Combining the Naro Moru ascent with a Chogoria descent on Mount Kenya is a popular choice for trekkers aiming for Point Lenana (4,985m), the trekkable summit, and offers a diverse and scenic experience. While neither route is strictly “technical climbing” in the sense of requiring ropes and specialized gear for the majority of the way, they present challenging high-altitude trekking with some scrambling involved, especially near the summit.
Here’s an overview of the combined Naro Moru – Chogoria route:
Naro Moru Ascent:
- Approach: Located on the western side of the mountain, the Naro Moru route is known as the most direct and fastest way to reach Point Lenana. It’s also historically been very popular and has well-established infrastructure.
- Experience: The trail is generally well-defined and relatively straightforward to follow. However, it is also considered steeper than the Sirimon route, particularly on the second day as you ascend through the “Vertical Bog” (a muddy section, though not always vertical).
- Scenery: While not as dramatically scenic as Chogoria, Naro Moru offers beautiful views, especially as you enter the Teleki Valley with its impressive views of the main peaks (Batian and Nelion) and glaciers. The vegetation transitions from montane forest to moorland and finally to alpine desert.
- Altitude Acclimatization: Due to its faster ascent profile, Naro Moru can pose a slightly higher risk of altitude sickness compared to the more gradual Sirimon route. Proper acclimatization is crucial.
- Huts/Campsites: The Naro Moru route has established huts at Met Station (3,050m) and Mackinder’s Camp (4,200m), offering basic accommodation. Camping is also permitted.
- Summit Approach: The final ascent to Point Lenana from Mackinder’s Camp involves a challenging hike over scree and rocky terrain, often starting very early in the morning to reach the summit for sunrise. There is a section with a Via Ferrata (Olonana) near Austrian Hut (just below Point Lenana) which involves using fixed metal rungs and cables, adding a element of exposed scrambling (though not requiring technical climbing gear for most trekkers).
- Duration & Difficulty: Typically a 4-5 day trek to ascend and descend. Considered moderately challenging due to the steep sections and altitude gain.
Chogoria Descent:
- Approach: Located on the eastern side of the mountain, the Chogoria route is widely regarded as the most scenic of the main trekking routes.
- Experience: The descent via Chogoria offers a dramatic change in scenery. The trail is more varied and less direct than Naro Moru.
- Scenery: Chogoria boasts stunning landscapes, including the beautiful Gorges Valley, Lake Michaelson, Hall Tarns, and numerous waterfalls. The vegetation is lush and diverse, with giant heather, bizarre lobelias, and other unique Afro-alpine flora.
- Altitude Acclimatization: As a descent route, altitude is less of a concern, but the longer distances can be physically demanding.
- Huts/Campsites: Chogoria has basic bandas (huts) at Meru Mount Kenya Bandas (2,950m) and camping is available at various points, including Roadhead Camp (3,300m) and Mintos Hut (4,200m).
- Descent: The descent from Point Lenana typically involves traversing through the upper reaches of the Chogoria route, passing by scenic tarns and down into the Gorges Valley.
- Duration & Difficulty: The descent via Chogoria typically takes 2-3 days from the summit area. While mostly downhill, the terrain can be rocky and uneven, requiring good footing. The overall traverse (Naro Moru up, Chogoria down) is considered a moderately challenging to demanding trek due to the combined ascent and descent, altitude, and varied terrain.
Technical Climbing Considerations:
It’s important to reiterate that the standard Naro Moru and Chogoria routes to Point Lenana are primarily trekking routes. They do not generally require technical climbing skills or equipment like ropes, harnesses, and belay devices. However:
- Point Lenana Summit: The final ascent to Point Lenana on the Naro Moru side involves some scrambling over rocks and the Via Ferrata, which might feel exposed to some but is generally manageable without technical gear for reasonably fit individuals.
- Main Peaks (Batian & Nelion): The true summits of Mount Kenya, Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), are technical rock climbs requiring significant mountaineering experience, specialized equipment, and experienced guides. These peaks are not accessible via the standard trekking routes. Climbers aiming for Batian or Nelion often approach via routes that intersect with the upper sections of the Naro Moru or Chogoria trekking paths to access the base of the technical climbs.
In summary, the Naro Moru – Chogoria traverse offers a fantastic and popular way to experience the beauty and challenge of Mount Kenya, reaching the trekkable summit of Point Lenana. While not a technical climb in itself, it involves strenuous high-altitude trekking with some scrambling. Those interested in the actual technical climbing routes to Batian and Nelion would require a separate, specialized expedition with experienced guides and appropriate gear.
