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NARO MORU ROUTE (4 DAYS)
Approaching from the south, Naro Moru is the quickest way to the base of the mountain and Pt. Lenana. It is also one of the steepest routes and extra care should be taken here to avoid problems with AMS. Walking up towards Mackinders Camp through the Teleki Valley offers superb views of the peaks of Batian and Nelion. A steep section known as the "vertical bog" is crossed around midway to Mackinders Hut and a stopover here is almost compulsory. The Naro Moru route is advised for short trips to the peaks, ideally only for those who are already very well-acclimatised.
Day 1
From Naoribi after breakfast, you meet your transfer for the drive to Naro Moru park gate at 2400m, we recommend that you overnight in Nairobi the night before. Begin with an acclimatisation hike to the Met Station for overnight. (3050m)
Day 2
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing 6 hour hike to McKinder’s camp at 4200m for your overnight. The hike takes you through the infamous "vertical bog" and leads you through a very interesting and scenic stretch. Take it very easy as this is an important day for acclimatisation, especially on the short Naro Moru route.
Day 3
Pre-dawn attempt on Pt. Lenana (4985m). Due to the very limited time allowed for acclimatisation on this option, the stay at Pt. Lenana is normally very short. Descend directly to McKinder’s camp at 4200m for your overnight)
Day 4
Descend via the Naro Moru forest to connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi. Overnight at the base hotel in Nairobi.
SIRIMON - CHOGORIA TRAVERSE (6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS)
From a scenic point of view, the combination of these two routes probably constitutes the best available options on Mt. Kenya. From dense rainforests at the foot of the mountain, the track leads through moorland and alpine desert, affording spectacular views in Mackinders Valley. Elephant and buffalo are regularly seen on the lower slopes and the natural environment is largely unspoilt. The route allows for sufficient acclimatisation and the ascent of Pt. Lenana can be considered quite comfortable for most hikers from an altitude point of view.
Day 1
From Nairobi after breakfast, you meet the transfer for the drive to Nanyuki to pick up your porters. From there, a short drive brings you to the park gate (2600m) at around 13:00 pm, in time for a picnic lunch and checking in. A 3 hour hike through forest, heather and moorland brings you to Old Moses camp (Judmier camp) which will be the first overnight. (3300m)
Day 2
After breakfast, start the 7 hour hike towards Shipton’s camp. The hike takes you through the spectacular McKinder’s valley from where awesome views of the surrounding areas can be enjoyed. Lunch on the way ensures a slow ascent which is very important for good acclimatisation. Overnights at Shipton’s camp (4200m)
Day 3
Another scenic day with the trail leading via Hausberg Col. (4600m) to American camp in the south west. Weather permitting, fantastic views of the summits can be enjoyed from here and you overnight for the last time before going to the summit. (4350m)
Day 4
Rising very early (03:00am), you begin your pre-dawn ascent of Pt. Lenana. Hiking slowly towards Austrian Hut, you take a quick breather at Austrian before continuing to the summit. After spending some time taking in the scenery, descend directly towards Minto’s/Hall Tarn for overnight. (4300m)
Day 5
After breakfast, descend on the Chogoria route to the park gate at Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas. The route leads through heather on the way down and once again affords you some spectacular views of the valleys below. Overnight at the Bandas.
Day 6
After breakfast and depending on conditions, start the hike into the rainforest or connect directly with your transfer back to Nairobi. (Should conditions not allow the vehicle to reach the Bandas, a relatively long hike could be possible to get lower down into the rainforest.) Overnight in base hotel in Nairobi.
SIRIMON (4 DAYS)* Not recommended if you are not already acclimatized
Day 1
From Nairobi after breakfast, you meet the transfer for the drive to Nanyuki to pick up your porters. From there, a short drive brings you to the park gate (2600m) at around 13:00 pm, in time for a picnic lunch and checking in. A 3 hour hike through forest, heather and moorland brings you to Old Moses camp (Judmier camp) which will be the first overnight. (3300m)
Day 2
After breakfast, start the 7 hour hike towards Shipton’s camp. The hike takes you through the spectacular McKinder’s valley from where awesome views of the surrounding areas can be enjoyed. Lunch on the way ensures a slow ascent which is very important for good acclimatisation. Overnights at Shipton’s camp (4200m)
Day 3
Rising very early (03:00am), you begin your pre-dawn ascent of Pt. Lenana. Hiking slowly towards Austrian Hut, you take a quick breather at Austrian before continuing to the summit. After spending some time taking in the scenery, descend directly towards Old Moses camp for overnight.
Day 4
Next morning after breakfast, descent to road head (3 hours) for your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi. Overnight at the base hotel in Nairobi. |
