5 days
Day by day
Day 1 — Itinerary
5 Days Burguret Route
The Burguret Route offers a secluded and pristine approach to Mount Kenya from the western flank. Known for its dense forest, bamboo thickets, and wild alpine scenery, it is among the least used routes, ideal for trekkers looking to experience the mountain in its raw, untouched state. The trail passes through the natural wilderness of the Burguret Forest and joins the Summit Circuit Trail near the Teleki Valley, allowing for a Point Lenana summit via Austrian Hut.
Depart Nairobi at 7:00 AM and drive north to the Gathiuru Forest Station near Burguret. After park formalities, start the trek through dense equatorial forest and bamboo groves, climbing steadily toward Camp 1, located near the edge of the moorland zone. Wildlife sightings such as buffalo, bushbuck, and colobus monkeys are common in this untouched forest if you are lucky.
Dinner and overnight at Camp 1 (forest edge).
Day 2 — Camp 1 – Highland Castle Camp (3,700m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Ascend into the moorland zone, traversing heather-covered ridges and tussock grasslands with occasional boggy patches. Reach Highland Castle Camp, a rocky outcrop that offers spectacular views of the peaks and the Gorges Valley. This is a perfect location for acclimatization and solitude.
Dinner and overnight at Highland Castle Camp.
Day 3 — Highland Castle – Shipton’s or Austrian Hut (4,200–4,790m)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Continue along the ridge and connect with the Summit Circuit Trail. Depending on the direction of your summit approach, either head north to Shipton’s Camp (4,250m) or ascend directly to Austrian Hut (4,790m) via the rocky slopes and tarns. This day offers stunning views of Batian and Nelion as you circle the central massif.
Dinner and overnight at Shipton’s Camp or Austrian Hut.
Day 4 — Summit Point Lenana (4,985m) – Descend to Met Station (3,050m)
Start the summit attempt at 3:00–4:00 AM. Reach Point Lenana by sunrise, taking in breathtaking views of the mountain’s glaciers, valleys, and surrounding plains. After a short rest, descend via the Naromoru route, passing Mackinder’s Camp and navigating the infamous Vertical Bog before arriving at Met Station.
Dinner and overnight at Met Station.
Day 5 — Met Station – Naromoru Gate – Transfer to Nairobi
After breakfast, hike the final stretch through the montane forest to Naromoru Gate. Meet your vehicle and transfer back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon.