Mount Kenya Camping and Huts| Nights on Mt Kenya

Camping on Mount Kenya and Huts Accommodation

Rising majestically to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its striking peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, and diverse ecosystems, it offers one of the most unique mountain climbing  experiences in Africa. A successful climb is not just about stamina and preparation, it also depends on quality nighttime rest. Sleep plays a crucial role in recovery, acclimatization, and maintaining mental clarity at high altitudes.

Mount Kenya camping can either be done in camp tents under the wild star-filled skies or you can spend the nights in mountain huts scattered along the main climbing routes. Both options offer unique experiences. A tent gives you simplicity and mindfulness while allowing you to connect with nature better. On the other hand, accommodation huts provide essential facilities like bathrooms and some modern amenities like WIFI and hot showers. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the camping and hut options available on Mount Kenya and highlight how they vary across routes

Why Camping Matters in High Altitude Mountain Climbing

When climbing at altitude, rest and recovery are essential. Mountains, with their steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and long climbing days, make nighttime accommodation an essential part of the adventure.

While huts provide shelter and comfort, camping offers freedom and solitude. It is a choice that may affect your route selection, and in the case of Mount Kenya, which difficulty level you prefer. Case in point, Naro Moru and Sirimon have the most huts on Mount Kenya, but they’re also one of the hardest and easiest routes. Chogoria route, on the other hand, is a really scenic but challenging route that only has one campsite with mountain huts. 

Camping on Mount Kenya 

Camping on Mount Kenya is the ideal choice for trekkers who want to immerse themselves in the mountain’s raw wilderness. Setting up a tent near alpine lakes, under towering giant lobelias, or in secluded valleys offers a sense of solitude that huts can’t provide. Nights are often clear, with star-filled skies and crisp mountain air.

To camp on Mount Kenya, climbers require suitable equipment, including 

• a four-season tent
• a warm sleeping bag
• a ground mat, and
• cooking gear. 

Many climbers rely on guides and porters to carry and set up gear, especially on longer tours. The main advantage of camping is flexibility; you can pace your journey more freely and explore less crowded spots.

However, camping comes with challenges. The weather can be harsh with sudden rain or cold nights. Additionally, carrying camping gear adds to the logistical challenges and costs. 

Camping is particularly rewarding on the chogoria route. It’s scenic camps by shores of Lake Ellis or Minto’s Hut area are among the most popular sites to set up a camp tent. 

Mountain Huts on Mount Kenya

For those seeking more comfort and lighter packs, mountain huts are the practical alternative. Managed by the Mount Kenya National Park service, these huts provide basic accommodation, featuring bunk beds, mattresses, and cooking facilities. While they don’t offer luxury, they protect trekkers from harsh weather, reduce the need for tents, and make it easier to acclimatize.

The convenience of huts allows climbers to travel with lighter loads and focus more on the climb itself. They are especially popular on the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes, which are well-serviced with reliable huts. 

The downside of mountain huts while climbing Mount Kenya is limited privacy. Huts are shared with other trekkers, and space can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Advance booking is highly recommended to secure a bed, especially in December to February and July to September.

Route-by-Route Breakdown of Mount Kenya Camping

Sirimon Route

The Sirimon Route is one of the most popular and accessible ways up Mount Kenya. Known for its gradual ascent, varied scenery, and excellent hut facilities. 

1. Old Moses Camp Mount Kenya (3,300m), also called Judmier camp is the first stop on this route. This campsite has dormitory-style bunks, a kitchen, a dining area, and well-maintained bathrooms.

1. Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) is next, nestled in a spectacular valley at the foot of the main peaks. 

Both huts are well-maintained, making Sirimon an excellent choice for those who prefer huts over tents.

Naro Moru Route

Naro Moru is the shortest and most direct route, often used by climbers seeking a faster ascent. It is also notorious for the “Vertical Bog,” a steep, muddy section that challenges even experienced mountaineers. 

1. Met Station Hut (3,050m) or Meteorological Station Campsite. The Hut features dormitory-style wooden cabins with bunk beds, capable of accommodating up to 20 to 30 guests. Other amenities include external latrines, cold water taps, a dining table, WIFI, solar energy, and an external snack shop. Additionally, climbers can opt to set up camp outside by using the Meteorological Station Campsite.

