Strenuous trek
Trek to Point Lenana; Batian is rock climbing (IV+)
Long days, altitude, maybe scrambling — still non-technical.
4–6 days
Fee / registration
National park entry fees; guides optional but commonly used.
Nanyuki
Crowds: low · most parties climb guided
Dry seasons are January–February and August–September. Equatorial position means conditions swing daily rather than seasonally — clear mornings, afternoon cloud.
Most parties climb Point Lenana (4,985 m), the trekking summit, via the Sirimon or Chogoria routes — the latter is one of Africa's most beautiful approaches, past tarns and the Temple cliffs. The true summit, Batian (5,199 m), is a serious multi-pitch rock climb and a different undertaking entirely. Expect far fewer people than Kilimanjaro and more wildlife on the approach.
North Africa's highest peak — a satisfying two-day climb from a Berber village an hour from Marrakech.
Africa's roof — the world's tallest freestanding mountain, reachable on foot with no technical climbing.
The 'Sleeping Woman' of the Aztecs — a 5,200 m ridge walk and Mexico's classic acclimatisation peak.