The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) has announced the 4th annual “Trek for the Bongo”, a four-day hiking expedition set to take place from 16th to 19th September 2025. The trek will lead participants to Lenana Peak on Mt. Kenya, with the aim of raising awareness and mobilizing funds to protect the Mountain Bongo, one of Kenya’s most endangered antelope species.
With fewer than 100 Mountain Bongos remaining in the wild, the species faces an urgent risk of extinction. Themed “Save the Mountain Bongo,” this year’s event combines the thrill of high-altitude adventure with a powerful conservation mission.
This year, 24 passionate hikers will embark on the challenging climb to the Lenana Peak summit in a bold effort to draw attention to the plight of the Mountain Bongo. Native to the forests of Mt. Kenya, the species plays a vital role in the ecosystem but faces threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
Speaking ahead of the trek, Dr. Robert Aruho, Head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“Trekking to the summit is a powerful statement of how a small group of determined people can help turn the tide against extinction. The hike brings together communities, companies, and conservationists under one goal—showing that by collaborating with local communities and partners, we can accelerate restoration efforts for endangered species.”
The Trek for the Bongo is part of MKWC’s broader mission to inspire future generations to value nature and biodiversity. Beyond fundraising, the initiative focuses on:
- Conservation education – Equipping local communities and schools with knowledge on wildlife protection.
- Habitat restoration – Rehabilitating degraded forest areas to ensure a sustainable home for wildlife.
- Care for orphaned animals – Supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts for vulnerable species.
In 2022, MKWC achieved a major conservation milestone by establishing the world’s first Mountain Bongo sanctuary—the 776-acre Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary, located on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. This sanctuary, developed in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), provides a safe habitat for the breeding and rewilding of Mountain Bongos.
Now in its fourth edition, the Trek for the Bongo has evolved into a powerful platform for uniting communities, conservationists, and corporate partners under a common cause. Each step taken towards the summit represents a collective effort to restore balance to Kenya’s mountain ecosystems and protect biodiversity.
“Saving the Mountain Bongo is not just about conserving one species,” Dr. Aruho added. “It’s about protecting Kenya’s natural heritage and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving forests and wildlife.”
Sponsors Driving Conservation Efforts
The 2025 trek has received significant backing from corporate sponsors and conservation partners, including:
- CFAO
- I&M Foundation
- Bank One
- Solai Conservancy
- Janus Continental Group (JCG)
- Kenya Pipeline Company Foundation
- Dalbit
- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
All funds raised from the event will directly support MKWC’s Mountain Bongo breeding and rewilding program as well as habitat restoration projects.
The Mountain Bongo is more than an endangered species—it is an icon of Kenya’s wilderness and a symbol of ecological balance within the Mt. Kenya forests. Through collaborative initiatives like the Trek for the Bongo, MKWC is not only working to prevent extinction but also inspiring environmental stewardship among Kenyans and global conservationists alike.
With each edition, the event continues to gain momentum, proving that when communities, corporations, and conservationists unite, real change is possible.
