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Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m). Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano created approximately 3 million years after the opening of the East African rift. It’s located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, northeast of Nairobi. Although the mountain’s glaciers melt continuously, a Mount Kenya trek offers breathtaking panorama views while climbing along lakes, waterfalls and plants that make you think of a moonscape.
 

Currently there are three main routes to climb or descend the mountain: the Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria Routes with Chogoria being the most scenically attractive if also most exhausting one. Point Lenana at 4,985 m is the highest point that can be approached without climbing gear and the destination of the main routes. It’s a strenuous hike, but quite manageable if you are reasonably fit and allow sufficient time to acclimatize to the rarefied atmosphere.
 

There are eight distinct vegetation bands from the base to the summit. The lower slopes are covered by different types of forest. While approaching vegetation gets more sparse as higher you climb. Many species are endemic or highly characteristic of Mount Kenya in particular lobelias and senecios. You need a tent for Chogoria Route (there are no tourist huts between the Forest Station at 2950 m and Point Lenana) and all-weather clothes as weather conditions change quickly and it gets very (!) cold at night. Guides, cooks or porters (Thank you John and Japhet J !) can be hired in Chogoria. It takes 6 hours by foot from Chogoria town to the park gate. Many people go there by car which will take one hour by 4 X 4 on a muddy road through beautiful rainforest (only recommended in the dry season).