Overview
Mt Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its dramatic glacial valleys, unique flora and fauna, and challenging treks. Accommodations span the entire spectrum—from rustic high-altitude huts used by trekkers, to historic forest lodges, modern eco-retreats, and country hotels. Whether you’re here for a summit climb, hiking, wildlife, birding, or simply cool air and mountain views, you’ll find an option to match your style and budget.
1. High-Altitude Climbing Huts & Trekking Bandas
Basic, communal, and often run by KWS or mountain guiding companies—used by trekkers on the ascent.
- Old Moses Camp (3,300m): Main base for Sirimon Route. Bunk dorms, basic kitchen, shared facilities, stunning views.
- Shipton’s Camp (4,200m): Main hub for the summit attempt, Sirimon-Chogoria routes. Dormitories, shared kitchen, climbers’ atmosphere.
- Mackinder’s Camp (4,200m): On Naro Moru Route. Bunkhouses, kitchen, mountain scenery.
- Liki North & Liki South Camps: Smaller, quieter, for acclimatization or less-used routes.
- Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (Chogoria Gate): Private bandas with beds, fireplaces, and meals—best for Chogoria trekkers.
- Austrian Hut (4,790m): Highest hut on the mountain, simple bunks, staging for Point Lenana summit.
- Judmaier Camp (Sirimon): Simple, good for acclimatization.
2. Luxury Lodges, Classic Hotels & Boutique Retreats
World-class comfort, fine dining, and unbeatable views—great for post-climb relaxation or a romantic escape.
- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club (Nanyuki): Historic, glamorous, sprawling grounds, luxury suites and cottages, pool, golf, horseback, Mt Kenya views.
- Serena Mountain Lodge (Montane Forest, KWS Gate): On stilts, overlooking a wildlife waterhole, luxury rooms, guided walks, night game viewing.
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp (Ol Pejeta): Tented luxury, big five safaris, views of Mt Kenya, all-inclusive, swimming pool.
- Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages (Ol Pejeta): Exclusive, family-friendly, private chef, access to conservancy activities.
- Maiyan Villas (Nanyuki): Boutique luxury, villas with private plunge pools, panoramic mountain views.
- Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar (Nanyuki): Modern, relaxed, gourmet food, perfect for families and couples.
- Mawingo Mountain Lodge (Timau): Secluded, elegant, mountain scenery, personalized service.
- Elewana Lewa Safari Camp (Lewa Conservancy): Luxury tents, infinity pool, conservation focus, outstanding wildlife.
3. Mid-Range Hotels, Cottages & Forest Lodges
Comfort, character, and value—best for families, groups, or independent explorers.
- Mountain Rock Lodge (Nanyuki): Traditional lodge, warm fires, good for Sirimon treks, guides on-site.
- Naro Moru River Lodge (Naro Moru): Classic climber’s base, riverside chalets, hostel dorms, guides, pool, gardens.
- Bantu Mountain Lodge (Timau): Family-friendly, pool, spacious grounds, access to forest activities.
- Rutundu Log Cabins (Lake Rutundu): Rustic, self-catered log cabins, famous for fishing and seclusion.
- Timau River Lodge (Timau): Simple rooms, campsite, climber-friendly, hot showers.
- Beisa Hotel (Nanyuki): Modern, affordable, good base for day trips.
- Penguin House (Nanyuki): Simple, reliable, social traveler vibe.
- Batian’s View (Naro Moru): Small lodge, organic gardens, outdoor activities, great for schools/families.
4. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Retreats
Low-impact, immersive, and often community-owned—perfect for nature lovers and green travelers.
- Castle Forest Lodge (Mt Kenya Forest): Old colonial hunting lodge, deep forest setting, birdwatching, trout fishing, eco-ethos.
- The Kongoni Camp (Nanyuki): Garden cottages, eco-practices, organic food.
- Ngari Hill EcoLodge (Nanyuki): Sustainable design, panoramic views, supports local communities.
- Rutundu Log Cabins: Off-grid, minimal impact, built from local materials.
- Sirimon Bandas (KWS): Eco-design, basic, used for acclimatization.
- Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge (Lewa North): Maasai community-owned, award-winning, infinity pool, wildlife.
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp: Conservation camp, family-run, eco-initiatives.
