The Routes in Mount Kenya N.P.

There are several routes up to Point Lenana. The three routes are Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria. Of course you can ascend on one trail, then descend on another. The length of time required depends upon how fast you walk and how many kilometers you trek per day. Also, if you have access to a vehicle, you can drive from the forest boundary to the National Park boundary, eliminating a lot of time. This can be expensive, makes it harder for your body to adjust to the elevation, and you can miss the beautiful Mt. Kenya forest where you have a good chance of encountering wildlife.

The Naro Moru route is the most popular route, especially with tour companies. It’s also the shortest route, taking only 3 to 4 days to make the climb and descend, but the least scenic. Just outside the town of Naro Moru on the way to Nanyuki lies the trailhead. If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the meteorological station, cutting one day off of your trip. From there, most trekkers spend the next night at Mackinder’s Camp. Some people split the hike from there to Lenana in half by sleeping in Austrian Hut, then ascending to the peak in the early morning.

The Sirimon route starts north of the Mountain. From Nanyuki, head towards Timau and Isiolo and tell the tout you want to be dropped off at the start of the Sirimon trail. You can also stay the night at the Mountain Rock Hotel and they can take you to the trailhead in the morning. The first day you walk from the main road to the park entrance gate, or farther to Old Moses Camp. The next day, hike to Shipton’s Camp. From Shipton’s Camp, you can get to Point Lenana via the North Face, American Camp, or Austrian Hut. Allow 4 to 5 days to climb and return on the Sirimon route.

The Chogoria route is the longest but most scenic of the three routes. Start from Chogoria town, then start at the Forest Gate. From there you can either drive the 20 km to the Park Gate, or drive it. After camping there, walk to Minto’s Hut or camp half way. From Minto’s Hut you cam pace it to Austrian Hut, then accent to Point Lenana the next day. The trip will take 4 to 5 days.