Mount Kenya National Park: Fees, Hiking & How to Visit (2025)
- BeyondForest
- Apr 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 20
7.)Mount Kenya National Park Activities
8.)How to Get To Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park protects Africa’s second-highest mountain and a mosaic of forests, bamboo, moorland and glaciers about 3–5 hours north of Nairobi. The park lies across central Kenya (around Nanyuki, Naro Moru, Chogoria/Meru) and is managed by KWS as part of the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site (inscribed by UNESCO in 1997).
less crowded than Kilimanjaro, closer to Nairobi (3–5 hrs by road), and offers great value for day hikes or multi-day treks
Image of Mt kenya naromoru gate
Mount Kenya National park is situated about 150 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, within the larger Mount Kenya Forest Reserve. The park encompasses the central peaks of Mount Kenya, which include Batian (5,199 meters), Nelion (5,188 meters), and Lenana (4,985 meters). Covering an area of 715 square kilometers
Established in 1949, Mount Kenya National Park was created to protect the area’s ecosystem from deforestation, hunting, and agricultural encroachment.
Formed from an ancient volcano and sculpted by ice, the massif has three main trekking routes—Sirimon (gradual, great huts), Naro Moru (fast but boggy) and Chogoria (the most scenic)—with a non-technical sunrise summit on Point Lenana (4,985 m). Expect cool days, freezing nights and rapid weather shifts; the drier seasons Jan–Mar and Jul–Oct offer the most reliable conditions.
Mount Kenya is Located in both Meru county (Chogoria route) ,Nyeri county (Naromoru route) and Laikipia county (Sirimon)
A rhino at mount kenya national park
In 1997, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site due to its ecological and cultural significance. Over the years, the park has become a symbol of Kenya's commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism
Daily
Day hikes, scenic drives, waterfalls/forest visits, short trek to Old Moses/Met Station and back.
Citizen Adult | 430Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 430Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 52USD |
Non-Resident Child | 26USD |
3 Day Package
Fast Point Lenana attempt for fit hikers.
Sirimon Gate → Old Moses (night 1) → Shipton (night 2) → Summit & descend same route.
Citizen Adult | 1290 Ksh |
Citizen Child | 645Ksh |
Resident Adult | 1290Ksh |
Resident Child | 645Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 156 USD |
Non-Resident Child | 78USD |
4 Day Package
Summit with acclimatization and better success rates.
Sirimon → Old Moses → Shipton (acclimatization hike to Hausberg/Arthur’s Seat) → Point Lenana → descend.
Citizen Adult | 1720Ksh |
Citizen Child | 860Ksh |
Resident Adult | 1720Ksh |
Resident Child | 860Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 208USD |
Non-Resident Child | 104USD |
5 Day Package
Scenic traverse and extra weather buffer.
Up Sirimon (Old Moses → Shipton), summit Point Lenana, descend Chogoria via Mintos/Lake Michaelson & Gorges Valley.
Citizen Adult | 2150Ksh |
Citizen Child | 1075Ksh |
Resident Adult | 2150Ksh |
Resident Child | 1075Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 260USD |
Non-Resident Child | 130USD |
6 Day Package
Slow ascent (lower AMS risk), photographers, research/education groups
Extra acclimatization/rest day at Shipton or Mintos; full traverse (Sirimon ↔ Chogoria/Naro Moru) with extended moorland exploration.
Citizen Adult | 2580Ksh |
Citizen Child | 1290Ksh |
Resident Adult | 2580Ksh |
Resident Child | 1290Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 312USD |
Non-Resident Child | 156USD |
By Road (choose your gate)
From Nairobi, take the A2 highway past Thika and Nyeri, then branch depending on your preferred gate.
Sirimon Gate (Nanyuki side): Nairobi → Nyeri → Nanyuki → Timau Road → Sirimon turn-off. ~200 km, 3.5–4.5 hrs. Last 9–12 km is murram; 2WD is fine in dry weather, 4×4 recommended when wet. Popular for gradual ascent and good huts (Old Moses, Shipton).
Naro Moru Gate: Nairobi → Nyeri → Naro Moru town → Park HQ → gate. ~180 km, 3–4 hrs. Road is good to Park HQ, then rough; 4×4 advised beyond. Fastest summit route but includes the “vertical bog.”
Chogoria Gate (Meru/Chogoria side): Nairobi → Embu/Chuka → Chogoria town → forest track to gate. ~220–250 km, 4–5+ hrs. Track can be very rough—4×4 mandatory. Most scenic exit/descent (Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson, Gorges Valley).
By Air (fastest to the mountain)
Fly from Nairobi (Wilson) to Nanyuki Airstrip. From the airstrip:
Sirimon Gate: ~45–60 minutes by road (closest gate).
Naro Moru Gate: ~1–1.5 hours.
Chogoria Gate: ~3+ hours (allow a 4×4).
By Train (budget-friendly, scenic)
Use the Nairobi–Nanyuki railway. As currently operated, the service runs northbound on Fridays to Nanyuki (final stop) and returns to Nairobi on Sundays. You can alight at Naro Moru for Naro Moru Gate or continue to Nanyuki for Sirimon. From the station, take a taxi/matatu or pre-arranged 4×4: ~40–60 minutes to Sirimon, ~45–75 minutes to Naro Moru.
Mount Kenya National Park is located in 6 counties Nyeri , Kirinyaga, Meru, Laikipia, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi counties in central Kenya. It surrounds Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, and serves as a significant ecological and cultural landmark.
How much are park fees in Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya park fees vary by nationality and package. Daily: Citizens/Residents KSh 430 adult (KSh 215 child); Non-Residents USD 52 adult (USD 26 child).
