Mount Kenya Permits & Logistics

Huts & Camps

• 1

  Fly into Nairobi — JKIA (1,795 m)

  Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport receives direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other major hubs. At 1,795 m, your altitude acclimatization begins immediately on landing. Plan at least one night in Nairobi before driving to the mountain. Use the time to complete any gear procurement, meet your operator, and adjust to Kenya Standard Time (EAT, UTC+3).

• 2

  Drive to Nanyuki (~2,000 m) — 3–4 Hours

  Nanyuki is the primary staging town for Mount Kenya’s northern approaches (Sirimon, Naro Moru). It sits at approximately 2,000 m and provides meaningful acclimatization altitude — spending a night here before entering the park is valuable. Nanyuki has equipment rental shops, pharmacies for altitude medication, and restaurants for a final pre-mountain meal.

• 3

  Enter Mount Kenya National Park

  Park gates (Sirimon Gate at ~2,650 m, Naro Moru Gate at ~2,400 m, Chogoria Gate on the eastern side) are open to registered parties. Your KWS-registered guide handles park entry registration. Pay park fees at the gate. Vehicle access into the park requires a 4WD vehicle and valid park vehicle permits — your operator handles this logistics.

• 4

  Trek to First Night Camp

  From the gate, trek through the forest zone to your first overnight camp. On Sirimon: Old Moses Camp (~3,300 m). On Naro Moru: Meteorological Station (~3,050 m). The forest zone is where wildlife encounters are most likely — buffalo and elephant use these trails. Move confidently, make some noise on narrow sections, and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

• 5

  Ascend to High Camp, Rest, Summit

  Day 2 ascends to high camp (Shipton’s ~4,200 m or Mackinder’s ~4,300 m). Rest, eat, hydrate, sleep. Depart 2–4 AM for Point Lenana summit push. Sunrise from the summit. Descend to high camp for gear collection, then continue descent to gate. Return to Nanyuki or Nairobi by vehicle.