Point Lenana is a challenging but feasible trekking peak at 4895 metres which is accessible for most fit walkers. From the summit there is a beautiful view of the dramatic volcanic massif and over the central plains of Kenya. It has long been a popular and very attractive hike through an ancient landscape dotted with glaciers, rock spires, high tarns and some beautiful unique flora and fauna like the giant groundsels and the odd looking hyrax which has evolved from the elephant.
There are two popular trekking routes on the west and north side of the mountain called Naro Moru and Sirimon. For both the starting point is the town of Naro Moru which is a small town about 4 hours drive from Nairobi. Our charity Moving Mountains has done a lot of work in this area and you can visit some of the schools we have built. In Naro Moru we recommend staying at a local hotel called the Blue Line which we have helped to develop over many years, or the more salubrious Naro Moru River Lodge.
We would recommend doing the trek by ascending and descending each of the routes to give some variety, and you can either camp or stay in huts along the way. Our guides are well trained and experience, and they have international first aid certificates. We provide the equipment for camping and cooking, plus the porters who will carry a rucksack up to 15 kgs. We work on a minimum team number of two for our prices, so there would be a supplement for individuals. Sometimes we can create a team out of several people if they want!
The itinerary starts in Naro Moru but we can provide all the optional extras if needed, including private transport from Nairobi, accommodation in Nairobi, Naro Moru or Embu (for anyone using the Chogoria route for their ascent or descent), upgrades to hut accommodation on the mountain and safaris or visits to our Moving Mountains projects.
Testimonial: “Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you for helping to organise a fantastic trip to Mount Kenya! It really was an unforgettable trip and we all hugely enjoyed it!
The organisation of the whole trip was faultless and I was so impressed with everyone I have met here from AA. Cyrus was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide, along with the brilliant team of porters, not forgetting the fantastic cook. He fed us very very well! “
Suggested itinerary
The following is our preferred itinerary for good acclimatisation to summit safely. It uses the Sirimon route for the ascent and the Naro Moru route for the descent. Either works but the recent forest fires around the base of the mountain has meant that the first day on Sirimon is no longer through a lovely forest.
| Day | Summary |
| 1 | Transfer from Naro Moru to the Mount Kenya National Park gate Gate. Trek to Old Moses Camp |
| 2 | Trek from Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp |
| 3 | Acclimatisation Day: Trek from Shipton’s to Hausberg Col and return to Shipton’s |
| 4 | Trek from Shiptons to Point Lenana and descend to Met Station Camp via Mackinder’s Camp |
| 5 | Trek from Met Station to the Naro Moru gate and transfer to Naro Moru |
