Private conservancyCentral Kenya (Laikipia)
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Big Five, chimpanzees and the last northern white rhinos.
National park · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Mount Kenya National Park
Africa's second-highest mountain, with treks to Point Lenana.
- Central Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Aug–Sep
- Entry from US$70
- World Heritage Site since 1997
Overview
- Highest point
- Batian, 5,199 m
- Trekking summit
- Point Lenana, 4,984 m
- National park since
- 1949
- UNESCO listing
- 1997
- Gates
- Sirimon, Naro Moru, Chogoria
Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano and Africa's second-highest mountain. The national park was established in 1949, became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1997.
Its main summits are Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), both technical climbs. Point Lenana (4,984 m) is the trekking summit, reached by the Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria routes.
Climbers pass through bamboo and montane forest, heath and Afro-alpine moorland with giant lobelias and groundsels, and tarns that hold the mountain's lakes. The mountain is sacred to surrounding communities.
- Point Lenana trek
Usually 4–6 days, with no technical climbing.
- Chogoria route
Lakes, gorges and the Gorges Valley on the eastern side.
- Afro-alpine moorland
Giant lobelias and groundsels above 3,500 m.
Things to do
- Point Lenana trek
With a licensed guide, porters and huts or camping.
- Technical climbs
Batian and Nelion, for experienced climbers.
- Sport fishing in tarnsUS$15
Per line.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
January–February and August–September are driest for climbing.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 400 / KES 550 / US$35 / US$15 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$70 | KES 1,100 | US$30 | KES 800 |
| Sport fishingper line | US$15 | KES 1,500 | US$15 | KES 1,500 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,100
- Rest of Africa
- US$30
- East African citizen
- KES 800
Children 5–17: KES 400 / KES 550 / US$35 / US$15 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Sport fishingper line
- Foreign non-resident
- US$15
- Foreign resident
- KES 1,500
- Rest of Africa
- US$15
- East African citizen
- KES 1,500
- Entry is charged per 24 hours, so multi-day treks pay for each day in the park. Guides, porters, huts and camping are extra.
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 3–4 hours
Naro Moru Gate (188 km) or Sirimon Gate (200 km) via Nyeri and Nanyuki; Chogoria Gate on the Embu–Meru road.
- By airFrom Nairobi (Wilson Airport)About 45 minutes
Flights to Nanyuki.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500 m; ascend slowly.
- Nights at high camp are below freezing.
- Use registered guides and porters.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Point Lenana?
Most treks take four to six days, depending on the route and acclimatisation.
How much is Mount Kenya's entry fee?
US$70 per non-resident adult per day, US$30 for African citizens, KES 1,100 for residents and KES 800 for East African citizens.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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