Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers. Due to its testing climbs on Batian and Nelion, Mount Kenya has earned itself the unofficial tile, ‘the mountaineer’s mountain in Africa’.
When to climb: Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, the highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October and mid December.
Trip route: Naro Moru – Naro Moru
Difficulty: Moderate to Adventurous
Max Elevation: (4,985m/16,355 ft) at Pt. Lenana
Meal: Full board on trek
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge &Mountain huts
Transportation: Luxury shuttle/ mini van
TRIP OVERVIEW
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188m) & Point Lenana (4,985m). Most trekkers only climb to Point Lenana due to the technical climbing approach required for Nelion & Batian. The mountain was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and receives over 15,000 visitors annually.
Naro Moru is the most popular route although not the most scenic. It is also the fastest route to point Lenana.
Take this classic route up Mount Kenya through the notoriously treacherous vertical bog and into the wide Teleki Valley beneath Tryndall, The Lewis Glacier.
Although Mount Kenya summit can be reached in 4 days as per the below itinerary, we strongly recommend an overnight acclimatization at the base in Nanyuki Town. This can be arranged on request.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY FOR 4 DAYS MT KENYA
NARO MORU ROUTE
Day 01: Nairobi-Naro Moru Parkgate(2,400m/7,874ft) to Met Station (3,000m/9,843ft)
Welcome to Kenya! You will be picked up from your hotel in Nairobi at 7:30 am by one of our representatives and depart for Naro Moru Park Gate via Nanyuki town (2,600m) for registration. This is roughly a 3 hour drive. As we leave from Nairobi, you will see plenty of African villages, herdsmen and fruit & vegetable vendors on the way. Our hike starts from the Naro Moru Park Gate. From the gate, we will keep to the park track, which follows the crest of a broad ridge between the Northern and Southern Naro Moru valleys. The going is easy and it’s a pleasant walk through the rain forest. About two thirds of the way up after the bridge there are good views to the left down into the Northern Naro Moru valley. The trek ends at Met station (3,000m) for Dinner & Overnight stay.
Day 02: Met Station((3,000m/9,843ft) to Mackinder’s camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
After breakfast, you will start your ascent towards the mast of the Met station. After a further 30min, you will reach the end of the forest belt and enter the moorland. This is the vertical bog where conditions range from damp to glutinous depending on when it last rained. You will have a brief stop for lunch at lunch point. From here, you will continue your ascent until the going improves and you reach a fork overlooking Teleki Valley to reach Mackinder’s Camp, 4,200m for dinner and over-night stay. Since you will summit very early the next day, we recommend you get to bed as early as possible to retain the energy.
Day 03: Mackinder's (4200m/13,780ft) to point Lenana(4985m/16355ft)-Met Station(3,000m/9,843ft)
An early start to the day! After a quick cup of tea & biscuits, you start your summit ascent at 2 am in order to reach point Lenana (4985m) by sunrise at 6:30am. Here you will witness the breathtaking views of Nelion, the Lewis glacier and other surrounding peaks at sunrise. After some photos and rejoicing, we descend down to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast, and descend a further 4hrs to Met Station(3,000m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 04: Met Station(3,000m/9,843ft)-Park gate(2,400m/7,874ft) -Nairobi
After breakfast, you will walk down through the rainforest to reach the park gate in 2-3 hours. Here you will be received for a transfer back to Nairobi via Nanyuki.
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Our trek is managed by a team of professionally trained leaders/guides who are responsible for all aspects of operation of the trek. We will make every effort to keep the treks as per the proposed itinerary, however as this is an adventure travel, the itinerary will be subject to external factors. Weather conditions and health conditions of members of the trekking team can be a factor compelling us to change the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to the itinerary, but please be prepared to be flexible when and if it is necessary.
We always recommend you to have one/two additional nights in Nairobi before/after your trek which would ensure you have adequate time even if your trip delays. If everything runs smoothly as per the plan, you can use these days for additional activities like city tours, visit to the national parks, white water rafting etc according to your interest.
East African residents: From KES 28,650*
Non- residents: From USD 605*
*Price is based on a minimum of 8 pax. Rates for smaller groups can be availed on request
Trip Cost Includes:
*Park entrance fees
*Guides and porters
*Hut fees
*All meals on the Mountain on Full board basis
*Luxury shuttle to/ from Nairobi
*On completion, a successful climb certificate.
Trip Cost Excludes:
*Tips to guide & porters
*Mountain Equipment
*Any items of personal nature such as beverages, laundry, phone calls, insurance
*International flights, visas &airport taxes (if applicable
*Travel and rescue insurance (although we can help you find a mountain rescue insurer)
