Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, an ancient volcano whose two highest peaks — Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) — are technical rock climbs requiring ropes and serious mountaineering experience. The third peak, Point Lenana at 4,985 metres, is reachable by walking and is the realistic summit for most trekkers.
The Naro Moru route is the fastest approach, going from the gate at around 2,400 metres up through montane forest to the Met Station, then on through the Vertical Bog and across the alpine moorland to Mackinder's Camp at 4,200 metres. From there a pre-dawn climb on scree and rock reaches Point Lenana for sunrise. Most parties take three days going up and one day coming down. The route is steeper than the Sirimon or Chogoria approaches and is less recommended for acclimatisation — but it is the shortest, and many trekkers combine routes by ascending via Sirimon and descending via Naro Moru.