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Mount Kenya National Park

Park

The protected area around Mount Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves alpine moorland, glacial peaks and montane forest; trekkers and climbers come for routes up to Point Lenana and varied ecological zones.

Mount Kenya National Park NairobiMaasai MaraMombasaAmboseli National ParkMount Kenya National Park
In this guide

Mount Kenya National Park essentials

Website: kws.go.ke
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About Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park protects the slopes and high peaks of Mount Kenya, whose highest point reaches 5,199 metres and which is the second-highest mountain in Africa. The protected area conserves alpine and montane ecosystems and significant glacial features.

The park’s attractions include steep rock summits, high-altitude moorland, lakes and remnant glaciers; mountain routes lead to technical peaks and to Point Lenana, a frequently reached trekking summit. Visitors come for multi-day treks, technical climbing on Batian and Nelion, and wildlife viewing in lower forest zones.

The area was set aside for conservation in the mid-20th century and later recognized for its natural values by UNESCO. The park lies roughly north of Nairobi; town access and trailheads are commonly reached from Nanyuki and other gateway towns on the mountain’s lower slopes.

  • Elevation and status: The mountain’s highest summit rises to 5,199 metres and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological and geological importance.
  • Popular trekking summit: Point Lenana at about 4,985 metres is the most commonly visited summit by trekkers and does not require technical rock climbing in normal conditions.

What to See#

  • Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana: The mountain’s three main high peaks, with the highest two forming steep rock faces and the third a popular trekking objective at lower elevation.
  • High-altitude glaciers: Areas of perennial snow and small glaciers near the highest summits, now reduced in extent compared with the early 20th century.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Kenya National Park

Visit during the dry windows (July-September or January-February) for the most reliable trekking and clearer mountain views.

Main dry season (best for trekking)
July-September, January-February · Lowland/forest ~5-20°C; alpine/summit can be around −10-10°C
Clearer weather and more stable conditions for routes and camping; nights at high altitude are very cold.
Long rains
March-May · Lowland/forest ~5-20°C; alpine/summit around −10-5°C
Frequent heavy rains, muddy trails and reduced visibility - not ideal for climbing.
Short rains/shoulder
October-November · Lowland/forest ~5-20°C; alpine/summit around −10-5°C
Intermittent showers and variable conditions; some trekking still possible but expect wet spells.

Weather & Climate near Mount Kenya National Park

Climate

Mount Kenya National Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -4°C to 10°C. Abundant rainfall (1703 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 61 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -4° - 9° 2° 75 mm partly cloudy 70% 1.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
February Acceptable -4° - 10° 3° 98 mm partly cloudy 66% 1.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
March Poor -3° - 10° 3° 166 mm partly cloudy 69% 0.5 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.0h
April Poor -2° - 8° 3° 242 mm overcast 78% 0.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
May Poor -2° - 7° 3° 142 mm overcast 78% 0.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
June Poor -4° - 7° 1° 69 mm overcast 75% 0.4 m/s 1.8 very high 12.0h
July Poor -4° - 5° 1° 82 mm overcast 73% 0.2 m/s 1.7 very high 12.0h
August Poor -4° - 6° 1° 109 mm overcast 71% 0.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
September Poor -4° - 7° 2° 112 mm partly cloudy 67% 0.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
October Poor -4° - 8° 2° 214 mm overcast 72% 0.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
November Poor -3° - 7° 0° 243 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
December Poor -4° - 7° 2° 151 mm partly cloudy 79% 1.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park is most commonly reached from Nairobi or the nearby gateway town of Nanyuki. From Nairobi take the A2 north to Nanyuki (roughly a 3-4 hour drive); regular buses and minibuses run from Nairobi to Nanyuki town. Nanyuki is the main gateway and from there you can drive 20-60 km to the various trailheads.

There are four principal routes onto Mount Kenya - Naro Moru, Sirimon, Chogoria and Burguret - each reached by local roads from Nanyuki or from towns on the eastern side; park headquarters and most trailhead parking are a short taxi or vehicle transfer from town.

Tips for Visiting Mount Kenya National Park

  • For clearer views and more stable trekking conditions, aim for the dry periods (usually January-February and July-October) and start hikes very early to avoid afternoon cloud build-up on the summit approaches.
  • Choose your route to match conditions: Naro Moru is the most direct and busiest, while Sirimon and Chogoria are less crowded and more scenic-Chogoria gives more gradual ascent and better highland scenery if you want fewer people and better vistas.
  • If you want to avoid weekend crowds, begin midweek and plan overnight stays at the park huts or refuges (book in advance); many day visitors arrive from Nanyuki on weekends and can make lower routes noticeably busier.