Kenya | Day 8: Naro Moru (Mount Kenya)

Today is a very exciting day for all of us because it is the Mount Kenya hike! Breakfast was at 0500hrs. We were at the Naro Moru Gate sharp at 0600hrs. The gate was already at 2,400m ASL. There are 8 walking routes up to the main peaks – Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Noro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes. Park entry fee is USD52/daily/non-resident or USD156/3 day’s package/non-resident.

An early arrival at the Naro Moru Gate.

It was a bit chilly in the morning but I was so hyped up for the hike!

The view of the peak of Mount Kenya from the gate. 

Although the least scenic, the Naro Moru route is taken by many trekkers to reach Point Lenana as it is the most straightforward and easiest to hike. We hiked for almost 8km to the Met Station Hut at 3048m ASL where it is the base for climbing Mount Kenya. At the Met Station we were given the option to continue our journey up to experience the ecozones. Being an adrenaline junky I opted to follow ½ of the team up but of course not to the highest peak just to have a feel of how it is at different altitude level. To hike the peak which is Point Lenana (4985m ASL) it requires at least 3 solid days with 2 nights rest. The vegetation is different as you accent higher and the view was just mesmerizing despite the low level of oxygen as you get higher. We then descent back and it took us till late afternoon to arrive the Noru Moru gate before coming back to our lodge.

Some of the vegetations along the way. 

Arriving at the Met Station and I've changed to a more tropical wear because it was scorching.

The vegetations at this height was definitely different. The view of Kenya from the top was amazing!

Blue Monkey spotted.

The grand finale to the day was the Africa-related pub quiz, which featured questions about wildlife, politics, culture, and staff members. Pub quiz in the UK is a thing and it is sort of a hype amongst pub-goer as it offers free drinks or extra quid if you are the winner. After the quiz, the bar’s DJ tried to create a party atmosphere with an unusual mixture of old and current dance music from around the world. Unfortunately, we were all knackered from the hike thus we called it a night.

Just us having fun after the pub quiz.