The 3-Day Mount Kenya Naro Moru Route is one of the fastest ways to reach Point Lenana (4,985 m), the highest trekking summit on Mount Kenya. The route approaches from the western side through Naro Moru Gate, climbing through montane forest, the famous Vertical Bog, Teleki Valley and the high-altitude zone before the pre-dawn summit attempt.

Because the itinerary gains altitude quickly and has limited acclimatization time, it is best suited to fit hikers who already have some high-altitude trekking experience or are comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

Itinerary

Overview

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights Route: Naro Moru Gate → Met Station → Mackinder’s Camp → Point Lenana → Naro Moru Gate Highest point: Point Lenana – 4,985 mStarting point: Naro Moru Gate – approximately 2,600–2,650 m Met Station: approximately 3,050 m Mackinder’s Camp: approximately 4,200 m Difficulty: Challenging Summit: Point Lenana Accommodation: Mountain camp/hut arrangement depending on package Best for: Fit and experienced hikers with limited time

Naromoru Route

Expand all

Day	Route	Approx. Distance	Elevation	Overnight
Day 1	Naro Moru Gate → Met Station	8–10 km	2,650 → 3,050 m	Met Station
Day 2	Met Station → Mackinder's Camp	8–11 km	3,050 → 4,200 m	Mackinder's
Day 3	Mackinder's → Point Lenana → Naro Moru Gate	Long summit day	4,200 → 4,985 → 2,650 m	Nairobi

Published 3-day itineraries vary in their exact distances and camp arrangements. A commonly used version places the first night at Met Station, the second at Mackinder's Camp, followed by a pre-dawn summit and descent to Naro Moru Gate on Day 3.

Important: This Is a Fast Trek

The 3-day Naro Moru itinerary is not the best choice for everyone. The trek moves from approximately 3,050 m on Day 1 to 4,200 m on Day 2, followed by a summit at 4,985 m on Day 3.

For clients who have little or no previous high-altitude experience, a 4- or 5-day itinerary provides more time for acclimatization. The Naro Moru route is also known for the steep Vertical Bog section.

Day 01 :

Nairobi – Naro Moru Gate – Met Station

Starting elevation: Naro Moru Gate – approximately 2,600–2,650 m
Camp elevation: Met Station – approximately 3,050 m
Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Overnight: Met Station

Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early-morning departure from Nairobi.

Drive towards Naro Moru, located on the western side of Mount Kenya. After reaching Naro Moru Gate, complete the park registration formalities and meet your mountain guide and crew. Naro Moru is one of the three principal access gates to Mount Kenya National Park.

The trek begins through the beautiful montane forest, where you may encounter mountain birds, colobus monkeys and other wildlife.

As you gain elevation, the forest gradually changes into bamboo and giant-heather vegetation.

The trail eventually reaches the famous Vertical Bog, a high-altitude section that can become wet and muddy, particularly during rainy periods. Gaiters and trekking poles can be useful here.

Continue towards the Meteorological Station (Met Station) at approximately 3,050 m.

Arrive at camp in the afternoon, have dinner and rest in preparation for the following day's demanding climb.

Overnight

Met Station – approximately 3,050 m

Day 02 :

Met Station – Vertical Bog – Teleki Valley – Mackinder's Camp

Starting elevation: 3,050 m
Camp elevation: approximately 4,200 m
Distance: Approximately 8–11 km
Hiking time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mackinder's Camp

After an early breakfast, continue climbing towards the high-altitude zone of Mount Kenya.

The trail passes through the Vertical Bog, followed by open moorland and the spectacular Teleki Valley.

The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you gain altitude. You will see Mount Kenya's characteristic giant groundsel and lobelia plants, along with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Continue steadily uphill towards Mackinder's Camp, located at approximately 4,200 m.

The final section can feel demanding because of the altitude. Your guide will maintain a slow pace and encourage regular hydration and rest.

On clear days, you can enjoy impressive views towards the main Mount Kenya peaks, including Batian and Nelion.

Arrive at Mackinder's Camp in the afternoon.

After lunch, spend the remainder of the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit attempt.

Your guide will brief you about:

Summit departure time
Weather conditions
Clothing and equipment
Hydration
Altitude symptoms
Summit safety
Descent arrangements

Have an early dinner and go to bed early because the summit attempt starts during the night.

Overnight

Mackinder's Camp – approximately 4,200 m

Day 03 :

Mackinder's Camp – Point Lenana – Naro Moru Gate – Nairobi

Summit: Point Lenana – 4,985 m
Summit departure: Approximately 2:00–3:00 AM
Summit hiking time: Approximately 3½–5 hours
Descent: Approximately 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch