Mount Kenya Camps, Lodges & Trekking Accommodation
Mount Kenya offers a range of accommodation options for trekkers, climbers, and safari travelers, from high-altitude mountain huts to comfortable lodges and bandas. Bestinmountains Safaris arranges strategic accommodation before, during, and after Mount Kenya expeditions to support acclimatization, rest, and logistics for summit success. Whether staying at Old Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, Mackinder’s, or the Meru Bandas on the Chogoria side, travelers can expect suitable facilities that enhance their trekking experience while exploring Africa’s second-highest peak.
Old Moses Camp is the first overnight stop on the Sirimon Route, situated at approximately 3,300 meters. It serves as an important acclimatization point for trekkers heading toward Shipton’s Camp and ultimately Point Lenana. The camp offers dorm-style beds and basic hut facilities, with options for tent camping. Old Moses provides reliable shelter, meals, and water access, making it ideal for both guided and independent trekkers. Bestinmountains Safaris uses Old Moses Camp as a strategic acclimatization stop to improve summit success and ensure a smooth Mount Kenya trekking experience.
Shipton’s Camp is the main high-altitude base camp on the Sirimon Route, located at approximately 4,200 meters. It serves as the primary staging point for summit attempts to Point Lenana (4,985 m) and offers dramatic views of Mount Kenya’s iconic peaks—Batian, Nelion, and Point John. The camp features mountain huts with bunk-style accommodation, dining facilities, and ample space for tent camping. Due to its altitude, Shipton’s is ideal for final acclimatization before summit day. Bestinmountains Safaris uses Shipton’s Camp to prepare trekkers both physically and mentally for the early-morning ascent, maximizing comfort, safety, and summit success along the Sirimon Route.
Met Station is the first major overnight stop on the Naro Moru Route, positioned at approximately 3,050 meters. It offers hut-style accommodation, dormitory beds, a dining area, and nearby camping grounds. The station is commonly used for acclimatization before tackling the steep “Vertical Bog” section on day two of the trek. With forest and moorland landscapes surrounding the area, Met Station provides a calm and sheltered environment for rest and preparation. Bestinmountains Safaris uses Met Station as the initial base for climbers on Naro Moru Route itineraries, ensuring proper pacing and improved success on the ascent to Point Lenana.
Mackinder’s Camp is the high-altitude staging point on the Naro Moru Route, located at approximately 4,200 meters in the Teleki Valley. Serving as the main base for summit pushes to Point Lenana (4,985 m), the camp provides hut accommodation with bunk beds, dining areas, and designated camping grounds. From Mackinder’s, trekkers enjoy impressive views of Mount Kenya’s prominent peaks, including Batian and Nelion, along with distinctive alpine vegetation. Bestinmountains Safaris utilizes Mackinder’s Camp to support final acclimatization and summit preparation, offering climbers a strategic and efficient launch point for successful ascents of Mount Kenya.
The Meru Mount Kenya Bandas are located along the Chogoria Route, offering some of the most comfortable accommodation options within the mountain’s wilderness zone. Situated at approximately 2,900 meters, the bandas provide solid rooms, fireplaces, hot showers (weather permitting), and camping areas—making them a preferred stopover for trekkers descending or ascending Mount Kenya via Chogoria. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and scenic viewpoints, the bandas offer an excellent balance of comfort and nature immersion. Bestinmountains Safaris commonly incorporates the Meru Bandas into Chogoria itineraries to enhance rest, recovery, and overall trekking experience.
Lake Ellis Campsite is a scenic high-altitude stop on the Chogoria Route, situated at approximately 3,200 meters. Nestled near the glacial lake of the same name, the campsite offers tented accommodation and basic hut facilities, providing trekkers with a peaceful setting surrounded by waterfalls, forests, and alpine moorlands. It is commonly used for acclimatization and photography before continuing toward higher camps on the route. Bestinmountains Safaris includes Lake Ellis Campsite in Chogoria itineraries to ensure a well-paced trek, giving climbers the chance to rest, enjoy the natural beauty, and prepare for the ascent to Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya Trekking & Climbing Packing List
- Warm jacket (down or synthetic)
- Fleece or insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Trekking trousers
- Hiking shirts (quick-dry)
- Warm hat (beanie) and sun hat
- Gloves (inner + waterproof outer)
- Hiking socks (3–5 pairs)
- Sturdy hiking boots (well broken-in)
- Camp sandals or light shoes
- Sleeping bag (rated at least -10°C)
- Sleeping mat (insulated)
- Headlamp or torch (with extra batteries)
- Earplugs (useful in camps)
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- First-aid kit (including personal medication)
- Altitude sickness medication (if prescribed)
- Whistle
- Multi-purpose knife