4-Day Itinerary for Mt. Kenya Climbing: Naro Moru Route
Day 1: Nairobi to Chogoria Town and Chogoria Gate*Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Chogoria Town (4-5 hours).
*Transfer to 4x4 vehicles for a rugged ride to Chogoria Gate (32 km drive).
*Arrive at the gate (2,950 meters) and have lunch.
*Short acclimatization hike near the forest before settling at Chogoria Gate for the night.
*Elevation: 2,950 meters.
*Accommodation: Camping at Chogoria Gate.
*Meals Included: Dinner.
Day 2: Chogoria Gate to Lake Ellis
*Begin your trek after breakfast from Chogoria Gate to Lake Ellis, with a gradual ascent.
*Hike through bamboo forests, giant heathers, and moorland, enjoying scenic views.
*Arrive at Lake Ellis (3,600 meters) by early afternoon and set up camp.
Optional acclimatization hike around the lake.
*Elevation: 2,950 meters to 3,600 meters.
*Distance: Approximately 10 km (4-5 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping at Lake Ellis.
*Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Lake Ellis to Mintos Hut via Lake Michaelson
*Early morning departure from Lake Ellis toward Mintos Hut (4,200 meters).
*Hike past the stunning Lake Michaelson, set in a steep rocky gorge.
*Lunch at Lake Michaelson before continuing to Mintos Hut, arriving by late afternoon.
*Elevation: 3,600 meters to 4,200 meters.
*Distance: Approximately 12 km (6-7 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping at Mintos Hut.
*Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Summit Point Lenana and Descent to Mackinder’s Camp
*Pre-dawn start for the summit attempt to Point Lenana (4,985 meters) to catch the sunrise.
*Enjoy panoramic views from the summit.
*Begin your descent to Mackinder’s Camp (4,300 meters) via the Naro Moru route.
*Relax and enjoy a hot meal at Mackinder’s Camp.
*Elevation: 4,200 meters to 4,985 meters (summit) and descent to 4,300 meters.
*Distance: Approximately 11 km (7-8 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping at Mackinder’s Camp.
*Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.
Day 5: Mackinder’s Camp to Met Station, then Drive to Nairobi
*After breakfast, continue descending through the Naro Moru route to the Met Station (3,050 meters).
*From Met Station, transfer to Naro Moru Gate and drive back to Nairobi.
*Arrival in Nairobi by late afternoon or early evening.
*Elevation: 4,300 meters to 3,050 meters.
*Distance: Approximately 9 km (4-5 hours).
*Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
Inclusions
*Private transportation from Nairobi to Chogoria and back from Naro Moru.
*Park entrance fees for Mount Kenya National Park (KWS fees).
*Camping fees at designated sites (Chogoria Gate, Lake Ellis, Mintos Hut, Mackinder’s Camp).
*4x4 vehicle transfer from Chogoria Town to Chogoria Gate.
*Experienced mountain guide, porters, and a cook.
*All meals during the hike (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
*Drinking water during the trek.
*Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats).
*Rescue fees for emergency evacuation if needed.
Exclusions
*Personal hiking gear (boots, trekking poles, warm clothing).
*Personal insurance (travel or medical evacuation coverage).
*Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended $10-15 per day).
*Snacks and drinks outside of the provided meals.
*Additional accommodation outside of the itinerary (e.g., hotel stays in Nairobi).
6. 4-Day Itinerary for Mt. Kenya Climbing: Naro Moru Route
Total Cost Estimate:US$ 300
Day 1: Nairobi to Naro Moru Gate, Hike to Met Station
*Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to Naro Moru (about 3-4 hours).
*Arrive at Naro Moru Gate (2,400 meters) for park registration.
*Start the hike through the dense rainforest along the Naro Moru route towards Met Station (3,050 meters).
*The hike is through bamboo and heather zones, with moderate elevation gain.
*Arrive at Met Station by mid-afternoon, where you'll camp or stay in huts.
*Elevation: 2,400 meters to 3,050 meters.
*Distance: 10 km (3-4 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping or huts at Met Station.
Day 2: Met Station to Mackinder’s Camp
*After breakfast, begin the hike towards Mackinder’s Camp (4,200 meters).
*Pass through the Teleki Valley, crossing the famous "Vertical Bog," a wet and marshy area.
*Continue to gain altitude as you trek through moorland with incredible views of the peaks.
*Arrive at Mackinder’s Camp in the afternoon for acclimatization and rest.
*Elevation: 3,050 meters to 4,200 meters.
*Distance: 12 km (5-7 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping at Mackinder’s Camp.
Day 3: Summit Point Lenana and Descent to Met Station
*Start the summit hike pre-dawn to reach Point Lenana (4,985 meters) by sunrise.
*Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Kenyan landscape.
*After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast.
*After some rest, continue descending back to Met Station.
*Elevation: 4,200 meters to 4,985 meters (summit) and descent to 3,050 meters.
*Distance: 18 km (8-10 hours).
*Accommodation: Camping or huts at Met Station.
Day 4: Met Station to Naro Moru Gate, Drive to Nairobi
*After breakfast, continue descending through the forest trail to Naro Moru Gate.
*Arrive at the gate for park formalities and transfer back to Nairobi.
*Arrive in Nairobi by late afternoon.
*Elevation: 3,050 meters to 2,400 meters.
*Distance: 10 km (2-3 hours).
Cost Inclusions
*Transport to and from Nairobi (private transport to Naro Moru Gate and back).
*Park entrance fees (Kenya Wildlife Service fees for Mount Kenya National Park).
*Camping fees at designated campsites (Met Station and Mackinder’s Camp).
*Mountain hut fees (Met Station or Mackinder’s Camp, if used).
*Professional mountain guide, porters, and a cook.
*All meals during the hike (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
*Drinking water.
*Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats).
*Rescue fees in case of emergency evacuation.
Cost Exclusions
*Personal hiking gear (e.g., boots, trekking poles, warm clothing).
*Personal insurance (travel insurance or medical evacuation cover).
*Gratuities/tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
*Snacks and drinks outside of the provided meals.
*Accommodation before or after the climb (e.g., hotel in Nairobi).
*Any extra accommodation not mentioned in the itinerary.