Overview
Mt Kenya is Africas second highest mountain at 5,1999m. The main peaks rise from around 4,500m to the summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and Point Lenana 4,985m. Other summits on the mountain are Point Piggot,4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Point Lenana is accessible by trekkers while Batian and Nelion are accessed via technical climbing. Mt. Kenya is approximately 200km North of Nairobi you can easily access the Nearest towns by road: Narumoru for Narumoru route, Nanyuki for Sirimon route and Chogoria town for Chogoria route. Mount Kenya is home to fascinating high altitude alpine vegetation including giant groundsels and lobelias. In lower altitude montane forest, hikers may come across wildlife such as elephants, buffalo although these animals are mostly active during the night. Therea are three main routes: Narumoru route (fastest route to Point Lenana) , Chogoria route - most scenic route, and Sirimon route - gradual ascent route ie best for acclimatization.
Routes
4 days - Sirimon Chogoria
Overview
This route ascends Mt. Kenya through mostly alpine covered route with beautiful views of valleys , rivers and descends via the breathtaking Gorges Valley, Lakes such as Michaelson and Ellis to the lush bamboo and highland forest. .Itinerary
Day 1: NRB -SIRIMON GATE -OLDMOSES CAMP 3-4HRS, 9KM 680M ACSENTFrom Nairobi cross the equator and have lunch at Nanyuki town. Arrive at the Sirimon Gate (2,600m). Trek/drive through the mountain forest, bamboo and giant heather zone for 3-4(trekking) hours up to the Old Moses Hut(3300m) where you will spend the nightDay 2 - OLD MOSES TO SHIPTON CAMP 7hrs , 14kmAfter breakfast head for Shiptons Camp via the the moorland and the alpine Vegatation. Cross the rivers Ontulili and Liki North before reaching Mackinders valley. From this point to get spectacular views upto the destination camp, Shiptons Camp.(4200m)Day 3 - SHIPTONS TO POINT LENANA THEN BANDASKick off early before sunrise and reach Point Lenana for Sunrise View and a view of Kilimanjaro on the horizon. Descend to Mintos hut for breakfast and short rest. Head to bandas along the beautiful Gorges Valley. Stay overnight at the Bandas. Where you'll enjoy fires, hot showers and bed.
A view of gorges valley from Chogoria routeDay 5 - Bandas to ChogoriaAfter breakfast head for Chogoria town via the thick bamboo and dense rainforest
4 Days Sirimon Route
Overview
Sirimon Route is a drier route on the North Western part of Mt Kenya. The route has a more gradual and gentler ascent with only a few challenging parts before reaching Summit Camp compared to other routes such as Narumoru Route. The route is mainly dominated by the afro-alpine flora - which includes Groundsels and Lobelias which are huge tree- like plants from the sunflower familyItinerary
Day 1: NRB -SIRIMON GATE -OLDMOSES CAMP 3-4HRS, 9KM 680M ACSENTFrom Nairobi cross the equator and have lunch at Nanyuki town. Arrive at the Sirimon Gate (2,600m). Trek/drive through the mountain forest, bamboo and giant heather zone for 3-4(trekking) hours up to the Old Moses Hut(3300m) where you will spend the nightDay 2 - OLD MOSES TO SHIPTON CAMP 7hrs , 14kmAfter breakfast head for Shiptons Camp via the the moorland and the alpine Vegatation. Cross the rivers Ontulili and Liki North before reaching Mackinders valley. From this point to get spectacular views upto the destination camp, Shiptons Camp.(4200m)Day 3 - SHIPTONS TO POINT LENANA AND ASCENT TO OLD MOSES - 11 HoursCommence your day in the early hours, well before dawn. Traverse the rocky path leading to Point Lenana (4,985 meters) to relish the sunrise view, then descend to Shiptons Camp. Enjoy breakfast at Shiptons Camp before a gradual descent back to Old Moses Hut. Spend the night at Old Moses.Day 4 - FINAL DAYAfter breakfast trek back to Sirimon Gate and back to Nairobi.
