Camping in Mount Kenya

Camping on Mount Kenya is one of the most rewarding adventure experiences in East Africa — it offers everything from lush forest camps to high-alpine sites beneath glaciers and rugged peaks. Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your Mount Kenya camping trip 🏕️⛰️

🌍 Overview

• Location: Central Kenya, about 150 km north of Nairobi
• Elevation: 5,199 m (17,057 ft) — Africa’s 2nd-highest peak
• Park: Mount Kenya National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Camping style: Either multi-day trekking with tent camping, or staying in mountain huts/lodges at key points

🏕️ Main Camping Routes & Sites

There are several main routes, each with different camp setups.

1. Sirimon Route (Northwest side)

• Easiest access: From Nanyuki town
• Best for: Moderate ascent, scenic moorland
• Popular campsites:
  • Old Moses Camp (3300 m) – forest edge, often first night stop; has water, basic huts & tent spaces.
  • Shipton’s Camp (4200 m) – near glaciers and high peaks (Lenana, Batian, Nelion).
• Pros: Gradual altitude gain, great for acclimatization.
• Notes: Can connect to Chogoria route for a traverse.

2. Chogoria Route (East side)

• Best for: Scenic lakes, waterfalls, and alpine valleys.
• Popular campsites:
  • Meru Bandas (3000 m) – forest zone, good facilities.
  • Roadhead Camp (3300 m) – entry into moorland.
  • Mintos Hut Camp (4200 m) – iconic views of Lake Michaelson & Gorges Valley.
• Pros: Widely considered the most beautiful route.
• Notes: Ideal for descending after summiting via Sirimon.

3. Naro Moru Route (West side)

• Best for: Shorter ascents, popular with local hikers.
• Popular campsites:
  • Met Station (3050 m) – forest zone, first night stop.
  • Mackinder’s Camp (4200 m) – next to Teleki Valley, base for Point Lenana.
• Pros: Quicker route for experienced trekkers.
• Cons: Steep and muddy “Vertical Bog” section.

4. Timau Route (North side)

• Less used, more remote.
• Camps: Marania Camp, Hall Tarn Camp, or Kami Camp.
• Good for: Solitude and wildlife sightings.

⛺ Camping Experience

🔹 What to Expect

• Temperatures: 20 °C at forest zones → below freezing at high camps.
• Facilities: Basic — often just flat tent sites, pit latrines, and nearby streams.
• Wildlife: Colobus monkeys, duikers, and sometimes elephants in lower zones.
• Starry skies at 4000 m are spectacular!

🔹 Gear Checklist

Essential camping gear:

• 4-season or high-altitude tent
• Warm sleeping bag (rated to –10 °C or lower)
• Sleeping pad/mat
• Cooking stove & fuel (no open fires above forest)
• Warm layered clothing, waterproofs, gloves, hat
• Trekking poles
• Water filter or purification tablets
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• First-aid kit and personal meds

Optional but recommended:

• Portable solar charger
• Trekking gaiters (for boggy terrain)
• Lightweight camp chair

🧭 Permits & Logistics

Park Entry

• Managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
• Foreign adult: ~US $55/day
• Camping fee: ~US $15–20/night
• Pay at park gates (Sirimon, Naro Moru, Chogoria, etc.) or online via eCitizen.

Guides & Porters

• Required for overnight treks — helps with navigation, safety, and gear carrying.
• Average rates (per day):
  • Guide – ~$30–40
  • Porter – ~$20–25
  • Cook – ~$20–25

Gear Rental (if needed)

Available in Nanyuki or Naro Moru town:

• Sleeping bags, tents, cooking sets, etc.
• You can also hire full trekking packages through local outfitters.

🗓️ Best Time to Camp

• Dry seasons (best):
  • Jan–Feb
  • Jul–Oct
• Rainy seasons (avoid if possible):
  • March–June
  • November