Trekking Overview
6 Days Chogoria Route Down Naro Moru route approaches from the East and there is a National Forest Reserve gate near the village of Chogoria and a National Park gate further up. The route is often described as the most attractive route on Mount Kenya. However, there is no hut for its high camp and it is quite a bit longer unless you use 4×4’s to cut out the lower part. It is normal to drive 4×4 through the forest until close to or as far as the Meru Bandas (3000m).
The next stage is following a 4×4 track a bit further up to the “Roadhead” where you can either branch left for a more direct route, or right to pass Mugi Hill and Lake Ellis. Both tracks re-converge near the head of a spectacular amphitheater of cliffs known as The Temple, at the bottom of which is Lake Michaelson and at the West end, a large notch where the Nithi River enters. Just above the junction (4300m), is an old rickety hut that porters often sleep in, but clients have to camp. From here the path continues to rise, up to Simba Tarn, where it splits to head either North or South for Shipton’s or Austrian huts respectively.
Trekking Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Nairobi/Chogoria
Pick up from your Nairobi Hotel at 8 am and drive north to Chogoria town for lunch and an afternoon leisure walk in the town to acclimatize. Dinner and overnight at Chogoria Transit Motel, 2000m
Day 2: Chogoria/Mount Meru Bandas – 4hrs, 16km walk, 950m ascent
After breakfast, take a 4x4WD vehicle to the forest clearance, 16km from where the walk starts. You will walk for 16km through the forest along the dirt and sometimes a very muddy road for 4 hours to reach Mount Meru Bandas at 2950m for lunch and afternoon walks. Dinner and overnight at Mt. Meru Bandas.
Day 3: Mount Meru Bandas – Road Head Camp, 3hrs, 9km, 350m ascent
After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head from where the path drops to cross a stream then follow the broad ridge to the east of the Gorges Valley to reach Road Head Camp taking approximately 3-4hrs. Overnight at Road Head Camp at 3300m.
Day 4: Road Head/Mintos Hut – 4 hrs, 12km
After breakfast follow the track through giant heather and forest up to Chogoria road head from where the path drops to cross a stream then follows the broad ridge to the east of the Gorges Valley to reach Mintos Hut, 4200m. Dinner and overnight at Mintos Hut.
Day 5: Mintos/Point Lenana/Met Station – 11-12 hrs, 29km, 785m ascent/1985m descent
Leave shortly after midnight at 2 am towards the main peaks and divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields, arriving at point Lenana at 6:30 am. After taking photographs, descend to Mackinders for breakfast and continue down to Met Station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 6: Met Station/Naromoru/Nairobi – 3hrs, 9km, 400m descent
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest which is 9km to Naromoru Park Gate at 2,600m where you will connect with your transport back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3 pm, B, L.
Inclusions:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Park fees and permits
- Professional mountain guides and porters
- Meals during the trek
Exclusions:
- Airfare.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
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