Mountain Kenya
Facts About Mount Kenya
- Place: Kenya
- Duration: From 4 Days
- Hotel , Lodges and Tents
- Cost: From $500.
Mountain Kenya
Mount Kenya Natural History
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers.
Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of it’s taller neighbour Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Kili may see much more traffic – due to the possibility of summitting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honour of being one of the Seven Summits – but Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice.
The rock on Mount Kenya can be of variable quality but is at it’s best high on the mountain where the syenite rock is similar to granite – rough, hard and well endowed with features.
Apart from the superb climbing potential on Mount Kenya, its tarns and alpine meadows; exotic, equatorial, high-altitude vegetation; sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains.
After the cultivated farmlands on the lower slopes the trails pass through the rain forest, rich in trees of many species but noticeably camphors, then onto a bamboo zone growing to heights of more than 12m or more up through open moor land before reaching the moonscape of higher slopes. The forests are rich in wildlife including elephant, buffalo and monkeys with even the moor lands offering a long list of mammals including the rock hyrax, the nearest living relative of the elephant.
Mt. Kenya is an ancient volcanic mountain much older than Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s believed to have once reached well above 600m. What is left today is volcanic plug which erosion has fashioned into the complex jagged outline of the central peaks.
Getting to Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is approximately 200km north of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and is comfortably accessible by road using a variety of transport options – buses, mini buses, taxi cab or a car hire will get you close to the mountain on the tarred roads to the nearest town: Naromoru town for Naro Moru route, Nanyuki town for Sirimon route and Chogoria town for Chogoria route. Mt Kenya Hiking, Mount Kenya Climbing, Mount Kenya Trekking, Climbing Africa Mountains, Climbing Mt Kenya, Walking on Mount Kenya, Mount Kenya Trekking Route, Naro Moru Route, Nanyuki, Sirimon Route on Mount Kenya, Shiptons Camp,
The last stretch from the nearest town to the various trailheads (typically +/- 25km) will be on dirt roads and these can be in poor condition (especially in wet weather) and require a 4WD, or an approach on foot.
Highlights About Mount Kenya .
- Second highest mountain in Africa (5,199 meters above sea level)
- Located in central Kenya, north of Nairobi
- Three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana
- Major water catchment area for over 50% of Kenya's population
- Popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, with established climbing routes.
Contact us.
Mount Kenya Details .
When to Trek Mount Kenya
Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, the highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain where it reaches 2500mm. per year at 3000m. Rain and, higher up, snow can however be encountered at any time of year – even in the driest periods (January and February). Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings, and convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon.
Temperatures vary considerably with height and with time of day. At 3000m. frosts can be encountered at night while day temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period. During this time rock climbs are “in-condition” and snow and ice climbs gradually deteriorate. In the June to October period the north-facing rock climbs and south-facing ice climbs are best.
It’s safest to climb Mt. Kenya during the dry seasons: January – February and August to September off the most reliably fine weather. The main routes are likely to be more crowded at this time of the year. If you favor complete solitude over the sunny skies, try going slightly off the peak season. It’s best to avoid the two rainy seasons from mid March until June and from late October to the end of December.
Mount Kenya Vegetation
Mount Kenya is home to some fascinating high-altitude alpine vegetation including giant groundsels and lobelias.
In the lower-altitude forest zone trekkers may come across some rather large and uncompromising African wildlife such as elephants and buffalo – fortunately these are mostly active only at night. Lions, leopard, rock hyrax, various antelope species and a wide range of other creatures large and small occur in the park.
About Routes .
Day 1.
We pick you up at your accommodation in Nairobi (or other location) and then drive you to Naro Moru town. We then proceed to the park gate where we register. By this time the elevation is 2400 m (7900 ft). We then begin the hike through 8 km (5 mi) of beautiful rainforest. We arrive at Met station (3050 m or 10200 ft), have dinner and overnight in the hut.
Day 2.
After an early breakfast, we hike and get into a steep bog and walk through Teleki valley, named after the Hungarian explorer Samuel Teleki. After a 6-7 hour hike, we arrive at Mackinders camp (4200 m = 14000 ft) where we have lunch and rest. Later we will have dinner and overnight in the hut.
Day 3.
In order to summit point Lenana (4985 m = 16355 ft) in time for sunrise, we get up 2 am. Yes, 2 am. This is not for whimps. Then we walk for 4 hrs through a long scree and summit at dawn. You will be treated to and incredible view of beatiful peaks, tarn lakes, glaciers and valleys. We then descend to Met Station for dinner and an over night at the hut.
