6 Days Mount Kenya Rock/Technical Climbing Package – Batian (5,199m) & Nelion (5,188m) | Naro Moru Route

The adventure

Take on Kenya’s highest peaks via the Naro Moru route, combining  alpine trekking with technical rock climbing to reach Batian and Nelion. Get your Technical climb plan 6 Days Mount Kenya Rock/Technical Climbing Package – Batian (5,199m) & Nelion (5,188m) | Naro Moru Route The preferred route on Nelion is the MacKinders route. This is a 5th class rock route to a maximum difficulty of 5.6. There are easier sections where the party can move together, but typically, some 17 plus pitches are belayed. The descent is by the same route, with a few of the rappels taking more direct lines down the cleaner rock. This is a fun route, on generally good rock, sunny. Rock shoes are appropriate. Approach boots can be left at the base of the route. Though still long, this route is considered to be easier than the North Face Standard Route on Batian. With better rock and a sunnier position, it is also more fun. This 6 Days Mount Kenya technical climbing package via the Naro Moru route is designed for experienced climbers aiming to summit Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) — the true peaks of Mount Kenya. Unlike standard trekking tours to Point Lenana, this is a full alpine rock climbing expedition involving multi-pitch climbing, exposed ridges, and high-altitude technical terrain. Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa, and its main peaks require technical climbing skills, ropes, and mountaineering experience This is not a hike. This is a serious mountaineering challenge.

Highlights

• Summit Batian (5,199m) – highest peak on Mount Kenya
• Climb Nelion (5,188m) via multi-pitch rock routes
• Experience alpine climbing on high-altitude granite
• Navigate chimneys, cracks, and exposed ridges
• Cross the famous Gate of the Mists (Batian–Nelion traverse)
• Climb one of Africa’s most iconic technical mountains

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Nairobi – Naro Moru – Met Station (3,000m)

   Leave your hotel hotel or residence on an early morning and drive via the great northern highway passing towards the central Kenya arriving at Naromoru town for lunch. It is from this place you will meet the rest of your climbing crew(porters) and continue to Entrance point. Check in the entry formalities and start your hike to Met station. The hike takes 3 hours on a tarmac road through tropical rain forest with high chances of spotting wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the camp. Altitude gain from Nairobi; 1,500m. Hiking Distance; 10km. Duration: 3–4 hours Overnight at Met Station.

2. Day 2

   Met Station – Mackinders Camp (4,200m)

   After having breakfast, leave your camp at around 7.30 am trekking up hill in the forest to alpine moorland vegetation along the wide Teleki valley filled with vertical bogs, gaiters are recommended. Arrive Mackinders Camp in 5-6 hours. Lunch will have been packed for you.  Altitude gain;1000 m. Dinner and Overnight at the Camp. Hiking Distance; 10km Trek through moorland and the Vertical Bog into Teleki Valley. Duration: 5–6 hours Overnight at Mackinders Camp.

3. Day 3

   Acclimatization & Move to Base (Austrian Hut ~4,790m)

   After late breakfast and packing, leave camp trekking on an inclined sandy hill arriving to Austrian Hut in 2.5 hours. Along the walk the mountain showcases it’s beauty and magnificent point John, Nelion and Batian peaks. After lunch, make an acclimatization to point Lenana and back to camp for dinner and overnight. Short acclimatization hike and move closer to the base of technical climbing routes. Preparation for summit push

4. Day 4

   Technical Climb – Nelion Peak (5,188m)

   Begin early ascent via the South East Face route, involving multiple pitches of rock climbing. Approx. 18 pitches Technical climbing throughout Overnight at high camp or bivouac.

5. Day 5

   Batian Summit Attempt & Descent

   Cross from Nelion to Batian via the Gate of the Mists, then descend via abseiling. 10–12 hour summit day Return to base camp.

6. Day 6

   Descent – Naro Moru Gate – Nairobi

   Descend via Naro Moru route and transfer back to Nairobi.

What's included & excluded

Difficulty & fitness level

Very Technical (UIAA IV+ to V+)

Technical. Prior rock climbing and alpine experience required. Contact us to discuss your experience before booking.

Best season

January–March & July–October