9 of the best hikes in Kenya

Between spotting the Big Five on safari and lounging on the white-sand beaches, it’s easy to forget that Kenya has some superb hikes. 

This country features spectacular scenery: you could be trekking through lush emerald-green forests or hiking along a crater ridge with views over a shimmering lake, spotting colobus monkeys scampering across the path, and taking in vast valleys, baobabs and acacia trees as the sun sets. Kenya’s trails aren’t just for hikers: they also attract birders, cyclists and runners.

From the country’s highest peak of Mt Kenya to the scenic, flat paths through Karura Forest on Nairobi’s outskirts, Kenya has a variety of hikes, paths and trails to suit every level. None of the trails are so crowded that it’s an issue, and many offer genuine tranquility.

Community tourism is an integral part of Kenya’s travel landscape, and local guides offer insights into their culture, traditions and relationship with the land, which is as much a part of exploring the country’s diverse and fantastic trails as the walking itself. Guides are always available at national parks, and you can also ask your accommodations for recommendations.

Here are Kenya’s best hiking routes.

1. Mt Kenya

Best bucket list hike
70km (43 miles) round trip, 4–7 days, challenging

Mt Kenya’s X factor isn’t just that it’s Kenya’s highest peak (and the second-highest in Africa) – the scenery of Mt Kenya National Park is astonishing. Ridges and valleys fan out from the summit as you hike on Afro-Alpine moorland, home to flora such as giant lobelia trees and groundsel, and take in the views of the massif from the MacKinder Valley.

It’s a challenging but doable hike with the right support and guide. Point Lenana at 4985m (16,355ft) is the main trekking peak (the two highest peaks, Batian and Nelion, are more technical and not climbed as frequently). The three main routes to Point Lenana – Naro Moru to the west, Sirimon on the northwest and Chogoria (the driest route and the most scenic ascent) on the southeast – start in Mt Kenya National Park.

The park is well-staffed with rangers and guides, and huts and campgrounds are set up on the trails. A guide is strongly recommended: you can book one at the entrance/visitor center or in advance, through your…