Naromoru - Mount Kenya Day Hike

Yes, you may go for a day walk up Mt Kenya and return to Nairobi the same day. At 5199m above sea level (asl), this mountain is the highest in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, attracting both local and international hikers and climbers lured by its snow-capped summits, spectacular landscape, and the challenge of the climb. Climbs often last 3 to 5 days for those aiming for the highest points. For those with limited time, the places near the mountain base can offer provide a satisfying experience.

Naromoru Route Description

Buffaloes, elephants, black leopards, lions, hyenas, several types of antelopes, monkeys, birds, and hyraxes, among other animals, abound in Mt Kenya National Park. The Naro Moru path is the closest to Nairobi of the three popular ways up the mountain, with the Naro Moru Park Gate located around 175 kilometers from Nairobi and 15 kilometers from Naro Moru town. If you’re traveling from Nairobi, it’s the obvious pick for a day trek.

How to Get There

Take Naro Moru matatus from their Tea Room Stage near the intersection of Accra Rd and River Rd if taking public transportation. They charge around Kshs 250 for a one-way trip.

Take matatus to Kiambuthia, a village about 3 kilometers from the Park Gate, from Naro Moru. You may need to haggle with the matatu to be dropped off directly at the Park Gate and then picked up later. The one-way matatu fare here is around Ksh 50.
If you’re driving, go Thika Road all the way to Karatina. Turn right onto the signposted road to Nanyuki and travel to Naro Moru town after another 12.5 kilometers towards Nyeri. Take a right onto the Mt Kenya road, which is clearly marked. Follow the signs for 15 kilometers to the Naro Moru Park Gate.

You begin your one day Mount Kenya hike by following the motorable dirt road for 9 kilometers from the Park Gate at 2400m asl to the Met Station at 3050m asl, you will pass through the tropical forest zone, followed by the bamboo zone. You’re likely to come across groups of Colobus monkeys along the trip, which are widespread in the woodland zone. Elephants and buffaloes, which may be seen in both the forest and bamboo zones, are other animals to keep an eye out for. After crossing Percival’s Bridge around 2 hours into the trip, the rise becomes steeper and the path begins to curve dramatically. After another 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at Met Station.

If you still have the energy, you can continue for another 1 hour from Met Station to the roadhead.

At this area, there is a radio repeater station powered by a noisy diesel generator. After another 1 hour of climbing, you’ll arrive at the woodland boundary and the start of the vertical bog. The alpine zone begins here, with unusual plants such as gigantic heather, lobelia, senecio, and tussock grass, among others.

If you are fit and packing light, the round trek to Met Station should take you around 6 hours. It might take another 2 hours to get to the forest boundary, when the steep bog begins.

The cost for the one day Mount Kilimanjaro hike includes and excludes the following items