2 Nights 3 Days Naromoru Route
Overview
The Narumoro Route on Mount Kenya stands out from other routes due to its distinct for its steep and challenging terrain, often referred to as the 'Vertical Bog' due to its marshy steep ascents and descents. This route offers a diverse range of ecosystems, from dense bamboo forests to open moorland. Trekkers experience rapid changes in scenery and vegetation. Additionally, the Narumoro Route is known for its wildlife encounters, including buffalo and elephants. Its eastern location provides a different perspective of the mountain, and the trek can be more secluded than some of the more popular routes. However, its challenging nature demands a good level of fitness.Itinerary
Day 1 : Nairobi -Met station (3,040mts)Start your journey from Nairobi, embarking on a 3-hour drive to the Naru moru park gate. Take a break for a delightful picnic lunch at the gate. Embark on a trek through the thick montane forest, bamboo, and the impressive heather zone,and finally arrive at Met Station (3,040 meters) in approximately 3-4 hours. In the afternoon, take a brief hike to aid in acclimatization.Day 2 Met Station – Mackinders Camp (4,300mts)After breakfast, embark on a 6-7-hour hike to Mackinders Camp. As you progress, you'll transition from the forest's edge to traverse the marshy vertical bog of the lower moorlands. Enjoy a gradual ascent through captivating vegetation, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Pause for a picnic lunch en route before continuing to the breathtaking Teleki valley adorned with Lobelias. Arrive at Mackinders Camp (4,300 meters) late in the afternoon, where you will spend the night.
Marshy moorland vegetation in Narumoru routeDay 3 Ascend point LenenaEmbark on an early pre-dawn start at 3 am for your summit attempt. Ascend challenging steep screes and a rugged, rocky track to reach the summit, Pt Lenana (4,985 meters), just in time for a mesmerizing sunrise and panoramic views of the majestic scenery. On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro to the south. Following the sunrise, descend to Mackinders Camp for a hearty breakfast and later make your way down through the moorland and bamboo forest to the gate for your pickup.
6 Days Chogoria Route - Narumoru Route
Overview
This is a 6 day hiking expedition via the the most interesting and scenic routes in Mt. Kenya. Starts on the Eastern side of the mountain via the mountain forest, bamboo forest, the moorland to the rugged glacier clad summit. Hiker descend the mountain via Narumoru Route. Some of the attractions on this route include Nithi Falls, Lake Ellis, Nithi River, Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson and the hall tarnsItinerary
Day 1: NRB - CHOGORIA TOWN 3-4HRSPick up from Nairobi, head North to Chogoria Town on the eastern side of Mt. Kenya. Dinner overnight at Chogoria Town.Day 2 - CHOGORIA TO BANDAS 4hrs , 16kmTake a 4x4WD vehicle to the bamboo forest clearance. From there walk 16km via the forest along the dirt and sometimes muddy road and finally arrive at the Mt Kenya Bandas.
Beautiful landscape view from bandas campDay 3 - BANDAS to ROADHEAD 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascentStart your journey by traversing a path flanked by towering heather and dense forest towards Chogoria Road head. Along the way take a short detour as you descend along a route that crosses a stream originating from Lake Ellis. Afterward, you'll encounter Nithi Falls and embark on a brief uphill climb to reach Road Head Camp, which sits at an elevation of 3300 meters. This part of the trek typically takes about 3-4 hours on foot. Next, continue your hike from Road Head Camp, walking for approximately 1 hour. Follow the trail as it winds through the forest and the imposing giant heather, eventually leading you to the beautiful Lake Ellis. This part of the journey will take you through Mugi Hills, nestled between the stunning Gorges Valley, and up along the Nithi River. Your final destination for the night will be Lake Ellis Camp, nestled at an altitude of 3650 meters.
Lake EllisDay 4 - Lake Ellis to Mintos 4 hrs 12kmKick off your day early and start hiking. Link up with the main Chogoria route and enjoy the spectacular view of the Gorges Valley. Northern moorlands and towards Ithanguni in the afternoon. In the afternoon take a walk to view the 'Temple' which is a 150m vertical cliff overlooking Lake Michaealson.
Lake Michaelson viewDay 5 - Mintos/Point Lenana/Met Station 11hrs 29kmWake up very early for the most rewarding but challenging day. Kick off your day at midnight and arrive at point Lenana at about 6:30am to view the sunrise and celebrate the achievement. Stay briefly at the summit and start descending from the peak via Narumoru route. Descend to Met Station for an overnight at the camp.
Lake Michaelson viewDay 6 - Met Station to Narumoru Gate 3hrs 9kmAfter breakfast descend for approximately 3hours via the forest to Narumoru Gate (2,600m). Leave the main gate for your transfer back to Nairobi.