3-Day Mount Kenya Climb via Naro Moru Route: Summit Point Lenana

Start your Mount Kenya adventure with an early breakfast in Nairobi, followed by a 7:30 AM departure. The drive takes you north through the lush Kikuyu farmland, where sprawling coffee and pineapple plantations thrive at the foothills of Mount Kenya. As you ascend, the landscape shifts to rich forested areas, and you’ll soon arrive in the vibrant market town of NaroMoru. This town serves as your gateway to the mountain, marking the entrance to the Mount Kenya National Park.

After a picnic lunch, you’ll begin your trek at the park gate, leaving behind the conifer plantations and small farms. The trail winds upward, passing through dense forest and towering bamboo groves. After a 3 to 4-hour hike, you’ll reach Met Station (3,048 meters), a cozy base camp with comfortable bandas and bunk beds. This will be your first night at high altitude, where you can rest and enjoy dinner in preparation for tomorrow’s journey.

Rise early to begin your ascent from Met Station. The day’s hike takes you through the stunning Teleki Valley, where the terrain shifts dramatically as you cross boggy sections and enter a forest of giant heather. You’ll navigate the NaroMoru stream, stepping over or hopping across the snowmelt. As you climb, you’ll have panoramic views of the towering peaks of Batian and Nelion, which dominate the skyline.

The hike to Mackinder’s Camp (4,100 meters) is a challenging 5 to 6-hour journey, gaining 1,200 meters in elevation. This section of the climb offers breathtaking vistas and gives you a real sense of accomplishment as you approach the camp. Once at Mackinder’s, you’ll be welcomed into a stone hut with bunk beds for a well-deserved rest. Enjoy a hearty meal and take in the spectacular surroundings before resting up for your summit push the next day.

A pre-dawn start is essential for reaching the summit of Point Lenana (4,985 meters) and capturing the stunning sunrise over Mount Kenya. You’ll depart from Mackinder’s Camp around 3 AM, embarking on a challenging trek across rocky terrain and scree slopes. The final push to the summit takes 3 to 4 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—views stretching from the northern reaches of Kenya to the mighty Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (weather permitting).

Once you’ve reached the summit and celebrated your achievement, it’s time to descend. The descent is quicker, and you’ll return to Mackinder’s for a well-earned breakfast. Afterward, you’ll continue down to Met Station, where you’ll meet your driver for the return journey to Nairobi. Arriving in the city in the early evening, you’ll reflect on the incredible experience of summiting Mount Kenya.