Mount Kenya - Naro Moru Route
Animals found within the park include leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white colobusmonkey (this monkey is afraid of movements including the movement of it's own tail) and, sykes monkeys, rock hyrax, giant forest hog, waterbuck, bushbuck, giant forest hog, black rhino, genet cat, bush pig, hyena, bongo, a rare forest antelope. Other rare species that can be spotted include, Mt Kenya mole rat, suni antelope, skinks (lizards), albino zebra and a several species of owls. Bird life is not prolific within the park, however one is likely to spot the Jackson's francolin, the crowned hawk eagle and a rare sighting of the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Within the lodge, a larger variety including Mackinder's eagle owl, African black duck, green ibis, redheaded parrot, silver-cheeked hornbill amongst others can be seen.
A famous activity is climbing the mountain itself. The mountain has three peaks; Point Lenana, (4985m) which can be reached by any reasonably fit person, Nelion (6189m) and Batian (5199m) peaks, which require skilled mountaineers to reach. There are four routes of ascent; the Burguret trail, Sirimon trail, Chogoria and Naro Moru trails, with Chogoria trail being the most scenic of the other trails. A minimum of 5 days is recommended for the climb, 3 days for the ascent and 2 for the descent. This activity is a memorable one and thus a must-do for the adventure seeker.
A major attraction of the park is the brilliant scenery. Starting with the snow-capped peaks, a rare sight in an equatorial region, this mountain itself is an amazing sight, with lakes, glaciers, mineral springs and the differential habitats. A variety of flora and fauna also attract many a tourist to this park. Amongst the former, podocarpus, giant groundsel, both species of lobelia, romuela keniensis, two terrestrial orchids, orange flowered gladiolus and the crocus like flower make up the unique and rare species. The high altitude heath is strewn with shrubs such as African sage, protea and helichrysum.
Animals found within the park include leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white colobusmonkey (this monkey is afraid of movements including the movement of it's own tail) and, sykes monkeys, rock hyrax, giant forest hog, waterbuck, bushbuck, giant forest hog, black rhino, genet cat, bush pig, hyena, bongo, a rare forest antelope. Other rare species that can be spotted include, Mt Kenya mole rat, suni antelope, skinks (lizards), albino zebra and a several species of owls. Bird life is not prolific within the park, however one is likely to spot the Jackson's francolin, the crowned hawk eagle and a rare sighting of the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Within the lodge, a larger variety including Mackinder's eagle owl, African black duck, green ibis, redheaded parrot, silver-cheeked hornbill amongst others can be seen.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Nairobi is at 09:30hrs for transfer to Naro Moru Mountain Rock hotel for lunch. An acclimatization walk will follow to the Famous Mau Mau Caves and Burguret Water Falls. After photography proceed to Hikers Camp (2,3309m), for dinner and overnight. 11Km, 4 to 5 hours hike.
Day 2: After breakfast, hike via the Naro Moru gate to Met Station (3,040m) for dinner and overnight. 13Km hike, 5 to 7 hrs, with lunch enroute.
Day 3: After breakfast hike to Mackinders Camp (4,200m) for dinner and overnight. 13Km, 6 to 7 hrs hike with lunch enroute.
Day 4: Attempt Point Lenana at 02:30hrs and be at the peak before the sunrise. After the sunrise, descend the mountain to Mintos hut for a full breakfast. After breakfast descend with lunch enroute to Chogoria Bandas camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: After breakfast, descend the mountain and connect with your transfer vehicle to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch drive on to Nairobi with arrival in the late afternoon.
