What are the routes to climb Mount Kenya? Mount Kenya has eight walking routes that lead to its main peaks. These are the routes to Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon, and Timau, which begin clockwise from the north. Since Naro Moru and Sirimon are the most visited Chogoria, their gates are manned. Kenya Wildlife Service special permission is needed to utilise the other routes.
Chogoria Route
One of the Chogoria Route’s main features is the Gorges Valley. From Chogoria town, this path ascends to the Peaks Circuit. Although it is possible to walk the 32 kilometres (20 mi) between the forest gate and the park gate, most people choose to drive. The forest is home to a variety of species, including monkeys in the trees, safari ant columns that straddle the track, and the possibility of spotting elephants, buffalo, and leopards. Because of the poor state of the road, walking and driving must be done carefully. The bamboo zone begins close to the park entry, where grasses reach a height of 12 meters (39 feet).
Lichens dangle from the branches of the rosewood forests the trail traverses after it enters the park. At one point, the trail separates, with the smaller track going to a way across to Lake Ellis and up the nearby Mugi Hill. Atop a big overhanging cliff near Hall Tarns that overlooks Lake Michaelson. The Nithi creek is crossed by a tiny bridge close to the track head. (The Gates Waterfall is a few hundred meters downstream along the stream.) The trail climbs a ridge above the Gorges Valley, offering views of the summits, Lake Michaelson, The Temple, and Delamere and Macmillan summits on the other side of the valley. Directly above Lake Michaelson, on the path, are Hall Tarns, which are perched atop a 200-meter (660-foot) cliff.
The path continues, crossing the Nithi River’s flat head before the hill becomes steeper. The route splits, going southwest to Square Tarn and west to Simba Col. The Peak Circuit Route is where both of these are located.
Naro Moru Route
A large number of hikers who attempt to reach Point Lenana take this path. With bunkhouses at each camp, a tent is not required, and it can be climbed in just three days. With the exception of one area known as the Vertical Bog, the terrain is generally favourable. The trail begins in the town of Naro Moru and climbs the ridge between the Northern and Southern Naro Moru Rivers, passing the Park Headquarters. It is feasible to drive to the Meteorological Station at the head of the road during the dry season. The Peak Circuit Path leads to Mackinder’s Camp, which is situated in the Northern Naro Moru Valley.
Gathiuru Route
The path begins at Gathiuru and primarily follows the North Burguret River before continuing up to Hut Tarn. It is the quickest way to reach Lenana Peak. The Gathiuru Community Forest Association oversees its management. Human-wildlife conflict has long affected the local population. The fact that God had given them a large mountain and wildlife from which they could make a living had to dawn on them. In order to preserve the two magnificent natural treasures while they earn a living, they banded together and established the Gathiuru Community Forest Association. As they earn a living, they banded together to join the Gathiuru Community Forest Association with the goal of protecting the two magnificent natural riches. For payment and convenience, visitors must go through the Mount Kenya Royal Cottages in order to reach the route. Located across from the Nanyuki airfield, this lodge has partnered with the organisation to promote the route to the residents, benefitting the community. Great wildlife, lush vegetation, and breathtaking scenery may all be found along the Gathiuru Route.
Sirimoni route
Starting from Nanyuki, this route heads east for 15 km (9.3 mi) around the Mount Kenya Ring Road. The gate is located 10 km (6.2 mi) farther down the track, which is accessible by foot or four-wheel drive. Via the woodland, the track ascends. The forest progressively transforms into a moorland covered with huge heather on the mountain’s northern flank because there is no bamboo zone there. After reaching Old Moses Camp, the track turns into a walkway. This goes uphill and then divides into two paths. On the left, the less-travelled route leads to Likii North Hut via circling the Barrow. There are groundsels and enormous lobelia scattered across the increasingly scant vegetation. After crossing a ridge, the trail re-joins the main route that climbs the Mackinder Valley. Just before you reach Shipton’s Camp, you’ll find Shipton’s Cave in the rock wall to the left of the steep route. From Shipton’s Camp, one can either follow the river up to Lower Simba Tarn and then to Simba Col, or climb the ridge directly in front of the camp to the location of Kami Hut, which is no longer there. The Peak Circuit Path includes both of these.
Timau route
The route in question is restricted. Timau Village is where it begins, very near the Sirimon Route, and it winds along the forest’s edge for a long way. It used to lead to the highest point on the mountain that could be reached by car, but it hasn’t been utilised in a long time. It takes a few hours to get to Halls Tarns from the track head, after which one can take the Chogoria Route to the Peak Circuit Path.
Peak Circuit Route
This is a route that round the major peaks, covering roughly 10 kilometres (6 miles) and gaining and losing more than 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) in elevation. Although it usually takes two or three days, it can be walked in one day. Additionally, it can be utilised to connect several pathways for ascent and descent. There is no technical climbing on the course.
Meru route
The Kathita Munyi river runs along this route from Katheri, south of Meru, to Lake Rotundu. On the mountain’s slopes, it leads up onto the alpine moorland rather than the summits.
Kamweti route
This is the longest route to the peaks and follows the Nyamindi West River. It is a restricted route but is still used occasionally
