4‑Day Naromoru Route Itinerary
4‑Day Mount Kenya NaroMoru Route itinerary typically involves an early transfer from Nairobi to the NaroMoru Park Gate (2,600m), a hike to the Met Station (3,000m) on Day 1, ascending to Mackinders Camp (3,900m) on Day 2, summiting Point Lenana (4,985m) and descending to the Met Station on Day 3, and finally descending to the Naromoru Park Gate and returning to Nairobi on Day 4. This route is the fastest to the popular summit of Point Lenana but is less scenic than other routes
Day 1: Nairobi → Naromoru Park Gate → Met Station (approx. 10 km, +400 m)
- Depart Nairobi (usually around 09:00) and drive ~3–4 hrs to Naromoru Park Gate (alt. 2,600 m).
- Trek through forest and ridgelands (~3–4 hrs, 10 km) to Met Station (≈3,000 m) for dinner and overnight stay in the bunkhouse
Day 2: Met Station → Mackinder’s Camp (≈4,200 m) (5–7 hrs, +1,200 m)
- After breakfast, ascend past the radio mast into moorlands.
- Navigate the infamous “Vertical Bog” en route to a fork overlooking Teleki Valley and end at Mackinder’s Camp (~4,200 m) for dinner and lodging
Day 3: Summit Point Lenana (4,985 m) → Descend to Met Station (8–10 hrs, ≈11 km, +785 m/−1,985 m)
- Wake at ~02:00 AM for summit push—arrive at Point Lenana at sunrise (~06:30) for photo ops.
- Descend to Mackinder’s for breakfast, then continue down to Met Station for dinner and overnight
Day 4: Met Station → Naromoru Gate → Nairobi (≈9 km, −400 m)
- After breakfast, trek (~3 hrs) through moorland and forest to Naromoru Gate, meeting transport back to Nairobi, arriving late afternoon
🔎 Highlights & Tips
- “Vertical Bog” on Day 2 is notoriously wet and challenging — be prepared for damp, muddy conditions
- Acclimatization: A base-night at Naromoru River Lodge before Day 1 is highly recommended to reduce altitude sickness
- No technical climbing is required—Point Lenana is a hike. You’ll encounter rocky scree but manageably navigable with boots and trekking poles
🧗 Reddit Insights from Fellow Trekkers
Some recent feedback from hikers on r/Mountaineering and r/Kenya:
“Mount Kenya is one of the toughest climbs… the Naromoru route is the shortest and steepest way to the peak but totally worth it.”
“Expect: 1. Constant headache… 2. Carry only what’s essential… 4. Don’t wear cotton… Altitude sickness is a bitch.” — solid advice for prep
✔️ Essential Gear Checklist
- Warm layers (thermal base, fleece, down jacket)
- Water- and windproof jacket/trousers
- Good hiking boots + gaiters
- Gloves, balaclava, hat
- Headlamp/torch
- Trekking pole(s)
- Sleeping bag rated to ~–7 °C
- Snacks/sugar-dense energy foods
- Water purification (tablets/filters)
- Basic first aid, altitude medication
🧭 Logistics & Booking
- Typical cost: $600–$800 per person (incl. guides, porters, cook, park fees, huts, meals)
- Book with local agencies—Big Safaris, Bushtroop, KWS, Blue Ocean, etc.—and ask about included extras (e.g., sleeping bag hire, extra acclimatization).
- Confirm group size minimums and service levels (bunkhouse vs. tent).
In Summary:
- Day 1: Nairobi → Met Station
- Day 2: Met Station → Mackinder’s
- Day 3: Mackinder’s → Lenana → Met Station
- Day 4: Met Station → Gate → Nairobi
This is the classic, fastest, and most popular way to conquer Point Lenana via Naromoru route. Ready to conquer Kenya’s “vertical bog”? Let me know if you’d like gear suggestions, agency recommendations, or guidance on acclimatization options!