The adventure
A rewarding ascent through Naro Moru followed by a spectacular descent along Chogoria offering the perfect balance of challenge and natural beauty. Get Your Technical Climb Plan 5 Mt Kenya Chogoria route point lenana(4985m) Chogoria route down Narumoro This 5-day, 75 km traverse is the ultimate Mt. Kenya itinerary, taking you up the stunning, gradual Chogoria route (famed for the Gorges Valley) and down the shorter, steeper Naro Moru route. This combination is highly favored because it provides superior acclimatization during the ascent and a swift, efficient descent. The 5-day hike to Point Lenana (4,985m) via the Chogoria route, with descent through the Naro Moru route, offers one of the most scenic and diverse trekking experiences on Mount Kenya. The Chogoria route is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including waterfalls, gorges, and alpine lakes, providing a gradual and well-paced ascent ideal for acclimatization. Reaching Point Lenana, the third-highest peak on the mountain, presents trekkers with stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise. The descent via the Naro Moru route is faster and more direct, offering a contrasting terrain and completing a rewarding traverse across the mountain. This itinerary is suitable for moderately fit hikers seeking both adventure and scenic beauty within a limited timeframe
Highlights
- Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) – the highest trekking peak
- Fast ascent via the Naro Moru route
- Experience the famous Vertical Bog section
- Descend via the Chogoria route, the most scenic trail
- Visit Lake Ellis, waterfalls, and Gorges Valley
- Trek through diverse ecological zones in Mount Kenya National Park
- Better acclimatization compared to 4-day climbs
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Pick up from hotel for drive to Chogoria town (4 hours) for lunch
Distance/Time: 16 km walk (4 hours) Elevation: Ascend 950 m Details: After a 3 to 4-hour drive from Nairobi, you will reach the Chogoria park gate. The trek begins here, winding through dense montane forest and bamboo zones before arriving at the Meru Mt. Kenya Bandas for dinner and overnight.
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Day 2
Chogoria bandas to lake Ellis 3 hour's.(3455m),9km 555m ascent
Distance/Time: 12 - 16 km walk (3 - 4 hours) Elevation: Ascend 350 m to 4,200 m Details: Ascend through heather and alpine moorland. You will pass magnificent vistas of Lake Ellis before reaching Mintos Camp, which sits spectacularly on the edge of the Gorges Valley.
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Day 3
Lake Ellis to mintos. Acclimatization (4300m)5 to 6 hours 12 km
Details: Given the rapid jump in elevation, Day 3 is highly recommended for acclimatization. You can take short, guided walks around the tarns (e.g., Lake Michaelson) and the upper Gorges Valley to prepare your body for the summit. Early breakfast, start climbing following the ridge up the mountain breath taking as we enjoy a nice views of gorges valley, back over views and Northern moorland. Lunch served on the stream and continue further to mintos hut (4300m) for evening rest and overnight.
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Day 4
Mintos hut to point lenana (4985m)to met station (3050m)
Distance/Time: 29 km walk & descent (11 - 12 hours) Elevation: Ascend 785 m, Descend 1,985 m Details: Wake up around 2:00 AM to begin the alpine ascent toward Point Lenana (4,985 m). You will hike across steep, frozen scree to reach the summit just in time for sunrise. Afterward, you begin the steep descent past Austrian Hut and Mackinders Camp down to the Met Station (3,050 m).
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Day 5
Met station to Nairobi via Narumoro gate
Distance/Time: 9 km walk (3 hours) Elevation: Descend 400 m to the park gate Details: Descend the notorious "Vertical Bog" through the bamboo and montane forest to the Naro Moru Park Gate. From here, you will meet your transport for the drive back to Nairobi.
What's included & excluded
Included
- Professional Mount Kenya guides
- Porters and cook
- Park entry fees for Mount Kenya National Park
- Meals during the trek
- Transport from Nairobi
- 4x4 transfer on Chogoria route
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Personal gear
- Visas
Difficulty & fitness level
Moderate to Challenging
Challenging. You should be comfortable trekking 6–8 hours a day for several days at altitude. Train for 2–3 months beforehand.
Best season
January–March & July–October
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough to climb Mount Kenya?
Yes. A 5-day Mount Kenya climbing package provides a balance between acclimatization and efficiency.
Is the Naro Moru route the fastest route?
Yes. It is the most direct route to Point Lenana.
Why descend via Chogoria route?
The Chogoria route offers the most scenic views, including lakes, waterfalls, and valleys.
How difficult is this Mount Kenya climb?
Moderate to challenging due to altitude and steep ascent sections.
July to October Can beginners do this route?
Yes, if they are fit and prepared.
Do I need technical climbing skills?
No. Point Lenana is a trekking peak and does not require technical climbing.
