
• Ideal for researchers and experienced trekkers.

Challenges

• Minimal infrastructure.
• Overgrown in places.
• Requires experienced local guides.

Best For

Remote wilderness expeditions.

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Route Comparison

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Which Route Should You Choose?

• Best for beginners: Sirimon Route
• Best scenery: Chogoria Route
• Best overall experience: Sirimon up – Chogoria down
• Fastest route: Naro Moru
• Most adventurous: Burguret
• Most remote: Timau or Kamweti
• Best for photography: Chogoria Route

For most trekkers, the Sirimon–Chogoria traverse (5 days) is considered the finest option because it combines a gradual ascent for better acclimatization with a spectacular scenic descent through lakes, valleys, and dramatic cliffs.