The scenery first, the direct line home. Up through Lake Ellis and the Gorges Valley, over Point Lenana, and down the Teleki Valley to Naro Moru.
Chogoria is the most beautiful approach on Mount Kenya and this itinerary spends three days on it before crossing the summit. You climb through montane forest to Lake Ellis, traverse the moorland above the Nithi Gorge, and sleep beneath The Temple at Minto’s before the summit push. The descent to Naro Moru is quick, which keeps the trip to five days without rushing the good part.
We collect you in Nanyuki and drive round the eastern side of the mountain to Chogoria town for lunch. From there a 4×4 climbs the forest track to the park gate at 2,850m.
The forest here holds elephant, buffalo and colobus, and the road is rough enough to be part of the adventure. A short acclimatisation walk in the afternoon before your first night on the mountain.
Meru Mount Kenya Bandas · 3,000mThe track climbs out of montane forest into open moorland — tussock grass, giant heather, and the first plants that grow nowhere lower down.
Camp on the shore of Lake Ellis, with Mugi Hill and the Giant’s Billiards Table across the water. The light here in the late afternoon is the best of the trip.
Lake Ellis campsite · 3,500mThe finest walking day on Mount Kenya. You traverse the eastern moorland along the rim of the Nithi Gorge, Vivienne Falls dropping away below and the Gorges Valley opening ahead.
Minto’s Hut sits among tarns beneath The Temple, with Lake Michaelson at its foot. Walk the twenty minutes to the viewpoint before dinner — it is the photograph everyone comes home with.
Minto’s Hut campsite · 4,200mTea and biscuits before three, then out into the dark past Simba and Harris Tarns to reach Point Lenana at 4,985m for first light.
Down the western side to Mackinder’s Camp for a full breakfast, then the long descent through the Teleki Valley and the Vertical Bog to the Met Station. You lose nearly two kilometres of altitude in a day and you will feel the difference immediately.
Met Station · 3,050mA gentle descent through montane rainforest to Naro Moru Gate at 2,400m, with the biggest trees of the trip and a good chance of colobus overhead.
Transport meets you at the gate for the transfer back to Nanyuki, arriving before lunch.
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 Chogoria–Naro Moru Traverse
Tell us your dates and group size and we will send a day-by-day plan built around them.
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