Day 4.
We descend to park Gate, and meet with our transfer car back to Nairobi. If you prefer we could arrange for you to stay overnight at Naro Moru River lodge before returning to Nairobi.
Day 1.
We pick you up in Nairobi (or other location) and drive to the quaint town of Nanyuki. We enter the park by the Sirimoni gate (2600 m = 8500 ft) and then proceed on a gentle (but uphill) 9 km (5.6 mi) hike to the first of our camps “Old Moses”. The hike takes about 3 hrs in total and we have dinner and sleep overnight at the Old Moses hut.
Day 2.
After breakfast we leave the camp at 7am and depart for Shipton’s camp which takes about 6 to 7 hrs to walk. We have lunch en route. Shipton’s camp is at 4200m (13800 ft). Here we stay, have dinner and overnight at the hut.
Day 3.
After breakfast, we do the summit circuit from the western side of the mountain,hiking through Houseberg Valley via two tarns up Austrian hut at 4700 m (15400 ft). We arrive at the hut at lunch time. After lunch, we hike for 45 minutes up to point Lenana and then descend to the same hut for dinner and over night.
Day 4.
After breakfast descend through the upper and lower simba col, pass by Shipton’s to Old Moses camp. We have dinner and stay overnight at Old Moses.
Day 5.
We descend to the Sirimoni park gate and meet with the transfer car back to Nairobi.
Day 1.
We pick you up in Nairobi (or other location) and travel to the town of Chogoria. From Chogoria to park gate is 22km which we travel by Landrover to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas. This is also the location of the the park gate. We have our dinner and stay here overnight.
Day 2.
After breakfast, we walk for 6 -7 hrs up to Mintos hut at 4300 m (14100 ft) for dinner and overnight.
Day 3.
We leave the hut early at 2 am and hike through the scree to reach the summit of point lenana 4985 m (16345 ft) at dawn. You will be treated to and incredible view of beatiful peaks, tarn lakes, glaciers and valleys. After summiting, we have a choice to descend via the Sirimoni route or Naro Moru route, described above.
Day 4.
We descend down to park gate and meet with our transfer car for the trip back to Nairobi.
FAQ
- Some of the most popular hiking destinations in Kenya include Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Range, and the Chyulu Hills.
The difficulty level of hiking in Kenya can vary, ranging from easy to strenuous, depending on the trail and altitude.
The best time for hiking in Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from June to October, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
Hikers should bring sturdy and comfortable shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather and altitude, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
- Hiking in Kenya can be safe if proper safety precautions are taken, such as hiking with a guide, staying on marked trails, and being aware of wildlife.
- Visitors may need to obtain permits for certain hikes, such as on Mount Kenya, and should follow park regulations and guidelines to protect the natural environment.
- Hiking on your own in Kenya can be challenging and is not recommended, especially in remote areas. It is best to hike with a guide who is familiar with the trail and environment.
- Yes, there are several tour companies and local guides who offer hiking tours in Kenya.
- Yes, it is recommended to bring your own food and water on a hike, especially in remote areas where resources may be limited.
The length of a hike in Kenya can vary, ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the destination and trail.
Contact us.
When to Trek Mount Kenya.
Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, the highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain where it reaches 2500mm. per year at 3000m. Rain and, higher up, snow can however be encountered at any time of year – even in the driest periods (January and February). Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings, and convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon.
There are three main routes, which penetrate the forest and the moorland. The routes are: Naromoru route, Sirimon route and Chogoria route and each of which has something different to offer. The other routes which are dormant are the Timau Route, Burguret Route, Meru Route and Kamweti Route
Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon route – The least used of the three main routes, but features the most gradual ascent profile and best acclimatization options and above all the most interesting since its on the drier side on the mountain. The route passes through impressive Yellowwood forests in the lower reaches and features abundant wildlife and beautiful alpine scenery higher up.
Climbing Mount Kenya Naro Moru route – The fastest route to point Lenana but not as scenic as the other two. It is often overcrowded with many climbers since it’s the most popular route compared to Chogoria route and Sirimon route.
Address:
275,Sombetini Road, P.o.box 275, Arusha, Tanzania Phone:+255655707352
Email:
info@travelers Africa.com
Open Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm
