6 Epic Climbing Spots in Kenya
Kenya is a gem for climbers. We're talking wild cliffs, cheeky baboons, long granite walls, and enough variety to keep both newbies and trad fiends busy for a lifetime. Whether you’re still figuring out how to tie a figure 8 or you’ve already named your cams, these six spots are worth adding to your climbing bucket list.
1. Hell’s Gate National Park
Only two hours from Nairobi, Hell’s Gate is basically a real-life Lion King set with crags. Fischer’s Tower is the star attraction, a 30-meter volcanic spire perfect for bold trad lines and brag-worthy photos. The wildlife (zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and various antelope species like eland and gazelles) is just a bonus. If you enjoy traditional climbing, this is the place for you.
2. Lukenya
Just 45 minutes from the city, Lukenya is a climber’s playground. Cracks, slabs, boulders and even overhangs, it’s all here. Whether you're a weekend warrior or weekday escape artist, this crag has something for you. Be sure to thank the Mountain Club of Kenya, who kindly maintain it and might even join you on a route or two.
3. Ololokwe
This is a massive flat-topped mountain in Samburu that feels like something out of a dream. Getting to the top takes multiple pitches, good gear sense and solid trad skills. It's a bit of a mission but that sunrise view is unbeatable. If you're training endurance at Climb BlueSky, this is where it’ll pay off.
4. Mount Kenya
Big mountain energy. Batian and Nelion, the twin peaks of Mt Kenya, offer world-class alpine routes. You'll need altitude fitness, route planning and mental grit. Start building that foundation indoors. Climb BlueSky has all the tools to help you train for this kind of summit story.
5. Twin Peaks
Tucked near Mai Mahiu, Twin Peaks is lesser known but loaded with long sport and trad climbs. It’s ideal if you’re looking to push your limits without driving for hours. Think of it as the secret sauce of your weekend climbing diet.
6. Bonus: Climb BlueSky (Nairobi)
But before you dash off to the mountains, there’s one place you really should start: Climb BlueSky
Inside Nairobi's BlueSky gym is Kenya’s first and only full indoor climbing space, designed by climbers for climbers. It’s where you figure out your footwork, train your upper body, test your lead head and maybe even crush your fear of heights on a Thursday night (you get to climb till 10:30pm).
And yes, it is the place to bring a new buddy for the half off deal on deal on Tuesdays. Expect music, new routes every week and a welcoming crew of climbers who will cheer you on when you finally finish that route you've been projecting for days.
Climb BlueSky isn’t just a pit stop. It’s a climbing community. It’s where weekend crag plans are made, where strength is built, where stories are shared and where you remember that falling is part of the fun.
Come book a trip with us and get the perks of climbing at BlueSky climbing gym when you get a membership card, punch card or day pass.
