Most climbers come to East Africa to climb one peak. Choosing between Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya is the first big decision.
**Mount Kenya (5,199 m / 17,057 ft)**
- Difficulty: technical (Point Lenana is non-technical; Batian and Nelion are rock climbs)
- Most popular route: Sirimon-Chogoria traverse (5 days)
- Cost: USD $850 per person (Blue Mountain package, all-inclusive)
- Crowds: low — typically fewer than 50 trekkers on the mountain at any time
- Scenery: dramatic — alpine moorland, giant lobelias, glaciers (retreating), tarns
- Best for: trekkers who want a quieter, more scenic, more "mountain-feeling" experience
- Summit: Point Lenana (4,985 m) — the third-highest peak, accessible without ropes
**Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)**
- Difficulty: non-technical (a strenuous walk), but the altitude is the challenge
- Most popular route: Machame (6-7 days); Marangu is the hut route (5-6 days)
- Cost: USD $1,400-2,000 per person depending on route and length
- Crowds: high — Kili sees 50,000+ trekkers per year
- Scenery: less dramatic than Mount Kenya, but bigger altitude gain (you walk through 5 climate zones)
- Best for: trekkers chasing the "7 Summits" list, or those who want the highest point in Africa
- Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa
**Our honest recommendation**
- First-time high-altitude trekker? **Mount Kenya**. Quieter, prettier, better acclimatisation profile, and less crowded.
- Summit collector or "7 Summits" aspirant? **Kilimanjaro**. It's the highest peak in Africa.
- On a tight budget? **Mount Kenya** ($850 vs $1,400+).
- Have only 5 days? **Mount Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria** fits in 5 days. Kilimanjaro needs 6-8 days minimum.
- Want luxury? **Kilimanjaro** has better-supported luxury routes. Mount Kenya is rougher.
**Can you do both?**
Yes — and we recommend it. Our 14-day "Two Peaks" package takes you up both. Contact us for a custom quote.