In from the west, out through the east. The fastest way up paired with the most beautiful way down, crossing the mountain from one side to the other.
This traverse suits hikers who want the direct ascent but are not willing to give up the Gorges Valley on the way home. You climb the Teleki Valley, sleep high at Austrian Hut, summit at dawn and then descend east past Lake Michaelson and The Temple — the finest scenery on Mount Kenya, and country most trekkers on the western routes never see.
A short drive to Naro Moru Gate at 2,400m, then into the rainforest on foot. Nine kilometres of dense green walking with colobus monkeys overhead.
The Met Station sits at the treeline, with the moorland beginning just above camp.
Met Station · 3,050mUp through the Vertical Bog and onto open moorland. The Teleki Valley opens beneath the peaks, with giant lobelia and groundsel lining the last stretch.
Mackinder’s Camp sits at the head of the valley with Batian and Nelion directly above.
Mackinder’s Camp · 4,200mA deliberately short day. The climb to Austrian Hut gains nearly 600 metres, so the pace is slow and the afternoon free.
At 4,790m, beneath the remains of the Lewis Glacier, this is the highest bed on the mountain — and it turns summit morning into a short climb rather than a slog.
Austrian Hut · 4,790mA short pre-dawn climb to Point Lenana at 4,985m for sunrise, with Kilimanjaro visible to the south on a clear morning.
Then down the eastern side — past Minto’s Hut for breakfast, along the rim above Lake Michaelson and The Temple, and through the Gorges Valley with Vivienne Falls below. Lunch at Chogoria road head before dropping into the forest.
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas · 3,000mA long but easy descent through dense bamboo and rainforest on the wettest, greenest side of Mount Kenya. Downhill the whole way, with outstanding birdlife.
Transport meets you at the gate for the transfer to Chogoria town or on to Nairobi.
What’s included
- Kenya Wildlife Service park fees for every day on the mountain
- KWS-certified guide, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain, freshly cooked
- Accommodation along the route
- Tents, sleeping bags and walking sticks
- Road transport at both ends of the trek
- Drinking water throughout
What to bring
- Well-broken-in hiking boots — the most important item you own
- Warm jacket and insulated trousers for summit morning
- Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Warm hat, gloves and a buff or balaclava
- Sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Daypack for the summit push
Missing something? We rent down jackets, insulated trousers, gloves, fleeces and larger packs at USD 5 per item for the trip. Sleeping bags, walking sticks and tents are already included.
What it costs
Five days at our standard daily rate, everything above included.
Airport collection and Nairobi transport available at USD 150. See our full cost breakdown for what sits outside the daily rate.
Book the Naro Moru–Chogoria Traverse
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a day-by-day plan built around them.
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