Teleki Valley Mackinders Quest
Mount Kenya Naromoru route day hike
Can you get to Mackinders Camp?
If you want to experience Mt. Kenya on a tight budget, the Naromoru route is your perfect choice. The trail is short, making it possible to trek all the way to the Mackinders camp (4,300m ASL) on a day trip, where you enjoy glorious views of the peaks.
Our 10km Mackinders Hike trail starts at the Met Camp (3,048m ASL), cutting through the marshy vertical bog in the lower moorland zone, past the upper moorland zone, dotted with lobelias and other beautiful montane vegetation, to get to the magnificent Teleki Valley. The trail follows Teleki Valley, past a river crossing, terminating at the Mackinders Camp. Here, we will enjoy scenic views of the peaks (if the weather permits) and then descend back to Met Camp, where we will board our buses back to Nairobi.
Things to Keep in Mind
- This is a high-altitude hike, therefore, come prepared to take it very slow from start to finish so you have an enjoyable experience. Stop ascent if you feel unwell.
- The hike is crucial for altitude acclimatization for participants in the Beginner to Mt. Kenya program, as it simulates altitude sickness symptoms that may appear during the main Mt. Kenya climb. The experience will help you understand, identify, and communicate your altitude sickness symptoms long before they become severe.
- The weather in the high altitudes changes fast. Please remember to pack rain clothes and a warm jacket.
- Some sections of this trail can get boggy during wet weather; therefore, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for this hike.
- Although it is desirable for everyone to reach Mackinders Camp, only about a third of the group who have above-average fitness and are well adapted to hiking at high elevations actually reach Mackinders Camp before the turn-back time. Our realistic target for the day is Lunch Point (3,900m), halfway along the trail.
Mackinders Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 20km
Maximum Elevation: 4,300m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1252m
Duration: 7-10 hours
Trail Grading: Some sections are marshy, with slippery rocks; most sections have fair inclines gradually all the way to the camp
Difficulty: Difficult
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: No
Mackinders Hike Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure for Mt. Kenya Naromoru Gate.
08:45 a.m Arrival at Mt. Kenya Naromoru Gate for registration.
09:15 a.m Departure for Met Camp
10:00 a.m Hike Starts
02:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 06:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 5,350 | KES 3,750 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 5,650 | KES 4,050 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 106.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5 depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Day Hike-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees where applicable
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
- 5% discount on gear purchases
What to Wear
- Quick-drying tshirt
- Quick-drying pants
- Fleece jacket
- Sun hat or cap
- Well-treaded hiking shoes
What to Carry
- 3L water and suitable snacks
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Trekking pole
- Identification documents
How to Prepare for the Hike
- Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
- Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
- Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
- Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
- If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.
- Cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!