Plan your trip · Guide
Kenya
What to know before you climb Mount Kenya: getting there, entry authorisation, mandatory insurance, money and health.
01 · The basics
Before you go
The trip starts in Nairobi, from where you drive to the mountain.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Getting there | International flight to Nairobi. |
| Entry | Many nationalities don’t need a visa, but do need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before departure. Apply only on the official website, etakenya.go.ke, and allow at least three working days. Check the requirements for your nationality. |
| Mandatory insurance | Since 5 October 2026, the Government of Kenya requires visitors to buy its own travel health insurance, purchased together with the eTA. Foreign insurance does not replace it. |
| Currency | Kenyan shilling. There are ATMs in Nairobi and the larger towns. Older US dollar notes are often refused. |
| Weather | Mild in Nairobi. On the mountain, nights at the higher camps are below freezing. |
| Plugs | Type G (the British plug), 240 V. If yours are a different type, bring an adapter. |
02 · The trip
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya: Sirimon–Chogoria traverse
Best time: the dry seasons, January to February and July to September.
A trekking summit at 4,985 m, Point Lenana, with no technical climbing or crampons. On summit night you set off before dawn, and the descent via Chogoria passes valleys, lakes and waterfalls.
All dates are in the departure calendar.
03 · Health and insurance
Health, altitude and insurance
- Altitude: our trips are designed to give you proper acclimatisation. Safety comes first, and with altitude we don’t take chances. If you have any questions, just ask us. More in altitude sickness and acclimatisation
- Insurance: it’s mandatory. It must cover the activity you’ll be doing, based on the maximum altitude and whether technical gear is involved, as well as helicopter rescue and evacuation and repatriation. Before departure you’ll also sign a waiver
- Vaccines and malaria: requirements such as a yellow fever certificate, and malaria prevention, depend on the country you’re travelling from. Check the latest on your country’s official health website or with a travel health clinic, or ask us
- Physical preparation: you don’t need to be an athlete, but arriving prepared means you’ll enjoy the trip much more. If you need it, we can help with a training and nutrition plan tailored to you. See how it works
Questions?
Got a question?
If you’re thinking about climbing Mount Kenya and have questions about the trip, write to us and we’ll reply by email.
See upcoming departures →