How to Get to Mount Kenya: Road From Nairobi, Flights to Nanyuki and Route Gates
Mount Kenya is reached by road from Nairobi in roughly three to four hours to Naro Moru or Nanyuki, or by a short scheduled flight to Nanyuki, with different trailheads on different sides of the mountain.
The mountain stands in central Kenya, north-east of Nairobi, and the road passes through farmland, small towns and coffee and tea country. Nanyuki, on the north-western side, is the best-known gateway, with Naro Moru and Chogoria serving other routes.
Choosing the right gateway depends on the route you plan to climb and the safari that you want to pair with the mountain.
This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- By road: About 3 to 4 hours from Nairobi
- By air: Flights to Nanyuki airstrip
- Gateways: Nanyuki, Naro Moru, Chogoria
- Routes: Sirimon, Naro Moru, Chogoria
- Tip: Leave early, bring warm clothing
Driving From Nairobi
Safari vehicles leave Nairobi on the main highway north through Thika, then continue through towns such as Karatina and Naro Moru toward Nanyuki. The road is largely paved and passes lovely views of the mountain on clear days. Allow extra time for traffic out of Nairobi and for market-day congestion in the towns. If you are driving yourself, read the self-drive safari guide and the Kenya practical information page before you go.
Flying to Nanyuki
Scheduled and charter flights serve the airstrip at Nanyuki, which saves several hours of road travel and is popular with travellers combining the mountain with Laikipia conservancies. Luggage limits are strict on small aircraft, so pack soft bags and leave bulky equipment with your operator. The flying safaris guide explains how light-aircraft itineraries work.
Choosing a Route and Gateway
The three most popular routes begin at different gates. Sirimon, on the north-west side, is a gentle approach that is often chosen for good acclimatisation and wildlife viewing on the lower moorland. Naro Moru, from the west, is the steepest and most direct. Chogoria, on the eastern side, is a scenic route past tarns and deep valleys, often used for descents. Many trekkers combine two routes, climbing one and descending another. See the climbing and trekking guide for route descriptions.
Combining the Mountain With a Safari
The mountain fits neatly into a loop that runs from Nairobi to the central highlands, then on to Laikipia, Samburu or Meru, before returning to Nairobi or flying to the Masai Mara. Our Kenya safari itineraries show sample routes, and getting to Meru explains how to continue east from the mountain.
Practical Tips
Start early to arrive with time to settle in, carry water and snacks, and keep warm clothing in the vehicle because mornings are cold. Mountain gates and huts need advance arrangements, so confirm your permits, guides and porters through your operator. The getting around East Africa page has more advice on transfers.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Mount Kenya: Climbing Routes, Point Lenana and Trekking Guide
- Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Private Wildlife Conservancies
- Kenya Safari Itineraries: 3, 5 and 7 Day Ideas for the Mara, Amboseli and the Coast
- Getting Around East Africa: Flights, Roads, Trains and Boats
- How to Get to Meru National Park: Road From Nairobi, Flights and Northern Circuits
- How to Get to Nairobi National Park: Gates, Transfers From the Airport and City Hotels
- How to Get to Shimba Hills: From Diani, Mombasa and the Likoni Ferry
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
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