4-day Mount Kenya trek: Lenana peak from Nairobi

Climb to Point Lenana and watch the sunrise over Africa's second-highest mountain

A 4-day Mount Kenya trek from Nairobi summits Point Lenana (4,985m), the glaciated peak anyone physically fit can reach without technical climbing. You depart Nairobi at 7:30am on day one, sleep in mountain huts at 3,300m and 4,200m, leave at 3am on day three to reach Lenana by dawn, and return to Nairobi on day four. A live guide speaks your language. Parking fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel and trek to Old Moses Camp

• Leave Nairobi at 7:30am
• Drive to Nanyuki town for lunch
• Proceed to Sirimon Gate
• Hike uphill through forest and heath land
• Reach Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight

Day 2: Trek from Old Moses to Shiptons Camp

• Breakfast at Old Moses Camp
• Follow track uphill and fork left
• Cross Ontulili River
• Contour through Moorland and cross Liki North
• Continue uphill to Mackinders Valley
• Arrive at Shipton Camp for dinner and overnight

Day 3: Climb Point Lenana and descend

• Leave at 3am up steep stony quarry
• Reach Point Lenana around 6am for sunrise
• Descend to Shipton Camp for breakfast
• Continue down to Old Moses Camp for dinner and overnight

Day 4: Descend to Sirimon Gate and return

• Breakfast at Old Moses Camp
• Walk down through rainforest to Sirimon Gate
• Connect with transport vehicle to Nairobi

The experience

The trek starts early: you leave Nairobi at 7:30am and drive four hours to Nanyuki for lunch, then another hour to Sirimon Gate at 2,440m. From there the track climbs through forest that opens into heath land, and after three and a half hours you reach Old Moses Camp at 3,300m for your first night. Day two is a steady climb through moorland: crossing the Ontulili River, contouring through Liki North, and pushing into Mackinders Valley where the main peaks come into view. You sleep at Shipton Camp, 4,200m.

Day three is the summit push. You leave at 3am and climb a steep stony quarry for three hours to reach Point Lenana around 6am, in time to watch the sunrise. After descending back to Shipton for breakfast, you walk another four hours down to Old Moses Camp for your final night. The last day is a two-hour walk through rainforest back to your transport at Sirimon Gate, and you're back in Nairobi by afternoon.

Point Lenana sits at 4,985m and requires no technical climbing. The route is a trek, not a mountaineering expedition. The two higher peaks, Batian and Nelion, both involve rock climbing and are not part of this itinerary. You'll pass through three distinct zones: forest, moorland, and alpine, each with its own light and air.

What’s included

• Live guide in your choice of language.
• accommodation in mountain huts.
• hotel pickup from Nairobi and return transport.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rupia Adventure

Is this one for you?The 4-day schedule means you leave Nairobi early on day one and return by afternoon on day four, fitting the trek into a long weekend or a break from other plans in Kenya. The early 3am summit push on day three is what gets you to Lenana by sunrise. If you prefer a slower pace or cannot manage a pre-dawn start, a longer trek with different timing would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high is Point Lenana and do I need climbing experience to reach it?

Point Lenana stands at 4,985m and requires no technical climbing or mountaineering experience. The route is a trekking path, not a rock climb, so anyone in good physical condition can summit it.

What time do I need to wake up on summit day?

You leave Old Moses Camp at 3am on day three to reach Point Lenana by around 6am, timed to catch the sunrise over the mountain.

Where do I sleep during the trek?

You stay in mountain huts: Old Moses Camp at 3,300m on nights one and three, and Shipton Camp at 4,200m on night two.

What's included in the price?

Parking fees are included. The guide, hut accommodation and the trek itself are part of the package. Hotel pickup from Nairobi is included.