How to Prepare for a Mount Kenya Trek

Mount Kenya is a serious mountain with a friendly reputation, and the gap between the two catches people out. It rises close to the equator, yet its high slopes are cold, its weather is changeable and its altitude is real. A trek here can be among the most rewarding things you do in Kenya. It is also demanding, and it is not suitable for everyone.

Know what you are attempting

The usual trekking objective is Point Lenana, close to five thousand metres above sea level. The higher summits, Batian and Nelion, are technical rock climbs for experienced mountaineers and are a separate undertaking from a guided trek. A standard trek takes several days of sustained walking, often finishing with a pre-dawn push toward the summit, and the exact plan depends on the route and the operator.

The main trekking routes, including Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria, differ in character, gradient and scenery, and many trekkers go up one and come down another. Access, conditions and park rules change, so confirm the current situation with the Kenya Wildlife Service and your operator before choosing.

Be honest about fitness and health

You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need to be comfortable walking uphill for hours on consecutive days with a daypack. Start training well before you travel: hill walking with a loaded pack, stair climbing and steady cardiovascular work, plus plenty of time in the boots you will wear. Fitness helps you enjoy the walk, but it does not protect you from altitude sickness, which can affect strong walkers as easily as anyone.

If you have a heart, lung, blood-pressure or other medical condition, are pregnant, or are simply unsure, see your doctor or a travel clinic before booking and tell your operator what they advise.

Respect the altitude

Altitude is the main hazard, and the best defence is gradual acclimatisation. A well-designed itinerary gains height slowly, and your guide will encourage you to walk steadily, drink plenty of water and rest when needed. The Swahili phrase pole pole, meaning slowly, is the mountain’s unofficial motto.

• Headache, poor sleep, nausea and loss of appetite are common mild symptoms. Tell your guide early rather than hoping they will pass.
• Confusion, loss of coordination, breathlessness at rest or a worsening headache are warning signs that call for prompt descent and medical help.
• Ask your doctor whether any preventive medication is appropriate for you, and do not self-prescribe.
• Go easy on alcohol, and talk to your doctor before using sleeping tablets at altitude.

Guides, porters and local knowledge

Go with a qualified guide. A good one reads the weather, sets the pace, notices early signs of altitude illness, carries first-aid knowledge and makes the call about turning back. Requirements for guides, porters and registration can change, so confirm them with the Kenya Wildlife Service and your operator.

Porters carry much of the load on many treks. Ask how your operator looks after them, including fair pay, sensible loads, proper clothing and shelter. The answer tells you a good deal about the company.

What a trek day is like

Days usually begin with a hot drink and breakfast, followed by several hours of steady walking with a stop for lunch, arriving at camp or a hut in the afternoon before the cloud and cold settle in. Evenings are early: dinner, a briefing from your guide and bed. Facilities vary by route and operator, from basic huts to camping, and they are generally simple, so ask exactly what to expect. Appetite can dip as you climb, so eat even when you do not feel like it, and drink regularly through the day.

Weather and layers

Expect strong sun, afternoon cloud, rain or even hail, and freezing nights at altitude. Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating fleece or light down layer, and a windproof, waterproof shell, plus a warm hat, gloves, sunglasses and sun protection. Broken-in boots, trekking poles, a head torch and a warm sleeping bag, if you will be camping or staying in basic huts, complete the list. Our safari packing guide covers lower-altitude kit, but a mountain demands much warmer clothing.

The decision to turn back

Agree before you start that your guide’s decision on turning back is final. Summit days begin before dawn, when everyone is tired and cold and judgement is not at its sharpest. Conditions, pace and health can all change the plan, and no operator can guarantee that you will reach the top. Turning back is a normal part of mountaineering, not a failure, and the people who do it sensibly are often the ones who keep climbing for years.

Insurance and planning

Check that your travel insurance covers trekking at the altitudes you will reach and includes emergency evacuation, and read the exclusions carefully. If possible, allow a day or two at lower altitude beforehand, and keep a spare day in your wider itinerary for delays. Conditions vary through the year, so see our guide to when to visit Kenya before settling on dates.

Read more on the Mount Kenya destination page, then contact us to talk through your experience and goals. We would rather help you choose the right objective than the most impressive-sounding one.