The Burguret Route Mount Kenya is one of the mountain’s most remote and least-travelled approaches, threading through dense western rainforest in Laikipia County before climbing to the upper moorland and joining the summit circuit at Mackinder’s Camp (4,200 m). This route requires a special permit from Kenya Wildlife Service and a guide with forest navigation experience. It delivers an experience that is genuinely exploratory — most sections see no other trekkers.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Burguret Route begins on the western slopes in Laikipia County and climbs through dense
rainforest before the bamboo zone and upper Hagenia forest give way to the open Afroalpine
moorland. The forest section is long and requires a guide with specific knowledge of this western
approach — trail markings are minimal compared to the main routes.
Wildlife in the forest zone is genuinely abundant. Elephant and buffalo are regularly encountered
in the lower bamboo and Hagenia forest. Black-and-white colobus monkeys and a variety of forest
birds are present throughout the lower sections. The absence of crowds makes wildlife encounters
more likely and more intimate than on the main routes.
Above the forest, the Burguret Route connects with the main summit circuit at Mackinder’s Camp
(4,200 m), from where the summit push follows the same pre-dawn approach to Point Lenana
(4,985 m) as the Naro Moru Route. Descent via Naro Moru or Sirimon gives a complete
cross-mountain traverse.
This route is not serviced by the same hut network as Sirimon or Naro Moru. Trekkers must carry
full camping equipment for at least some nights in the forest. Duration is typically 5–7 days
depending on pace and forest conditions. A special use permit from KWS is required in addition
to standard park entry and climbing permits.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHT
- Richest forest wildlife corridor on the mountain — elephant, buffalo, black-and-white colobus, and forest birds regularly encountered
- Complete solitude on the approach — standard tourist groups do not use this route
- Dense Hagenia and bamboo forest zone is among the most intact montane forest on Mount Kenya's western slopes
- Flexible traverse options — descend via Naro Moru or Sirimon to see two completely different sides of the mountain
- Authentic exploratory feel — trails are less defined, navigation is part of the experience
- Suitable as an ascent route for experienced hikers seeking a cross-mountain traverse from west to east
