5 Days trekking on Mount Kenya via the CHOGORIA – NAROMORU routes

The Chogoria and Naromoru routes are two popular trekking routes on Mount Kenya, each offering a unique and rewarding experience for hikers looking to summit the peaks of this iconic mountain.

Scenery: The Chogoria Route is known for its stunning and diverse scenery, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic landscapes. Trekkers on this route are treated to breathtaking views of the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson.

Accessibility: The Naromoru Route is known for being the fastest route to Point Lenana, making it a popular choice for trekkers looking for a quick ascent. It starts from the town of Naromoru and offers a relatively direct path to the summit.

Overall, both the Chogoria and Naromoru routes offer unique experiences and challenges for trekkers seeking to summit Mount Kenya. The choice between the two routes often depends on factors such as preferred scenery, level of difficulty, and time constraints.

CHOGORIA – NAROMORU TREK
Detailed Itinerary for Climbing Mount Kenya via the Chogoria Naromoru Routes in 5 Days
Day 1; Nairobi -Mt Kenya Bandas.

Depart from Nairobi early 0800hrs and be driven towards Mt. Kenya region which is rich in agricultural products up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Camp; Mt. Kenya Bandas 2,900m/ 9,500 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 3 hours.
Distance; 10 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 300m.

Day 2. Mt Kenya Bandas – Lake Ellis Campsite.

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it’s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more “touristy” areas.

Camp; Lake Ellis 3,600m/ 11,880 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 5 hours.
Distance; 7 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 700m.

Day 3: Lake Ellis- Minto`s Camp.

Similar early start.  Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m.  Breathe taking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands.

Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest.

Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10 minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort.  This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look as if they are praying.

Camp; Minto’s camp 4,200m/ 13,860 ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 5- 6 hours.
Distance; 8 km.
Rating; Medium.
Altitude gained; 600m.

Day 4: Minto`s – Pt. Lenana – Met. Station.

Pre-dawn start at 0300hrs from the Mintos camp and attempt the 3rd highest peak – Pt. Lenana, 4,985m to be on the top of the summit by sunrise for good view of the main peaks and mountain environs. On a clear day you can be able to see Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro- a few minutes for celebration and photos. Then descend down on the Westside of the mountain through the Austrian hut, proceed down to Mackinder hut for breakfast and rest. Afternoon hike for 05 hours through the moorland to Met. Station camp for dinner and overnight.

Summit day.

Peak Summited; Point Lenana, 4985m/ 16355ft
Camp; Met. Station- 3,080m/ 10,000ft.
Accommodation facility; High altitude tents- camping.
Trekking time; 14 hours (With breaks).
Distance; 18 km.
Rating; High.
Altitude gained; 785m.

Day 5: Met.Station – Naromoru parkgate- Nairobi.

After breakfast begin a 3 hours nice walk through the forest to Naromoru parkgate where you find vehicle waiting to transfer back to Nairobi or your next destination.

Camp; Naromoru – 1,970m/ 6,500ft.
Trekking time; 3 hours.
Distance; 9 km.
Rating; Medium.

END.