Batian (5,199m) is Mount Kenya's true summit — Africa's second-highest point and a serious alpine rock climb, reached via the 18-pitch South East Face of Nelion and the Gates of Mist traverse. This 7-day expedition via Chogoria ascent includes full acclimatization to Point Lenana (4,985m) before the technical attempt at Austrian Hut. Only for experienced climbers comfortable with multi-pitch rock at altitude.
Drive via Chogoria town. 4x4 transfer through bamboo forest to Chogoria Gate. Trek 10km to Mount Kenya Bandas (2,900m). First night on the mountain. Distance 10km, ascent 300m.
Acclimatization pace trek via Lake Ellis with views of Mugi Hill, Ithanguni, and the Giant's Billiards Table. Alternative river trail passes Nithi Falls. Afro-alpine flora: giant groundsels, lobelia. Distance 12km, ascent 650m.
High ridge traverse with breathtaking views over Gorges Valley and Ithanguni. Join the main Chogoria route at 4,100m. Afternoon acclimatization walk to The Temple — a 150m cliff over Gorges Valley. Distance 12km, ascent 600m.
Acclimatization summit day. Pre-dawn start for Point Lenana (4,985m). Descend to Shipton's Camp via Lewis Glacier route to Austrian Hut area. Afternoon rest and technical gear check with guide.
Alpine start at 4:00am. Guided ascent via South East Face of Nelion — 18 pitches Grade IV+/5.7. Key sections: Baillie's Bivouac, De Graaf's Variation, One O'Clock Gully, Lammergeier Gully. Summit Nelion Peak (5,188m). Descend 11 rappels to Austrian Hut. Option: Gates of Mist traverse to Batian (5,199m) if pre-booked and weather/climber grade allow. 8–12 hrs.
Weather contingency for the technical summit attempt. If Nelion was reached Day 5, optional Point John (4,883m) technical rock climb or rest. Mandatory for summit success rate >80%.
Descend the Chogoria route through the spectacular Gorges Valley — the most scenic descent on Mount Kenya. Exit via bamboo forest to Meru Bandas. 4x4 transfer to Chogoria town, then drive to Nairobi. Distance 20km, descent 1,840m.
I only had one free day in Nairobi and CKS made it count. The Sirimon day hike took me past giant groundsels and old man's beard to around 3,900m — proper alpine scenery without needing a full expedition. David paced it perfectly and I was back at my hotel by evening. The best day trip I've ever done.
Mount Kenya is the most underrated mountain I've climbed. The Sirimon route was quiet — we barely saw other trekkers. Shipton Camp beneath the peaks felt like a Himalayan basecamp. Summit morning to Point Lenana at dawn, with Kilimanjaro floating on the horizon, was breathtaking. David's guiding was world-class. I'll be back for Batian.
The Chogoria route is the most beautiful trek I have ever done. Giant groundsels, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and the dramatic view of Batian and Nelion from Mintos Hut. We crossed the Nithi Gorge and saw Mount Kenya's peaks reflected in Lake Michaelson. Far quieter than Kilimanjaro and every bit as spectacular. David is a brilliant and patient guide.
What set CKS apart was the tree planting. After our Mount Kenya climb, we each planted a cedar seedling at the Sirimon buffer zone with the crew. It turned a great trek into something meaningful — we left something behind on the mountain. This is real conservation, not a marketing slogan. We'll climb with CKS again because of this.
We climbed as a couple and the Naro Moru–Sirimon traverse was the perfect choice — fast ascent, scenic descent. The Vertical Bog was an adventure in itself. Summit morning was clear and we could see both peaks glowing at dawn. The crew looked after us like family. Mount Kenya is a hidden gem and CKS knows it inside out.
Yes. It is mandatory by Kenya Wildlife Service regulations to climb Mount Kenya with a licensed guide. Independent trekking is not permitted. All our guides are KWS-certified and wilderness first-aid trained.
Point Lenana (4,985m) is Mount Kenya's trekking peak — reachable on foot without technical climbing. Nelion (5,188m) and Batian (5,199m) are the true summits and require technical rock climbing (Grade IV+). About 95% of climbers aim for Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya climbing costs from $480 for a day hike to around $850 for a 4-day Sirimon trek to Point Lenana, and from $2,450 for a 7-day technical Batian summit. Prices are per person and include park fees, crew, food and camping gear.
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.
The best months to climb Mount Kenya are January–February and July–October, when the weather is driest and the trails are clearest. March–May and November are the long and short rains. Technical Batian climbs are best in the July–September dry window.
For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.
All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.
Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.
The Sirimon route is the most popular and best-acclimatizing ascent on Mount Kenya, approaching from the north through dense montane forest …
The Chogoria route is widely considered the most beautiful path up Mount Kenya — a 6-day traverse that climbs through montane forest, past L…
The Naro Moru route is the fastest and most direct path to Point Lenana — great for trekkers short on time. It ascends the notorious Vertica…
