Mount Kenya Naro-Moru Route

This route is the quickest way to reach Point Lenana. It starts from Naro-Moru Gate, passes through Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and finally reaches Point Lenana.

This route was one of the most popular choices because it’s short and has convenient huts at Met Station (3050m) and MacKinders (4200m). The forest along this route is still lush, with a dense bamboo zone. Many climbers typically start at the park gate, but driving up to the Met Station (3050 meters) is possible.

The trek along Naro Moru offers a unique experience, leading you through a vertical bog into the expansive Teleki Valley below the Lewis Glacier. In the Teleki Valley, you’ll encounter iconic Tree and Cabbage Groundsels and Lobelia Telekii and Deckenii.

Sirimon Route

The route is usually considered one of the easier ones, as it climbs gradually with just a few steeper sections to reach the top camp. It’s currently the most popular route but not overly crowded.

Begin your adventure from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your way through Old Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, and finally reach Point Lenana.

The forest is sparse along this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very prominent. Most of the second day is spent in the alpine heath and moorland. When you cross the ridge into the MacKinder Valley, you’ll have a great viewpoint if the weather is clear. The approach to the peaks along the classic U-shaped MacKinder Valley can be stunning in good weather. The MacKinder Valley is home to many giant Lobelia and Groundsel, the classic flora of Mt. Kenya. You will also likely spot Rock Hyrax at Shipton’s cave or hut.

This is also the route that we recommend in more detail below.

Chogoria Route

For a scenic journey, start at Chogoria and pass through Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your way to Point Lenana.

The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is often hailed as the most beautiful route to take. While there isn’t a high camp hut along the way, the journey can be made shorter by using 4×4 vehicles to skip the lower section. It’s common practice to drive 4x4s through the forest until you reach the Meru Bandas at 3000m.

Just past the junction near “The Temple” at 4300m, you’ll find an old, somewhat shaky hut where porters usually spend the night, while clients have to set up camp.

What sets this route apart is its stunning physical landscape. Unlike other routes that follow a U-shaped glacial valley, the Chogoria winds around the impressive ‘Temple’ with Hall Tarns above it and Lake Michaelson at the base of the amphitheater. Additional highlights like Lake Ellis, the Giant’s Billiard Table, and the Nithi Falls make this route even more captivating.

Many climbers choose to descend via the Chogoria after ascending other routes.

Burguret Route

Don’t forget about the Burguret Route (known for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).

The Burguret route may not be as popular due to its challenging navigation and lack of amenities. However, the rugged, undeveloped nature of the trail and the possibility of having it all to yourself can be a draw for some adventurers.

Unlike other routes, Burguret doesn’t have a clearly marked path or any facilities like huts. You’ll need to arrange with the rangers in advance and make payments at a different gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.

Navigating through the bamboo forest in the lower section might require some guidance from the guides, especially if there haven’t been recent hikers. The route can vary until you reach the first camping spot at Kampi Ya Machengeni (3000m) in the moorlands.

The next stretch is more open and easier to navigate, but you’ll still need to carve out your own path rather than follow a set trail.

Timau Route

The Timau Route, located on the north side, is also rarely traveled.

It used to be a popular route for driving up in a 4×4, as it winds its way through the milder northern slopes before getting steeper at around 4200m.

From there, it descends sharply into and across the Hinde Valley and the Nithi North River before ascending to meet the Chogoria Route at Hall Tarns.

The route’s conditions vary, but vehicles typically don’t exceed around 3400m.

While it’s still technically possible to climb via this route, it’s recommended to consult with the Rangers for current conditions.

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