Yes absolutely. Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic glaciers, high-altitude lakes, and rare Afro-alpine plants (giant lobelias and groundsels). You can choose a non-technical sunrise summit to Point Lenana or tackle technical peaks, hike scenic routes (Sirimon, Chogoria, Naro Moru), and spot wildlife like elephants and buffalo on the lower slopes.
What is there to do in Mount Kenya National Park?
Plenty! Hike lush montane forest and bamboo zones on day trips, or do multi-day treks via Sirimon, Chogoria, or Naro Moru to a sunrise summit on Point Lenana. Experienced climbers can tackle technical peaks Batian and Nelion with certified guides. Enjoy wildlife and birdwatching on the lower slopes, and photograph Afro-alpine plants (giant lobelias, groundsels), lakes Ellis and Michaelson, the Gorges Valley, and the Teleki/Mackinder valleys. Camp or stay in mountain huts (Old Moses, Shipton’s, Mackinder’s) for starry nights and epic views.
Are there lions in Mount Kenya National Park?
Rarely, if at all. Mount Kenya National Park doesn’t have a resident lion population; the cool, high-altitude forests and moorlands aren’t typical lion habitat.
How much is it to hike Mount Kenya?
It depends on days/route, but for a typical 3–4 day Point Lenana trek Non-resident: ~USD 500–850 per person Kenyan Citizen/Resident: ~KSh 25,000–60,000 per person
huts/camping USD 40–100, guide USD 25–40/day, porter USD 15–25/day, transport USD 50–120, food/gear extra.
huts/camping KSh 1,000–2,500/night, guide KSh 3,500–6,000/day, porter KSh 2,000–3,500/day, transport KSh 5,000–15,000, food/gear extra.
How far is Mount Kenya National Park from Nairobi?
By road (from Nairobi) to Sirimon Gate Nanyuki is approximately 200 km, 3.5–4.5 hours via A2, Chogoria Gate approximately 220–250 km, 4–6 hrs via Embu/Chuka,Naro Moru Gate approximately 180 km, 3–4 hrs via
Getting to Mount Kenya typically costs Public Transport KSh 500-700 to Nanyuki, then KSh 2,000 for a taxi to the gate. Private Vehicle Fuel costs KSh 3,000-4,000 round trip while Flights cost KSh 12,000-15,000 one way to Nanyuki
How long is the hike up Mount Kenya?
The length of a hike up Mount Kenya depends on the route you take, as each offers a unique experience and duration. Here's a breakdown of the most popular routes
Mount Kenya Hiking Routes & Difficulty
1. Sirimon Route
Gradual ascent, scenic views of valleys, and a mix of forest and alpine terrain
Distance | 23 km (one way) |
Duration | 4–5 days (round trip) |
Difficulty | Moderate |
2. Naro Moru Route
The fastest route to Point Lenana, but it involves the steep and muddy “Vertical Bog” section.
Distance | 22 km (one way) |
Duration | 3–4 days (round trip) |
Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous |
3. Chogoria Route
Spectacular views, waterfalls, and Lake Michaelson, but the descent can be challenging.
Distance | 32 km (one way) |
Duration | 4–6 days (round trip) |
Difficulty | Moderate |
4. Burguret Route
Remote and less frequented, offering a wilderness experience.
Distance | 28 km (one way) |
Duration | 5–6 days (round trip) |
Difficulty | Difficult |
Image of Coffee a highland crop at the base of Mount Kenya
Vegetation Found at Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park’s vegetation changes dramatically with altitude, creating stacked belts from rainforest to ice. On the lower slopes (to ~2,400 m), moist tropical forests mix camphor (Ocotea usambarensis), African olive (Olea capensis), podo (Podocarpus latifolius), and East African cedar (Juniperus procera), with lianas and epiphytes shading rich soils.
Between 2,400 and 3,000 m the forest gives way to a dense belt of alpine bamboo (Yushania alpina), an important food and cover resource for elephants and other wildlife, and a superb water catchment.
Image of a Giant Groundsel at Mount Kenya by Rhino Ark
Above, a montane zone features Hagenia–Hypericum woodlands and vast stands of giant heathers draped in moss, grading into open moorland of tussock grasses, bogs, and heath. Beyond ~3,200–3,500 m the Afro-alpine zone begins: iconic giant lobelias (Lobelia keniensis, L. telekii) and giant groundsels (Senecio keniodendron) form rosettes that trap heat, store water, and insulate themselves with old leaves against nightly frost. Cushion plants, everlasting Helichrysum, and lichens carpet wind-scoured slopes.
Near the highest peaks a periglacial or nival zone persists, where only hardy lichens and a few crustose algae survive among rock, snow, and remnant glaciers.
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The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, many of which are endemic or rare. Key species include:
Image of the Mountain Bongo also known as the Forest Ghost
Mammals:
Elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, and antelopes in the lower regions.
High-altitude species like rock hyrax and Mount Kenya mole rats.
Birds:
Over 130 bird species, including sunbirds, eagles, and African green pigeons.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
Endemic chameleons and frogs.
Insects:
Pollinators like bees and butterflies play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Mount Kenya National Park offers various activities for visitors, catering to adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists:
Mountain Climbing and Trekking | Point Lenana (4,985 meters): Accessible to trekkers without technical skills. |
Wildlife Safaris | Visitors can spot elephants, leopards, and monkeys in the forested areas. |
Camping and Picnicking | Several campsites are available for overnight stays, offering a closer connection to nature |
Cultural Tourism | The mountain holds spiritual significance for local communities like the Kikuyu, who consider it the dwelling place of their god, Ngai. |
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