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
Nairobi - Chogoria - Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m)
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest and begin trekking through dense bamboo forest for about 10km to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (2,900m). 3hrs walk, 10km, 650m ascent.
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Day 2
Mt Kenya Bandas - Lake Ellis Campsite (3,450m)
After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table. Lunch on the banks of a stream, then cut up the left-hand hillside to camp at about 3,450m. 4hrs, 9km, 550m ascent.
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Day 3
Lake Ellis - Mintos Camp (4,200m) - Acclimatization
Follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at about 4,100m. Breath-taking views over the Gorges Valley and back towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorlands. Lunch at a small stream crossing, then continue to Mintos Hut area at 4,200m. Afternoon spent relaxing and acclimatizing. A 10-minute walk to the 'Temple' - a 150m vertical cliff - is well worth the effort. 5-6hrs, 12km, 750m ascent.
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Day 4
Mintos - Point Lenana (4,985m) - Met Station (3,050m)
Pre-dawn attempt of the summit starts at 0300hrs, hiking for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4,985m), the hiker's summit, arriving in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Mintos for breakfast, then continue down through the moorland to Met Station (3,050m) on the Naro Moru route. Dinner and overnight at Met Station.
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Day 5
Met Station - Naro Moru Gate - Nairobi
After early morning breakfast, descend through the montane forest to Naro Moru Gate (2,400m). Transfer back to Nairobi via Nanyuki, arriving in the late afternoon. 3hrs walk.
What's included & excluded
Included
- Professional Mount Kenya guides
- Porters and cook
- Park entry fees for Mount Kenya National Park
- Meals during the trek
- Private ground transfer from Nairobi to mountain and return
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
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.
