5 Days Mt. Kenya Budget Hiking Naromoru Route Trekking
Tour Type
Private / Group
Region
East Africa
Safari Highlights
Point Lenana Summit: Reach 4,985m (16,355ft) and witness the sunrise over the equator.
Breathtaking Views: See the stunning Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson, reflecting the jagged peaks of Batian and Nelion.
Teleki Valley: Walk through the stunning Mackinder Valley and enjoy the unique alpine vegetation (Giant Lobelias and Groundsels).
Budget-Friendly: Stay in mountain bunkhouses (huts) rather than expensive tents, making this the most affordable way to hike Mt. Kenya.
Diverse Landscapes: Traverse through four distinct ecological zones, from dense rainforest to rocky alpine desert.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Nairobi & Transfer to Naromoru Gate
Location: Nairobi to Mt. Kenya Lodge Altitude: 2,300m (7,545ft)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Nairobi in the morning. We drive north through the scenic central highlands, passing pineapple and coffee plantations. We arrive at the Naromoru Park Gate for registration. From the gate, we take a short transfer up to the Met Station area. You will meet your guide and porters here for a briefing and preparation. Dinner and overnight at a mountain lodge or bunkhouse near the park entrance to help acclimatization.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Naromoru Gate to Met Station to Mackinder Camp
Distance: ~10km Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Rainforest to Moorland Altitude: 3,000m to 4,200m (13,780ft)
After breakfast, we start the hike at the Naromoru Gate. The trail winds through a dense rainforest filled with bamboo and indigenous trees. You may spot Colobus monkeys and various birds. We break for lunch at the Met Station (3,050m). Afterward, we continue ascending out of the tree line into the moorland. The climb becomes steeper as we head up the vertical bog towards Mackinder Camp. The afternoon offers spectacular views of the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Mackinder Camp Bunkhouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mackinder Camp to Shipton Camp
Distance: ~5km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Altitude: 4,200m to 4,236m (13,900ft)
Today is a short hiking day designed to aid acclimatization. We ascend from Mackinder Camp towards the Shipton Camp. The trail offers magnificent scenery as we traverse the Mackinder Valley. We pass the "House of the Mist" and enjoy views of the towering peaks of Batian and Nelion. We arrive at Shipton Camp by early afternoon. The afternoon is spent relaxing, hydrating, and exploring the surroundings near the head of the valley. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp Bunkhouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Summit Attempt – Point Lenana
Distance: ~6km / 14km (Return) Hiking Time: 5-6 hours hiking + Descent Habitat: Alpine Desert / Scree Altitude: 4,236m to 4,985m (Summit) then down to Old Moses (3,300m)
The Big Day. Wake up at 2:30 AM for tea and biscuits. We begin the steep ascent up to Point Lenana under the stars. The trail is rocky and scree-covered. We aim to reach the summit (4,985m) in time for the sunrise (approx. 6:00 AM). The view from the top is indescribable, looking down on the cloud cover and across to the glaciers.
After celebrating and taking photos, we descend back to Shipton Camp for a hot breakfast. We then continue the descent down the mountain via the Sirimon Route to Old Moses Camp (Judmaier), enjoying a different perspective of the mountain. This cross-over approach offers the best views and avoids retracing your steps immediately. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp Bunkhouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate & Return to Nairobi
Distance: ~9km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rainforest Altitude: 3,300m to 2,600m
After a well-deserved rest, we enjoy breakfast at Old Moses Camp. We walk slowly through the lush rainforest, descending to the Sirimon Gate. Along the way, we may spot buffalo and elephants. We complete park formalities and meet our transfer vehicle. We drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
TOTAL PACKAGE COST: USD. 750 PER PERSON – LOW SEASON (1st JANUARY– 30th JUNE)
TOTAL PACKAGE COST: USD. 750 PER PERSON – HIGH SEASON (1st JULY -31st DECEMBER)
Included
Transport: Transfers to/from Nairobi and park gates.
Park Fees: Entrance fees for Mt. Kenya National Park.
Accommodation: Accommodation in mountain bunkhouses/huts (shared dorms) and guide/porter fees.
Meals: All meals prepared fresh by the camp cook (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Crew: Professional Mountain Guide, Cook, and Porters.
Water: Boiled drinking water provided on the trek.
Excluded
Personal Gear: Sleeping bag, hiking poles, clothing.
Tips: Gratuities for the guide, cook, and porters.
Travel Insurance: Mandatory.
Personal Expenses: Drinks (mineral water, soda) and souvenirs.
Visas: (International travelers only).
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in Nairobi (before and after the trek).
Ready for an unforgettable adventure?
Book your spot today!