About Mt. Kenya National Park

Rising majestically as Africa’s second-highest peak, Mt. Kenya National Park is an ancient extinct volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose dramatic landscapes offer a powerful blend of adventure, wellness, and cultural heritage. Its rugged, glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes create one of East Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural settings—ideal for high-altitude trekking, mountain retreats, and immersive outdoor experiences.

Mt. Kenya’s towering peaks—Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m), and Point Lenana (4,984 m)—draw climbers, endurance athletes, and adventure seekers, while the surrounding terrain supports sports events and fitness challenges.

Designated both a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, Mt. Kenya’s striking ecological formations provide cinematic backdrops for visual storytelling and filmmaking, from alpine moorlands to glacial landscapes.

Scattered across the mountain are eye-catching high-altitude lakes and tarns that add to its scenic allure while offering rewarding opportunities for sport fishing. Deeply rooted in local culture and heritage, the mountain holds spiritual significance for surrounding communities, enriching every visit with stories, traditions, and a profound connection to Kenya’s natural legacy.

Important Information
Explore the unique attractions and highlights of this park that make every visit truly special.

  • High-Altitude Adventure & Mountaineering
  • Spectacular Alpine Landscapes
  • Rich Wildlife Diversity
Your safari is more than a vacation, it's a contribution to wildlife conservation. Discover a range of accommodation options that will suit you. Unwind, recharge, and create unforgettable memories in Kenya Parks!

Mbugani Homes

Public campsites

  • Kisoi Munyao
  • Kinondoni Campsite
  • Mathenge
  • Solo Camp
  • Majors Camp

Privately owned campsites include:

 

 

 

Discover the park's history, from its beginnings to ongoing conservation efforts and the communities and wildlife that continue to shape its story.

Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 to protect the mountain’s high-altitude ecosystems, biodiversity, and scenic landscapes. Conservation efforts began earlier with the gazettement of the surrounding Mount Kenya Forest Reserve in 1932. Key milestones include its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978, inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, and the gazettement of adjacent forest reserves as National Reserves in 2000, creating a comprehensive protected complex around one of Kenya’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Plan your journey with ease. Find directions, transport options, and helpful tips to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

By Road:  The peaks can be accessed through three official gates, namely;

  • Naro Moru Gate
  • Sirimon Gate
  • Chogoria Gate

Sirimon Gate is 200 km from Nairobi off the Nanyuki – Meru Road.

Naromoru Gate is 188 km along the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru town.

Chogoria Gate is on the Embu-Meru Road, about 210km north of Nairobi.

By Air: The closest commercial airstrip to the park is at Nanyuki.

Make the most of your visit with practical advice on what to bring, when to come, and how to enjoy the park responsibly.

  • Drinking water
  • Food
  • Warm clothing
  • Camping gear

Also important are;

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • First aid kit
  • Sunglasses,
  • Appropriate hiking/mountaineering gear

Your safety matters. Please review our essential guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and for the wildlife.

  1. You are in the wildlife’s home. Please respect their privacy and right of way.

  2. National parks are plastic-free. Single-use plastic is prohibited.

  3. General road rules apply. Car hooting or driving under the influence of alcohol are strictly prohibited.

  4. Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, unless you are spending overnight.

  5. Move slowly and quietly. Animals can react dangerously if startled.

  6. Noise distracts wildlife. Use mobile phones and sound devices sparingly and only in designated areas.

  7. Remain in your vehicle unless in designated areas. Keep doors closed at all times.

  8. Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties.

  9. Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.

  10. View wildlife from a minimum distance of 20 meters.

  11. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it disrupts their diet and leads to human dependency.

  12. Carry out all trash to help keep the park clean.

  13. Do not leave campfires unattended while camping.

  14. Visitors enter the park at their own risk and Terms and conditions apply.

Hotline: 0723690482

Toll Free: 0800 597 000

Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke

WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509

Mt. Kenya National Park Rates
East Africa Citizen Adult

KES. 800

East Africa Citizen Child

KES. 400

Kenya
Resident Adult

KES. 1,100

Kenya
Resident Child

KES. 550

Non
Resident Adult

USD 70

Non
Resident Child

USD 35

Africa
Citizen Adult

USD 30

Africa
Citizen Child

USD 15

Mt. Kenya National Park Gallery

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