Mt. Kenya National Park
Come Touch the Sky
Kenya’s great alpine mountain park around Africa’s second-highest peak, offering climbing, trekking, lakes, glaciers and montane biodiversity.
About Mt. Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park protects the high-altitude environment surrounding Africa’s second-highest mountain. Distinct climbing and trekking routes rise through forest, bamboo and moorland to rugged alpine terrain, where Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana dominate a landscape of rock, lakes and remnant ice.
What makes this protected area special
Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana
High-altitude trekking and mountaineering
Alpine lakes and dramatic rock scenery
Montane forest and moorland
UNESCO World Heritage landscape
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Nature study
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Montane mammals
- Forest wildlife
- Highland birdlife
Accommodation
KWS homes & cottages
- Batian Guest House
- Sirimon Bandas
Public campsites
- Kisoi Munyao
- Kinondoni Campsite
- Mathenge
- Solo Camp
- Majors Camp
Private lodges & camps
- Anabas Mount Kenya Lodge
- Rutundu Rock Cabins
- Castle Forest Lodge
- Old Moses Camp
- Shipton Camp
- Mackinders Camp
- Met Station Camp
- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Park history
The national park was established in 1949; the Mount Kenya ecosystem later received UNESCO Biosphere and World Heritage recognition.
How to get there
By road
Major approaches use Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria routes.
By air
Nanyuki Airstrip provides nearby air access.
Gates / entry points
- Naro Moru Gate
- Sirimon Gate
- Chogoria Gate
Visitor tips
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 800 | KES 400 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 1,100 | KES 550 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 30 | USD 15 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 70 | USD 35 |
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceMt. Kenya National Park FAQs
What is Mt. Kenya National Park best known for?
Mt. Kenya National Park is especially known for Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana, High-altitude trekking and mountaineering, Alpine lakes and dramatic rock scenery, Montane forest and moorland. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Mt. Kenya National Park?
Road: Major approaches use Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria routes. Air: Nanyuki Airstrip provides nearby air access. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Mt. Kenya National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 800 and non-resident adults from USD 70 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Mt. Kenya National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Other parks & protected areas
Build a stronger safari route by combining complementary landscapes.