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(+254) 742-974-349Climbing Via Burguret Route On Mount Kenya: The Ultimate Guide
Approaching Mount Kenya from the West/Northwest is Burguret Route. It is a much quieter path compared to the busier northern slopes. The trekking trail begins in the forest zone just above the Gathiuru Forest Station, which remains active under the Kenya Forest Service.
Burguret Route is not frequently used and does not have a distinct path which can be followed in the way that other Mount Kenya routes can, neither does it have any huts or facilities. Navigating the lower section past the bamboo forest requires ‘route-finding’ by the guides, making this route the most adventurous of all.
One of the major advantages of this route is its natural “climb high and sleep low” pattern, which is ideal for acclimatization and preparing the body for higher altitude climb.
Mount Kenya Burguret Route Climb Highlights
Trailhead: Burguret entrance, via Nanyuki
Trekking Duration: 6-7 days
Climbing Difficulty: Challenging & less developed
Who Is Burguret Route Best for: Experienced trekkers seeking solitude and wilderness
Trekking Mount Kenya Burguret Route
The trail passes through dense montane forest with high wildlife diversity — sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and giant forest hogs are possible.
Overnight in remote wilderness camps (e.g., Giant Bamboo Camp, Highland Castle Camp).
Connects with Shipton’s Camp near the summit circuit.
Mount Kenya Trekking Guide
Explore the lakes and tarns along the climbing routes
Mount Kenya Burguret Route Considerations
Requires local guides familiar with the route conditions.
Minimal facilities; must be self-sufficient.
Burguret Trekking Route Map
Burguret Route Climbing Itinerary
Attempting the summit via Burguret Route can be done in 7 days hiking. Trekking up Mount Kenya via the Burguret route begins on the west side of the mountain near the Mountain Rock Lodge. The first two days are challenging and spent walking through dense forest full of giant bamboo trees, cedars, podocarpus (yellow wood), and East African rosewood. As you begin to leave the forested zone, you enter the heather and moorland zone, where these unique plant species give way to open landscapes. From there onwards, the trail leads upwards to the point where vegetation ceases, revealing expansive views of the moorland below and the dazzling snow-capped peaks towering above. What this means is that the actual specific route taken will differ from time to time until out into the moorlands and the first normal camping place at Giant Bamboo Camp. For the adventure lovers who wish to go climbing Mount Kenya for the first time, this is the best challenging route to take.