Nairobi to Mount Kenya in short
The three main entrances to Mount Kenya National Park are Naro Moru Gate, Sirimon Gate and Chogoria Gate. From Nairobi they are 188 km, about 200 km and about 210 km away. These are gate distances, not distances to the town centres.
You can reach the mountain by road or fly to Nanyuki. Many trekkers fit the trip into a longer program, and our page on Mount Kenya treks shows how the transfers work inside a package. Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00, and a certified guide is required for all visitors.
The three gates and their starting towns
Choose the gate first, then the base town.
| Gate | From Nairobi | Base town | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naro Moru Gate | 188 km | Naro Moru | The road is paved up to the Met Station, and parking is possible there |
| Sirimon Gate | About 200 km | Nanyuki | Nanyuki also has a commercial airstrip |
| Chogoria Gate | About 210 km | Chogoria | The 29 km track from Chogoria to the park gate needs a four-wheel drive |
Nyeri lies on the road toward Naro Moru and Nanyuki, and works as a landmark rather than a base. For the town of Nanyuki and what lies around it, see our Nanyuki guide. For Nyeri, see our Nyeri guide. Check road conditions with your operator before you leave, especially for the Chogoria track after the forest fires of September 2026.
Our pick: pickup in Nanyuki
This day hike collects you in Nanyuki and drives you to Sirimon Gate and back, handy if you are already in town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Mount Kenya treks with transfers
Guided treks and day trips that start from Nanyuki, Naro Moru and Chogoria, with live prices and availability.
Flying to Nanyuki
An alternative to the long drive from Nairobi.
| Departure | Arrival | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 from Wilson Airport | 09:30 at Nanyuki | Morning flight |
| 10:20 from Wilson Airport | 11:20 at Nanyuki | Late-morning flight |
| 13:00 from Wilson Airport | 14:35 at Nanyuki | Seasonal connection |
These are 2026 schedule times, not flight durations. Some flights make stops, so the time varies. Flights to Nanyuki leave from Wilson Airport, which is not the international airport Jomo Kenyatta, so do not plan a tight connection between the two. Check the current timetable before you book.
By road and public transport
Matatus reach the towns, but the last stretch is separate.
Matatus
Matatus run to the towns and road junctions near the mountain. The ride from the town to the gate is a separate leg, and nobody guarantees a matatu or bus to the upper trailhead. Confirm times and fares locally.
Private transfer
Some trekking programs include transfers from Nairobi or your base town. Ask what is included before you book.
Mount Kenya tours →Self-drive
The Naro Moru road is paved to the Met Station. The Chogoria track needs a four-wheel drive. Daily vehicle fees apply.
Naro Moru route →Entry basics before you arrive
Paperwork and payment, kept short.
Most visitors need an eTA before they travel to Kenya. In 2026 the standard product costs $30, processing usually takes about 3 working days (72 hours) and can take longer, and some residents and nationalities are exempt. Check the exemption list for your passport. If you arrive from a country with a yellow fever risk, you must show proof of vaccination.
The tariff is $70 per day for adult non-residents in 2026, with lower rates for children and for East African citizens and Kenya residents. Check the current rate before you pay. KWS accepts payment through eCitizen, M-Pesa, Visa and bank transfer, and the system is cashless. See the park fees page for the full table.
Planning your arrival day
Small steps that make the first morning easier.
Arrive the day before
The gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. Staying in a base town the night before lets you start in daylight with a rested group and a packed bag.
Pack for cold and rain
The foot of the mountain has mild days, but the high zone is cold. Bring warm layers, rain protection and a refillable bottle, since single-use plastic water bottles are not allowed in the park.
Mount Kenya weather →Meet your guide
A certified guide is required for all visitors. Agree the meeting point and the gate before you travel, and confirm who handles the park payment.
Where to stay →Nairobi to Mount Kenya: frequently asked questions
How far is Mount Kenya from Nairobi?
The three gates are 188 km (Naro Moru), about 200 km (Sirimon) and about 210 km (Chogoria) from Nairobi. These are distances to the park gates, not to the town centres.
Can I fly to Nanyuki?
Yes. Scheduled flights run from Wilson Airport to Nanyuki in the morning, with a seasonal early-afternoon connection. Some flights make stops. Check the current timetable.
Can I reach the gates by matatu?
Matatus go to towns and junctions near the mountain. The last stretch to the gate is a separate leg, and there is no promise of a bus to the upper trailhead.
Do I need an eTA for Kenya?
Most visitors do. The standard eTA costs $30 and takes about 3 working days, sometimes longer. Some residents and nationalities are exempt, so check the list for your passport.
What are the park gate hours?
Gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00. A certified guide is required for all visitors.
How much is the daily park fee?
The tariff is $70 per day for an adult non-resident in 2026, with lower rates for children, Kenya residents and East African citizens. Payment is cashless, through eCitizen, M-Pesa, Visa or bank transfer. Check the amount at payment.