Guide to climbing mount Kenya
Guide to Climbing Mount Kenya: At 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the highest peak in Kenya and the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the most popular tourist destination in Kenya, known for providing incredible mountain climbing safaris.
Located in the heart of Mount kenya National Park, Mount Kenya is an extinct stratovolcano that formed around 3 million years ago. Located in what are now Meru, Embu, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Tharaka Nithi provinces in Kenya, Mount Kenya was once part of the country’s Eastern and Central regions. Kenya is a highly significant location for safari travel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the stunning volcano that bears the name of the nation is what gives its name.
Here are some answers to often asked questions and a guide to climbing Mount Kenya for those who are considering a Kenya mountain climbing safari.
a manual on how to ascend Mount Kenya
How can I travel to MKenya ount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northeast of Nairobi and is protected by Mount Kenya National Park. To reach the summit, one must travel into Nairobi and connect to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Road transportation by either a public or private vehicle is needed to go from Nairobi to the trekking point of Mount Kenya.
Mount Kenya’s summits
Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana are the three peaks that make up Mount Kenya, and they are situated at varying elevations.
Batian Peak
At 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) in elevation, Batian Peak is the primary summit and tallest peak of Mount Kenya. Experienced rock climbers and mountaineers typically ascend Batian Peak.
The southwest ridge path is a little simpler option that is best used from December to March, and it is the way that climbs Batian Peak. The north face route is optimal from July to September.
Nelion
The smaller twin peak of Batian Peak, Nelion Peak, is a climbing peak that rises to a height of 5,188 meters (17,021 feet). Nelion is quite difficult, requiring ascents through rocks with multiple pitches in order to reach the summit.
Lenana Point
The third peak on Mount Kenya, Point Lenana, rises to a height of 4,985 meters (16,354 feet). Since it doesn’t need technical climbing skills, most climbers on the mountain choose to ascend it.
While there are several ways to get to Point Lenana, climbing to the summit is quite difficult, thus you must be in good physical shape to be a climber.
the peak of Mount Kenya
How difficult is the climb up Mount Kenya?
Regardless of the peak you are climbing, climbing Mount Kenya is generally quite difficult, so every climber needs to be extremely fit. Your degree of fitness aids you in negotiating longer distances and steeper terrain while climbing.
Because of the altitude, climbing Mount Kenya is typically more difficult than descending it.
Note: To help you handle the situation, climbers who are experiencing altitude sickness should consult with an expert guide.
Which are the primary routes for climbing Mount Kenya?
There are five primary climbing routes that lead to the many summits of Mount Kenya. These paths are known as trails or climbing routes.
The Sirimon route
One of the most well-liked climbing ways to reach Kenya’s summit is the two-day minimum Sirimon route, which offers climbers a breathtaking approach to the mountain’s highest point. It is prudent to allow an additional day to your climbing safari in order to acclimate to the altitude when ascending Mount Kenya via the Sirimon route.
The Sirimon route consists of two camps to stay in while climbing the volcano: Shipton’s camp, located at 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), and Old Moses, located at 3,300 meters (10,800 feet).
The Burguret route
The Burguret path is a difficult ascent route that is best suited for individuals who must climb Mount Kenya alone. It is rarely utilized. The Burguret Route begins in a tropical rainforest with untamed plants and a lot of mud.
The Burguret path can be coupled with additional routes or trails to allow for a minimum 3-night climb to the summit of the spectacular Mount Kenya.
Rout of Naro Moru
The most direct, well-traveled, and shortest path for climbing Mount Kenya is the Naro Moru route, which is also the busiest due to its short length. The greatest path to climb Mount Kenya is the Naro Moru route since it is comparatively quick and easy, provides breathtaking vistas of vibrant plant life, and has one of the nicest locations to see throughout the trip—the occasionally flooded Vertical Bog.
The Naro Moru route can be climbed in a single day, however it is preferable to take two days and one night.
The Chogoria route
The Chogoria path offers breathtaking scenery, including views of waterfalls and an incredible gorge, and is an excellent choice for both climbing Mount Kenya and descending the volcano.
It takes six days to climb Mount Kenya via the Chogoria route, plus three days for descent.
Timau Road
The Timau path is an older track on Mount Kenya that is today less popular. Because it does not have a place to stay overnight, Timau is not one of the finest routes to use when climbing Mount Kenya.
The Nelion path via the South Ridge
Climbers can enjoy breath-taking vistas as they follow the south face of Mount Kenya via the South Ridge Route to Nelion, which leads to Nelion summit, which is adjacent to the highest summit of the mountain.
It takes 8 hours to climb Mount Kenya using the South Ridge path to Nelion and 3 hours to descend (two days and one night).
North-facing path to Batian
Climbers can reach the summit of Batian Peak from Nelion by ascending the mountain’s north face, which is a great route for them to use.
The hardest path to climb Mount Kenya is this one, which is primarily taken by experienced climbers. It takes about 12 hours to reach the summit and 5 hours to descend (2 days and 1 night).
How is the climate in Mount Kenya right now?
The equator, where the volcano is located, is linked to Mount Kenya’s climate, which is often warm and sunny during the day and gradually cools off at night.
There are two distinct seasons on Mount Kenya: the dry season, which runs from mid-March to June, and the wet season, which runs from July to September and December to March. The optimum time to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry season, which is marked by relatively little precipitation and average daily temperatures that range from 11 to 26 degrees Celsius depending on the elevation.
Although temperatures rarely dip below freezing while climbing Mount Kenya, you will be spending the night at high altitudes on the summit. For this reason, it is advisable to pack warm gear, especially at night.
A sleeping bag, thermal base layers, fleeces, and protective outer layers are essentials for climbing Mount Kenya.
What is the price of hiring a guide to climb Mount Kenya?
A guide is necessary for climbing Mount Kenya, and the cost of climbing this volcano including an experienced guide usually varies depending on how long the climb takes. Climbing Mount Kenya is available in packages, as seen below.
CITIZENS/RESIDENTS Adults (Kshs) Non-residents
Youngster/student (Kshs)Adult ($US$)Child/Student ($US$)
Day trip to Mount Kenya: 250~215~30~20; Three-day package: 700~645~85~55; Four-day package: 950~860~110~75; Five-day package: 1,200~1,075~140~95; Six-day package: 1,450~1,290~175~115
Note that the prices shown above are valid from 2020 to 2021.