1. Mackinder’s Camp Mount Kenya (4,200m) is one of the largest huts and camp sites on Mount Kenya and serves as the main base for summit attempts. The hut, also known as Teleki Lodge, is capable of accommodating up to 50 guests. The area outside the lodge is moderately lush with birds and rock hyrax found around, which makes it a great campsite for those who prefer to set up camp. 

Chogoria Route

The Chogoria Route is widely regarded as the most scenic route for climbing Mount Kenya. It passes through lush forests, dramatic valleys, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. Unlike Sirimon and Naro Moru, it is primarily a camping route. Trekkers often set up camp at 

1. Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (2,900 m) is another major dormitory-style hut with clean, comfortable beds, a kitchen, a dining area, a snack shop, and hot water showers.

1. Roadhead Camp (3,300 m) is the first campsite on Chogoria route where climbers can set up tents. It offers flat grounds, freshwater access, and panoramic views of the Gorges Valley.

1. Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600 m) is one of the most beautiful campsites on Mount Kenya. The site offers stunning views of the peaks while the vast lake provides crisp, fresh air and picturesque settings.  

1. Minto’s Hut (4,200 m) is more of a camping site than a traditional hut. The built facility is mainly used to house camping and cooking equipment by guides and porters. 

Timau Route

The Timau Route is the least frequented and most remote approach to Mount Kenya. It is almost entirely camping-based, with little infrastructure along the way. This route crosses vast open moorlands and offers incredible solitude. While the lack of huts makes it more logistically demanding, it rewards climbers with a sense of wilderness rarely found on other routes.

1. Marania Camp (3,200 m) is the first campsite on this route. It is nestled in the heathlands, offering an authentic wilderness camping experience.
2. Major’s Camp (3,800 m) is the last campsite on this route before it joins Chogoria route at Simba Tarn. This campsite is situated at the base of a valley, overlooking a rock cliff.

Note* Timau route is rarely used due to its dense forests and less established paths; therefore, you’ll need special permission to take on this trail.

Burguret Route

As one of Mount Kenya’s older routes, Burguret combines challenge, beauty, and adventure to provide a unique Mount Kenya camping experience. It offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path trail that cuts through thick rainforests, bamboo zones, and high moorlands before joining the Sirimon route near Shipton’s Camp. The route is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, raw nature, and an authentic wilderness experience. Since it is less developed than other routes, Burguret is primarily a camping route.

1. Elephant Camp (2,800 m) is the first campsite on the Burguret Route. Located deep within the forest zone, it provides an authentic jungle experience surrounded by dense vegetation and the sounds of wildlife.
2. Highland Castle Camp (3,700 m) sits above the bamboo and heather zone, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
3. Shipton’s Camp (4,200 m) marks the point where the Burguret route merges with the Sirimon Route. 

Choosing Between Camping and Huts

So, which should you choose, camping or huts? The answer depends on your priorities. If you prefer convenience, lighter packs, and reliable shelter, huts on the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes are ideal. If you seek adventure, privacy, and immersion in nature, camping on the Chogoria or Burguret routes offers a richer wilderness experience.

Additionally, your budget also plays a role. Huts may reduce porter costs since less gear is required, while camping involves more logistics and equipment. 

Many trekkers opt for a combination, staying in huts on some nights and camping on others, to enjoy the best of both worlds. If you prefer a balance between camping and huts, then consider Chogoria and Naro Moru routes. 

Practical Tips for Camping on Mount Kenya

• Book in advance if you plan to stay in huts, especially during peak seasons.
• Always carry a warm sleeping bag. Nights can be frigid even in huts.
• Waterproof gear is essential for campers, as the weather on Mount Kenya can shift quickly.
• Leave no trace. Whether camping or using huts, respect the mountain environment.

Conclusion

Accommodation on Mount Kenya is more than just a place to sleep; it shapes your entire climbing experience. Whether you wake up in a mountain hut with views of jagged peaks or unzip your tent beside a quiet alpine lake, each choice offers a unique perspective. 

Whichever option you choose, the journey will leave you with memories of dramatic landscapes, alpine beauty, and the thrill of standing on this beautiful African mountain.