Kenya · Hiking

5-Day Mount Kenya Hiking and Bird-Watching Tour with Forest Reserve

5 Days Round trip from Mount Kenya Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike Mount Kenya through varied ecosystems and awe-inspiring scenery
02 Marvel at the twin summits of Batian and Nelion with jagged snow-capped peaks
03 Explore Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, Kenya's largest forest reserve and water-catchment area
04 Observe forest birds including Green Ibis, Ayer's Hawk-Eagle, and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird
05 Spot Montane Francolin, Mackinder's Eagle Owl, Scarce Swift, and the endemic Alpine Swift

Embark on a climbing expedition to the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa. Located in the centre of Kenya, almost on the equator and about 90 miles northeast of the capital, Mount Kenya was traditionally regarded as a holy mountain and the dwelling place of God by the Kikuyu and Embu communities living nearby. Marvel at volcanic ridges and glacial valleys, and explore the flora and fauna of this remarkable region.

Embark on a climbing expedition to the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest peak in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Mombasa, Mount Kenya

Languages Afrikaans, English, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hike Mount Kenya Through Dramatic Landscapes

Pick up from the lodge and meet your tour guide at Mount Kenya Road. Hike up Mount Kenya through varied ecosystems and awe-inspiring scenery.
Visit volcanic ridges and glacial valleys radiating across the land like spokes from a wheel.

Day 02

Batian and Nelion Peaks

Explore the Kenyan National Park, surrounded by the Forest Reserve.
Marvel at the twin summits of Batian and Nelion with jagged snow-capped peaks.

Day 03

Explore Mount Kenya Forest Reserve

Explore Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, the largest forest reserve and water-catchment area in Kenya. It features magnificent stands of buttressed and lichen-draped juniper, podocarpus, and more.

Day 04

Observe Forest Birds

Observe forest birds such as Green Ibis (local Mount Kenya race), Ayer's Hawk-Eagle, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl, Scaly Francolin, Ruppel's Robin-chat, and numerous sunbirds (Nectariniidae), including the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird.

Enjoy a lazy day.

Day 05

Bird Watching on Mount Kenya

Observe birds such as Montane Francolin, Mackinder's Eagle Owl, the locally threatened Scarce Swift, and the endemic Alpine Swift.

Enjoy a lazy day.

Where this trip takes you

Batian and Nelion, volcanic ridges, glacial valleys, Mount Kenya Forest Reserve

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mount Kenya 2 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Return transfers from Nairobi in a safari minibus
Pick up and drop off from Serena Mountain Lodge to Sirimon or Chogoria Gate
All meals and accommodation on the climb for 3 nights
Park fees
English-speaking Kenyan guide
2 nights at Serena Mountain Lodge

What's Not Included

Personal insurance - recommended
All international air transportation
Any item(s) of a personal nature, i.e. tobacco, laundry, phone bills, and internet
Any deviation(s) from the above itinerary
Any other item(s) not included in the above list