DAY 1 — CHOGORIA GATE TO MERU BANDAS | 3,000M
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 km
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Depart Nairobi early in the morning and travel to Chogoria, where you will meet your guide and porters. From Chogoria town, continue by vehicle into the forest before beginning your trek from Bairunyi.
The trail winds through beautiful montane forest towards Meru Bandas, where you will spend the night. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including buffalo, antelope, buck and monkeys, particularly in the early morning and evening.
Your comfortable bandas provide beds with clean sheets, blankets and towels.
Overnight: Meru Bandas
DAY 2 — MERU BANDAS TO MUGI HILLS | 3,000M–3,500M
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 15 km
- Habitat: Marsh & Moorland
Today is focused on acclimatisation as you trek towards Mugi Hills and Lake Ellis. The route takes you through changing landscapes of marsh and moorland, with some steep sections along the way.
The volcanic Mugi Hills were formed by ancient volcanic activity and offer spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to your campsite at approximately 3,500m.
Overnight: Camp at Mugi Hills
DAY 3 — MUGI HILLS TO MINTO’S TARN | 3,500M–4,300M
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Habitat: Moorland
After an early breakfast, continue your ascent towards Minto’s Tarn, situated at approximately 4,300m.
The trail climbs through spectacular alpine moorland, with increasingly dramatic mountain scenery as you gain altitude. By afternoon, arrive at Minto’s Tarn, a striking deep-blue alpine lake surrounded by giant groundsel and lobelia, with Mount Kenya’s rugged peaks and pinnacles forming the backdrop.
Settle into camp and rest in preparation for the early summit attempt the following morning.
Overnight: Camp at Minto’s Tarn
DAY 4 — MINTO’S TARN TO POINT LENANA & MET STATION | 4,300M–4,895M–3,300M
- Hiking time: 5–7 hours
- Distance: Approximately 13 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert & Moorland
An early 2:00 am start begins your summit attempt. Trek for approximately 3–4 hours towards Point Lenana, Mount Kenya’s highest trekking summit at 4,895m, arriving in time to experience sunrise over the surrounding peaks and valleys.
After celebrating your summit achievement, descend to Mackinder’s Camp for breakfast and time to rest or explore the surrounding area.
Continue your descent through the mountain landscape towards Met Station, where dinner and your overnight stay await.
Overnight: Met Station
DAY 5 — MET STATION TO NAROMORU GATE | 3,300M
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: Approximately 9 km
- Habitat: Moorland & Montane Forest
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the moorland and montane forest towards the Naro Moru Gate.
Meet your driver and transfer back to Nairobi, bringing your Mount Kenya adventure to an end.
END OF SERVICES
No technical climbing experience is required, but good cardiovascular fitness and preparation for sustained uphill trekking are recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is intended as a guideline. The route and timings may be adjusted due to weather conditions, transport issues, mountain conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility is therefore essential.
