Trekking & Climbing

Mount Kenya

From snow-capped Mount Kenya to the dry plains of Laikipia, Kenya is a trekker’s paradise. There’s a range of treks—from sedate hill walks through wildlife-rich ranges to high-altitude hikes on alpine slopes. Experienced climbers may wish to tackle the mighty peak of Mount Kenya, or one of many other climbs ranging from granite cliffs to volcanic rock to high peaks.

Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, is considered the most challenging climb in Africa and attracts experienced climbers from all over the world. Making the summit requires expert guiding and equipment. While any trekker who’s in good shape is likely to reach Point Lenana, the ascent to the summit, crested by twin icy peaks called Batian and Nelion, is a serious climb across ice and rock.

Important!

Travel agents should make sure that climbers are experienced and use a reputable guiding company with all required equipment provided. There are about 30 routes to Mount Kenya’s summit but the most common is on the southeast face, approaching the mountain along the Chogoria Route. This climb requires a minimum of six days. The final approach to the summit requires an ascent before crossing the large Lewis Glacier to climb to Nelion and on the following day a crossing to Batian is made. A north face ascent, on the other hand, requires a direct assault on Batian, with an overnight camp at the foot of Firmin Tower.

Mount Elgon

The uncrowded trails and moorlands of Mount Elgon make for excellent trekking. The series of craggy peaks around the caldera makes for an enjoyable climb, but equally rewarding is exploring the forests, geothermal springs, and caves. Trekkers should be adequately prepared because the mountain can be cold and rainy, despite its equatorial location. There are several established routes on Elgon, but the mountain lends itself to exploration and free hiking. Local guides and rangers are the best resource. The cliffs of lower Elgon are also ideal for rock climbing.

Aberdare Ranges and National Park

The Aberdare ranges and the National Park is excellent terrain for a trek with unique alpine flora and fauna providing captivating eye candy for your adventure. There is also a well-marked trail and observation look-out at the stunning Karuru Falls where trekkers will enjoy sweeping views of the entire Aberdare range and the distant Gura Falls and can proceed along wooden walkways across the lower Chania Falls. Travelers may even opt to take a dip into the chilly waters here. A bit lower, in the heavily forested Salient, trekkers will encounter abundant game, both big and small. What’s more, the upper slopes here boast open plains that are perfect for walking, rising to a summit of over 13,000 ft. at Satima. There are excellent views across to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya and the surrounding plains, and campsites and huts available, too.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate National Park is one of Kenya’s top national parks where visitors are highly encouraged to explore on foot. It boasts some of Kenya’s best rock climbing with high cliffs offering several possible routes and ample opportunity for climbs and hiking. Fischer’s Tower, a large volcanic pillar inside the park, is a particularly worthy climb. There is a qualified rock climbing guide based at Hell’s Gate Park headquarters by Elsa gate, where equipment can also be rented.

Mount Longonot

The 6,800-ft. Mount Longonot is an accessible Rift Valley volcano with astounding views down into its crater within the mountain. The views from the top across to Naivasha and the Aberdares are also extraordinary. The climb up Mt. Longonot is relatively easy if taken slowly, and the average climber can reach the top in an hour-and-a-half, following a clearly marked path. There are break stops with tables along the way here, and once at the top, a further hour can be spent walking around the crater rim, with breathtaking views during the entire route. There is also a steep path down to the crater floor. Ranger guides are available at the park gate for clients. Longonot is an easy day’s trek, and for the adventurous, the crater presents interesting possibilities for abseiling. Note, however, that abseilers need their own equipment and the assistance of a locally skilled guide, which travel agents can book through a reputable adventure tour operator.

Other Notable Regions in Kenya

Other notable regions in Kenya where hiking and trekking are popular for adventure travelers include the Mbulia Conservancy (thick woodlands, lookouts over Tsavo); the Matthews Range (highlands in Samburu country); the Loita Hills (the remote south); the Loroghi Hills (the Lesiolo escarpment); Kakamega Forest (easy walks, a range of trails); Baringo (Ol Kokwe Island birding); Lake Elementaita (flamingoes, other plains game); and Menangai Crater (views of Nakuru from the crater rim).

While Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, and the Aberdares are superb for alpine climbing, there are hundreds of routes for rock climbers who don’t wish to scale an entire mountain. Some of the best rock climbing in Kenya is at Lukenya, just 45 minutes from Nairobi. Here, climbers can explore a variety of climbing routes including regions near Main Wall, Upper Cliffs or Edinburgh Castle. While the cliffs are located on land owned by the Mountain Club of Kenya, visitors may purchase a daily membership for $2.50 or a temporary 3-month membership for $20. The area was visited by Halford Mackinder in 1899 on his way up to make the first ascent of Mt. Kenya, and is a favorite amongst rock climbers in Kenya.

Another popular rock-climbing region is Frog Cliffs on Ngong’ Hills, about an hour from Nairobi. Frog Cliffs has over 100 established routes, all of which are easy to find as they are numbered. Near Frog Cliffs are two other rock-climbing regions worth noting: Ndeiya and Embarabal, which offer routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Both require some hiking, particularly Embarabal, which is bushy and somewhat difficult to find.