3-Day Mount Kenya Climb via Naro Moru Route 

The Naro Moru Route is the fastest and most direct path to Point Lenana (4,985m) on Mount Kenya, making it ideal for trekkers with limited time. This 3-day itinerary takes you through lush rain forests, the challenging Vertical Bog, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. The route offers a thrilling adventure with rapid altitude gain, best suited for physically fit hikers with prior high-altitude experience.

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Detailed Itinerary For 3 Days Mount Kenya Climbing Via Naro Moru Route

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Drive to Naro Moru – Trek to Met Station (3,050m)

  • Drive time: 3–4 hours (Nairobi to Naro Moru)
  • Trek distance: 10km
  • Hiking time: 3–4 hours
  • Elevation gain: 650m

Your journey begins with a morning arrival in Nairobi, where your guide will greet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). After a short briefing, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Naro Moru town, a gateway to Mount Kenya. The drive offers glimpses of rural Kenya, passing rolling hills and small villages along the way.

Upon arrival at Mount Kenya National Park Gate (2,400m), you’ll complete the entry formalities before starting the trek. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a dense rainforest, where you may spot colobus monkeys, elephants, and exotic bird species. The path gradually rises to Met Station Hut (3,050m), where you’ll settle in for the night.

Accommodation:

🏕 Met Station Hut (basic mountain hut with dormitory beds and shared facilities).
🍽 Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 2: Met Station (3,050m) – Mackinder’s Camp (4,200m)

  • Trek distance: 12km
  • Hiking time: 5–6 hours
  • Elevation gain: 1,150m

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the trek towards Mackinder’s Camp, passing through the infamous Vertical Bog—a stretch of uneven, often muddy terrain that requires careful navigation. As you ascend, the lush rainforest transitions into heath and moorland, with towering giant lobelias and groundsels dominating the landscape.

The air gets thinner as you approach Teleki Valley, offering the first clear views of Batian and Nelion peaks. You’ll continue on a gradual ascent to Mackinder’s Camp (4,200m), nestled in a rugged alpine zone with spectacular mountain scenery. After arriving, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the early morning summit push.

Accommodation:

🏕 Mackinder’s Camp (mountain hut with bunk beds, no showers, shared toilet facilities).
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 3: Summit Attempt – Mackinder’s Camp to Point Lenana (4,985m) – Descend to Naro Moru Gate – Transfer to Nairobi

  • Summit trek distance: 8km (ascent) + 20km (descent)
  • Hiking time: 10–12 hours
  • Elevation gain: 785m (ascent), then descend 2,585m

Your summit attempt begins before dawn (around 2:30 AM), with a steep, rocky ascent towards Point Lenana (4,985m). The pre-dawn climb allows you to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the summit, casting golden hues over Mount Kilimanjaro (on a clear day) and the surrounding landscapes.

After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll begin the descent back to Mackinder’s Camp for a quick breakfast, then continue the long trek down to Met Station and finally to Naro Moru Gate (1,980m). Upon exiting the park, you’ll be awarded a certificate of achievement before driving back to Nairobi, where you can catch an evening flight or check into a hotel.

Accommodation:

🏨 No overnight stay (end of tour).
🍽 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

Optional Add-ons

  • Stay Overnight in Nairobi: Explore the city’s attractions like the Giraffe Center or David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
  • Safari Extension: Extend your adventure with a wildlife safari to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Samburu.
  • Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Fly to Zanzibar for relaxation on pristine white-sand beaches.

What to Pack for the Trek

  • Clothing: Warm layers, down jacket, waterproof jacket, thermal base layers, gloves, beanie.
  • Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots with good grip.
  • Equipment: Headlamp, trekking poles, sleeping bag (if needed).
  • Personal items: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, high-energy snacks, and a refillable water bottle.

 

Why Choose the Naro Moru Route?

✔ Fastest and most direct route to the summit.
✔ Ideal for experienced climbers with limited time.
✔ Beautiful scenery, including Teleki Valley and moorlands.
✔ Less crowded than other routes.