Tahiti Tourisme/Gregoire Le Bacon
While many people – including celebrities and influencers – trek to the summit of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, nearby Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, is the volcano less climbed. Here is why that makes it all the more compelling.
Mt Kenya is an extinct volcano with jagged peaks rising to 17,057 feet. Two of it’s three highest peaks are only for technical climbers, but the third, Lenana Peak, is achievable by ordinary mortals of all abilities and ages. There are two trails to the 16,355’ Lenana summit, both traversing across several distinct ecological zones, each abundant with exotic equatorial flora and fauna.
From the summit there are beautiful views of the dramatic volcanic massif and the two other peaks of Batian and Nelion, as well as sweeping vistas over the central plains of Kenya. Lenana is a very attractive hike through an ancient landscape dotted with glaciers, rock spires, high tarns and unique flora and fauna such as the giant groundsels and the hyrax, which has evolved from the elephant.
We recommend ascending by one trail and descending by the other. Trekkers can choose hut or tent accommodation for their four-night, five-day adventure. The best months to climb Mt Kenya are traditionally January to March and June to October.
The best thing to do after climbing Mt Kenya? A safari, of course!
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