Kenya's highest mountain sits on the equator but holds permanent glaciers. The moorland above 3,500 metres is a different Africa — giant lobelias, ice-cold streams, and views that disappear into clouds.
Mount Kenya sits exactly on the equator and rises to 5,199 metres, yet carries permanent glaciers on its twin peaks. The mountain's lower slopes are some of Kenya's most productive farmland. Above 3,000 metres, the landscape becomes moorland — giant groundsels, tree heather, and afro-alpine vegetation found nowhere else on earth.
The base at Nanyuki sits at 1,950 metres, cool enough to sleep comfortably under a blanket in July. From there you drive or ride through the forest zone and into the moorland, where the views extend south to Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Highlights
Equatorial Glaciers
Permanent ice on the equator. Lenana Peak, the trekking summit at 4,985m, is achievable for fit walkers in 3 days.
Giant Groundsel Forest
Senecio kilimanjari grow to 6 metres in the afro-alpine zone. A landscape that looks like another planet.
Wildlife in the Forest
Colobus monkey, bongo antelope, giant forest hog, and leopard in the cedar and podocarpus forest belt.
Nanyuki Lodge Base
Private lodge on the mountain's western slope. Log fires, guest library, and a bar that opens at sunset.
What's Included
Itinerary
Price from
From $3,600
per person · all-inclusive
