National Park Central Highlands Mountain Park

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.

LocationNyeri / Nanyuki / Chogoria
Established1949
Best time / planningYear-round depending on weather, roads, wildlife movement and activity. Confirm current KWS access and local conditions before travel.
Overview

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.

Attractions

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

Experience

Activities & wildlife

Things to do

  • Mountaineering
  • Trekking
  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Photography
  • Nature study

Wildlife & biodiversity

  • Montane mammals
  • Forest wildlife
  • Highland birdlife
Stay nearby

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.

Conservation story

Park history

The national park was established in 1949; the Mount Kenya ecosystem later received UNESCO Biosphere and World Heritage recognition.

Plan your journey

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
Before you go

Visitor tips

Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.

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.

Responsible travel

Safety guidelines

  1. 1

    Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.

  2. 2

    Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.

  3. 3

    Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.

  4. 4

    Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.

  5. 5

    Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.

  6. 6

    Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.

  7. 7

    Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.

  8. 8

    Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.

  9. 9

    Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.

  10. 10

    Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.

  11. 11

    Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.

  12. 12

    Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.

  13. 13

    When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.

  14. 14

    Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.

Conservation fees

Park entry rates

Visitor categoryAdultChild
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
Effective from 2025-10-01

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 source
Useful answers

Mt. 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.

Keep exploring

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