5. Budget Guesthouses, Hostels & Camping
Affordable, safe, and friendly—great for backpackers, solo travelers, and overlanders.
- Naro Moru River Lodge Hostel: Dorms, hot showers, communal kitchen, social.
- Timau River Lodge Camping: Campsite and simple bandas, climbers’ base.
- Backpackers Paradise Nanyuki: Dorms, communal kitchen, affordable rooms.
- Beisa Hotel: Budget rooms, basic amenities.
- Batian’s View: Campsite, dorms, communal meals.
- Nanyuki Ibis Hotel: Basic, clean, close to town center.
- Penguin House: Budget private and dorm rooms.
- Bantu Mountain Lodge Camping: Campsite, secure, group facilities.
- Sirimon Gate Campsite: KWS, basic but secure, for trekkers.
6. Self-Catering Cottages, Villas & Private Homes
Great for longer stays, independence, and families/groups who want their own space.
- Rutundu Log Cabins: Full kitchen, bring supplies, total privacy.
- Mawingu Mountain Lodge: Self-cater villas, chef on request.
- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Cottages: Full kitchens, ideal for families.
- Maiyan Villas: Private kitchens, modern, beautiful design.
- Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages: Fully equipped, private chef available.
- Penguin House: Self-catering, communal kitchen.
- Mountain Rock Lodge Cottages: Fireplace, self-cater on request.
7. Unique & Special Interest Stays
For something truly memorable or out-of-the-box.
- Rutundu Log Cabins: Featured in Prince William’s proposal, remote and romantic.
- Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge: Infinity pool, wildlife viewing from your veranda, Maasai hospitality.
- Serena Mountain Lodge: Night wildlife viewing from your room or observation deck.
- Castle Forest Lodge: Waterfalls, horseback, forest hiking.
Mt Kenya Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Eco/Ethical | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club | Nanyuki | Luxury Hotel/Lodge | $300–$600 | Historic, luxury, pool, golf, views | Yes | Some | 2000m |
| Serena Mountain Lodge | Forest | Luxury Tree Lodge | $250–$450 | Waterhole, stilts, guided walks | Yes | Yes | 2100m |
| Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Ol Pejeta | Luxury Tented Camp | $250–$500 | Big Five, all-inclusive, pool | Yes | Some | 1900m |
| Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages | Ol Pejeta | Private Cottages | $200–$400 | Exclusive, chef, wildlife | Yes | Yes | 1900m |
| Maiyan Villas | Nanyuki | Villas/Boutique | $180–$350 | Modern, private pools, views | Yes | Some | 2000m |
| Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar | Nanyuki | Boutique Hotel | $120–$200 | Modern, gourmet, family rooms | Yes | No | 1950m |
| Mountain Rock Lodge | Sirimon Road | Mid-Range Lodge | $80–$140 | Climber’s base, guides, fires | Yes | Some | 2000m |
| Naro Moru River Lodge | Naro Moru | Mid-Range Lodge | $90–$160 | Hostel, chalets, pool, guides | Yes | Some | 1950m |
| Castle Forest Lodge | Forest (S Gate) | Eco-Lodge | $70–$130 | Waterfalls, birding, horses | Yes | Yes | 2000m |
| Rutundu Log Cabins | Lake Rutundu | Self-Catering Lodge | $100–$200 | Remote, rustic, fishing, hiking | Yes | Yes | 3100m |
| Timau River Lodge | Timau | Budget/Camping | $20–$60 | Campsite, hot showers, meals | Yes | Some | 2100m |
| Backpackers Paradise Nanyuki | Nanyuki | Hostel/Budget | $10–$30 | Dorms, kitchen, central | Yes | No | 1900m |
| Old Moses Camp | Sirimon Route | Trekking Hut | $30–$60 | Bunks, basic kitchen, climbers | Groups | Yes | 3300m |
| Shipton’s Camp | Sirimon Route | Trekking Hut | $40–$70 | Bunks, climber base, cold! | Groups | Yes | 4200m |
| Meru Mt Kenya Bandas | Chogoria Gate | Bandas/Cottages | $40–$100 | Hot showers, meals, fire | Yes | Yes | 3000m |
*pppn = per person per night. Rates are estimates and vary by season, group size, and booking type.