Hiking and Trekking in East Africa: Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro and the Aberdares

Hiking in East Africa is for travellers who like their adventure with altitude. From the glaciers of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro to the misty moorlands of the Aberdare Ranges, the region’s mountains offer some of the most rewarding walking on the continent, with scenery that changes from forest to moorland to alpine desert in a single climb.

Sense of Adventure is a licensed Nairobi-based operator, so we organise your guides, porters, park permits, transfers and accommodation from start to finish. This guide explains the routes, the best months, fitness and altitude, what to pack and how to plan.

Featured Hiking Adventures

Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa, an extinct volcano with jagged peaks and small glaciers. The two highest summits, Batian and Nelion, are technical climbs, but trekkers reach Point Lenana, at about 4,985 metres, on a non-technical path. Routes include Sirimon, Chogoria and Naro Moru, and many itineraries combine two of them as a traverse. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is often called the most scenic, with moorland, lakes, tarns and the deep Chogoria gorge. Mount Kenya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so wildlife, birdlife and unusual giant plants add interest on the way.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa. Its summit, Uhuru Peak, stands at about 5,895 metres, and you can reach it on a walk rather than a climb. Routes pass through rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone. Our itineraries include:

• Marangu route (6 days): the classic route, with sleeping huts rather than tents.
• Machame route (7 days): a scenic camping route whose extra day helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Longer routes usually give better acclimatisation and a higher chance of reaching the summit. Read more in our Tanzania destination guide.

The Aberdare Ranges

The Aberdares are a gentler introduction to mountain walking in Kenya. Misty moorlands, waterfalls, bamboo forest and views across the Rift Valley make a three-day trek rewarding without extreme altitude. It suits first-time trekkers, families with older children and travellers who want a shorter adventure before or after a safari. See our Aberdare National Park lodges guide if you prefer a lodge stay.

Best Time to Hike

Mountain	Best months	Notes
Mount Kenya	January to February and August to September	Drier, clearer weather. Nights are cold at any time of year.
Kilimanjaro	January to March and June to October	The two dry seasons. June to October is busiest.
Aberdare Ranges	January to February and June to September	Drier months make the moorland trails easier.

The long rains in April and May bring mud and cloud, and the short rains in November bring showers, though trekking remains possible. We confirm conditions before you travel.

Fitness and Altitude

Trekking at altitude is more about steady walking and patience than speed. You do not need mountaineering skills, but you do need regular walking or hiking practice before you arrive, ideally with some back-to-back days.

• Walk slowly. A slow, steady pace is the best protection against altitude problems.
• Drink plenty of water. Your guides remind you to drink often.
• Choose a longer route. Extra days make acclimatisation easier.
• Tell your guide how you feel. Headache, nausea or dizziness should always be reported straight away.
• Talk to your doctor. Ask about your health and any altitude medication before booking.

What to Pack

• Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and several pairs of warm socks.
• Layered clothing: base layers, a fleece, a down jacket and a waterproof shell.
• Hat, warm gloves, sunglasses and high-factor sun protection.
• A headlamp with spare batteries and a good sleeping bag for camping routes.
• Trekking poles, a daypack and a reusable water bottle.

We send a detailed packing list after you book, and we can arrange rental of some equipment.

Combine a Trek With a Safari

Many guests pair a mountain with wildlife. A common plan is to trek first and then rest in the Masai Mara or Amboseli, or to finish on the coast. Read about safari combinations, our Masai Mara safari packages and our bush and beach safaris.

Hiking FAQs