Mt Kenya Lakes via Naromoru Gate out Rutundu

Mt Kenya Lakes entry via Naromoru Gate out Rutundu

Approximate Distance: 60km | Difficulty: Demanding  Resilience | Start/Finish: Naromoru / Rutundu

Mt Kenya's flora and fauna is second to none. The beautiful Tarns and lakes are a sight to behold.

Mountain climbing in Kenya or anywhere for that matter is a no mean feat. It requires your will, zeal, courage, wit and did we say it is not a cheap affair? It is quite a personal challenge as much as it is an investment both monetary not to mention your valuable time. It is equally rewarding and humbling in equal measure.

Let us talk about the less hiked Rutundu Route: This is a scenic route and most commonly used by seasoned mountain climbing trekkers. It is an uphill task literally as the ascent is gradual and your inner resolve is put on trial. At this point your potential to deal with personal issues, unlocking your innate person is what you are leveled up to. Not to worry as we have a trained team of guides and porters who will offer you the support you need to achieve a 100% success. But your attitude towards life through the lenses of the mountain will be a determinant of how well you ascend and descent

Day 1: Nairobi – Naromoru Gate (3.5hrs) - Met Station (alt 3040) - Lake Hohnel (alt 3950m)

Hiking time: 3 - 4hrs | Distance: Approximately 4km | Habitat: Montane Forest, Moorland |

We begin with an early departure from Nairobi to Naromoru Gate for gate entry formalities before driving up further to Met Station where we officially begin our slow-paced ascent to Lake Honhel. This is enviably a steep ascent and our resilience will be tested. Chances are high that we might encounter an intermittent weather pattern up the trail with fog, rain and hopefully gleeful sunshine as we navigate the forestine terrain of Mount Kenya National Park. Lunch, Dinner and Hot Beverages will be served.

Day 2: Lake Hohnel (alt 3950) – American Camp (4450m)

Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs | Distance: Approximately 8km | Habitat: Giant heather and lobelia |

On this day, build momentum to accelerate and ascend further to the higher elevation of the American camp which is situated right below point John (a rock climbed technically as a prep summit to point Nelion and Batian)

Day 3: American Camp (alt 4450m) – Lenana Point Summit (4985m) via Austrian / Top Hut – Lake Michaelson (alt 3850m)

Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs | Distance: Approximately 12km | Habitat: Giant heather and lobelia |

Commence the day with a pre-dawn start at 0300hrs to summit point Lenana (alt 4985m) for sunrise and thereafter descend down to Lake Michaelson for BRUNCH.

PS: Summit to Lenana  Point is OPTIONAL for all that want to just experience the LAKES trail. Either way, spend this day at own leisure. You could indulge in an optional fishing activity (with prior permit and authorization from KWS). Enjoy the rest of the day with, dinner and overnight stay along the shores of Lake Michaelson.

Day 4: Lake Michaelson (alt 3,85m) – Lake Ellis (alt 3,300m)

Hiking time: 4 - 5hrs | Distance: Approximately 12km | Habitat: Giant heather and lobelia |

After breakfast, start the ascent up scaling the deep chasm Lake Michaelson to the vastness of the Gorges and Valleys enjoying the stunning geological features to Lake Ellis. Picnic lunch enroute, dinner and overnight at the camp set up by our support team.

Day 5: Lake Ellis (alt.3300m) – Lake Alice (alt.2600m)

Hiking time: 9 - 10 hrs | Distance: Approximately 18kms | Habitat: Moorland, riverine

After breakfast, start the hike down and up the moorland vegetation, enjoying the amazing scenery of the valleys of Mugi hills. Picnic lunch will be served on the way arriving Lake Alice camp in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp

Day 6: Lake Alice via Lake Rutundu (alt 2600m) – Kajiwe`s Camp (alt 2400m)

Hiking time: 2-3 hrs | Distance: Approximately 4.5kms | Habitat: Moorland, riverine

Lake Alice happens to be the largest Mountain Lake on Mount Kenya covering 26 hectares of land. Graced with large and small fish, capturing a cascading horizon and tucked in between a mountainous ridge on its rear, you are guaranteed of serene solitude; enough dosage of phytocides and fresh crisp air that will complete your cortisol detoxification.

Sightings include the expanse Rutundu plains, Lake Rutundu Cabins (where Prince William of Wales proposed to his wife the Princess of Wales Catherine Middleton)

Day 7: Kajiwe`s Camp (alt 2400m) – Nanyuki – Nairobi

Hiking time: 3 - 4 hrs | Distance: Approximately 5kms | Habitat: Moorland, riverine and forest area

After breakfast, feeling like achievers and we surely are; it is easy going down enjoying the cool mountain weather. Occasionally meandering and navigating through boggy parches, capturing a couple of giant lobelias, mushy moorland and eventually into the hargania forest before sighting the final junction of Rutundu Road human settlement.

This is our final descent point where our vehicle will be waiting to transfer us back to Nairobi arriving by 1900hrs.