Ways to travel
Mountain hikes and climbs
From a day on Mt Longonot to the summit of Kilimanjaro
- Day hikes
- Mt Longonot, Hell's Gate
- Treks
- Mount Kenya (4,985 m), 4–5 days
- Climbs
- Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), 6–8 days
- Best time
- Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
East Africa's highest ground sits right beside its best game country. You can walk the rim of a volcanic crater a morning's drive from Nairobi, or spend a week climbing to the roof of Africa and finish with a few days on safari.
We arrange the guides, park fees, porters and transfers, and fit the hike into the rest of your trip so you are not doing a long game drive the day after a summit.
Day hikes from the Rift Valley
Mt Longonot is a dormant volcano above Lake Naivasha. The climb to the rim is steep but short, and the full loop around the crater takes most of a day, with views across the Rift Valley floor. Hell's Gate, next door, is gentler: a walk or cycle between cliffs, with zebra and giraffe on the way and a gorge at the end.
Both fit easily into any route that passes Lake Naivasha.
Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro
Mount Kenya's trekking summit, Point Lenana, needs no climbing skills and is usually reached in four or five days through forest, moorland and giant lobelias. It is quieter than Kilimanjaro, and many people find it more beautiful.
Kilimanjaro is higher and better known. We recommend routes of seven or eight days, such as the Machame or Lemosho, because more days on the mountain means better acclimatisation and a much better chance of reaching the top. All climbs use licensed mountain guides, with porters and a cook.
What we arrange
- Day hikes on Mt Longonot and in Hell's Gate, an easy add-on near Lake Naivasha
- Mount Kenya treks to Point Lenana for non-technical walkers
- Kilimanjaro climbs with licensed mountain guides, porters and a cook
- Park fees, hut or camping fees and transfers to the trailhead
- Rest days and safari time planned around the climb
A day on Mt Longonot
- 7:00
Early breakfast at Lake Naivasha and a short drive to the park gate.
- 8:00
Climb to the crater rim, about 90 minutes of steady uphill.
- 9:30
Walk the rim loop, with views into the forested crater and over the Rift Valley.
- 13:00
Back down for a late lunch at the lodge.
- 16:00
An easy afternoon: a boat ride on the lake or a rest.
Routes to build on
Our existing itineraries, ready to adapt. Tell us which appeals and we'll tailor it to you.
Good to know
How fit do I need to be?
For Mt Longonot, reasonably fit: it is a steep half-day. For Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro you need to be comfortable walking six to eight hours on consecutive days, and altitude is the bigger challenge. We will be honest about which suits you.
Can I combine a climb with a safari?
Yes. Most climbers add a few days on safari afterwards, which is the best way to rest your legs.
What about altitude sickness?
It is the main reason people don't reach the summit. Longer routes, a slow pace and plenty of water help most. Guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit, monitor everyone daily and will turn back with anyone who needs to.
Do I need special gear?
Good broken-in boots, warm layers, a down jacket and a sleeping bag rated well below freezing for the high mountains. Much of the heavier kit can be hired locally. We send a full packing list with your booking.
Tell us when you can travel. We'll do the rest.
Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.