Overview

TRIP OVERVIEW

This route is the fastest for trekkers summit Point Lenana (4985m). It can be ascended in only 4 days and has bunkhouses at each camp so a tent is not necessary. The terrain is usually good, although one section is called the Vertical Bog. The track starts in Naro Moru town and heads past the Park Headquarters up the ridge between the Northern and Southern Naro Moru Rivers. At the roadhead is the Meteorological Station, to which it is possible to drive in the dry season. The route drops down into the Northern Naro Moru Valley to Mackinder’s Camp on the Peak Circuit Path

Distance: 40 km | Difficulty: Demanding | Start/Finish: Nairobi

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek
  • Meal plan as detailed: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodations in camps/huts As outlined in the itinerary
  • All park entrance fees to include government taxes
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide, porters and skilled cook
  • Start and finish Nairobi
  • Treated water on the trek
  • On completion, successful climb Certificate
TOUR COSTING EXCLUDES
  • Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gears
  • International flights, Visas to Kenya and Items of personal nature.

Itinerary

Itinerary details

DAY 1: NAIROBI TO NANYUKI / NARO MORU GATE TO MET STATION

  • Morning (approx. 07:00 – 08:00 AM): Depart from Nairobi and drive north to Nanyuki town (approx. 3-4 hours).
  • Lunch: Have lunch in Nanyuki. Here, you’ll meet your mountain crew (guide, porters, cook) and organize gear.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Naro Moru Park Gate (approx. 2,600m / 8,530ft). After park formalities, begin your trek.
  • Trek: Hike through the montane forest and bamboo zone on a good track (often a vehicle track in the lower sections).
  • Destination: Met Station (Meteorological Station) at 3,050m / 10,007ft. This camp offers comfortable huts.
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 9 km
  • Ascent: Approx. 450m
  • Accommodation: Mountain hut (Met Station)
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 2: MET STATION TO MACKINDER’S CAMP

  • Morning: After breakfast, continue your ascent. The trail becomes steeper as you leave the forest and enter the moorland zone.
  • Challenge: This day features the notorious “Vertical Bog,” a section that can be very muddy and challenging, especially after rain. Be prepared for this!
  • Scenery: Enjoy views of the Teleki Valley, with giant groundsels and lobelia dotting the landscape as you gain altitude.
  • Destination: Mackinder’s Camp at 4,200m / 13,780ft. This camp offers spectacular views of the main peaks of Batian and Nelion.
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 10 km
  • Ascent: Approx. 1,150m
  • Accommodation: Mountain hut (Mackinder’s Camp)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT MACKINDER’S CAMP (OPTIONAL SHORTER SUMMIT ATTEMPT)

  • Purpose: This day is crucial for proper acclimatization. Spending an extra night at high altitude significantly improves your chances of a successful and safer summit.
  • Activities: Take a leisurely day to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push. You can also take a short acclimatization hike to a higher point, such as up towards the Austrian Hut (4,790m) or around the Teleki Valley, and then return to Mackinder’s Camp to “climb high, sleep low.”
  • Accommodation: Mountain hut (Mackinder’s Camp)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 4: MACKINDER’S CAMP TO POINT LENANA (SUMMIT) TO MET STATION

  • Early Start: Begin your summit push very early in the morning (around 02:00 – 03:00 AM) to reach Point Lenana for sunrise.
  • Ascent: The climb involves trekking over rocky terrain and scree slopes, which can be challenging in the dark and cold. The path leads towards the “Forks” and then up a steep gully.
  • Summit: Reach Point Lenana (4,985m / 16,355ft), the trekkers’ summit. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and a spectacular African sunrise if the weather is clear.
  • Descent: Descend back to Mackinder’s Camp for a well-deserved breakfast.
  • Further Descent: Continue descending all the way down to Met Station. This is a long day, but the descent will be easier on tired legs.
  • Hiking Time: 10-12 hours (including summit ascent and descent to Met Station)
  • Distance: Approximately 7 km (summit section) + 10 km (to Met Station) = 17 km
  • Ascent: 785m (to Lenana)
  • Descent: Approx. 1,935m (from Lenana to Met Station)
  • Accommodation: Mountain hut (Met Station)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 5: MET STATION TO NARO MORU GATE TO NAIROBI

  • Morning: After breakfast, enjoy your final descent through the forest and bamboo zone.
  • Destination: Trek back to Naro Moru Park Gate.
  • Transfer: A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Nanyuki town.
  • Lunch: Have lunch in Nanyuki or en route.
  • Return to Nairobi: Continue the drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon.
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 9 km
  • Descent: 450m
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Inclusions/ Exclusions

Included in the Safari Cost

  • Return transfer Nairobi – Nanyuki – Nairobi
  • 2 transfer from Nanyuki
  • 3 meals per day while trekking
  • 5 days Mt. Kenya trek
  • 4 nights accommodation while trekking
  • All government park fees at Mt Kenya National park
  • English Speaking Mountain Guides and Porters
  • Full board accommodation Simba lodge
  • Two Man tent.

Excluded in the Safari Cost

  • Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gears
  • International flights, Visas to Kenya and Items of personal nature.

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