Super User 26 July 2023

Best Travel Guide To Mount Kenya Hiking/Climbing Adventures In Kenya

Climbing Mount Kenya is an experience of a lifetime, highly recommended to the adventurous traveler willing to forego some of life’s luxuries for a few days. Point Lenana (4985m) can be achieved by any physically fit person and no climbing experience is necessary.

About Mount Kenya;

Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain and offers a choice of exciting treks and climbs through varied ecosystems and awe-inspiring scenery. With its volcanic ridges and glacial valleys radiating across the land like spokes from a wheel, the massive bulk of Mount Kenya straddles the Equator yet is permanently crowned with snow. The Mount Kenya National Park, surrounded by 2000 square kilometers of Forest Reserve, is dominated by the twin summits of Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m).

It is also possible to hike on the mountain without the pressure of a summit climb. There are plenty of trails off the beaten track where you can spend time appreciating the dramatic and varied landscape.

How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kenya?

Climbing Mount Kenya to Point Lenana takes 4-6 days, depending on the route and the hiker's fitness level. An out-and-back trip using the Sirimon route takes around 4 days, while a point-to-point hike from Chogoria to Sirimon or Naro Moru takes 4 to 6 days.

Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the most popular African trekking tours. The hiking tour takes you through two of the most scenic routes up Mount Kenya, Sirimon and Chogoria, producing a remarkably diverse and spectacular trek. Sirimon coming off the west of Mount Kenya passes through the dry side of the mountain with its giant trees and rocky terrain, and the descent onto the Chogoria path is exactly different with its lush bamboo and highland forests.

The final nighttime ascent of Point Lenana can be as difficult as any ascent in East Africa, but the rest of the trek is generally considered easier than either Kilimanjaro or the Rwenzoris, and this is the most likely climb for actually seeing big game.

Accommodation on this hike is in mountain huts. Nonetheless, if you prefer to camp you can do so on all night on the mountain.

Sirimon Route Trek of Mount Kenya (4 Days Trek);

Day 1: Nairobi - Sirimon gate- Old Moses camp. (3,300m) 3-4 hours, 9km, 680 Ascent.
After pick up in Nairobi, drive to Nanyuki town for lunch crossing the equator en route to the Sirimon Park gate (2660m). From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo, and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first hut (Old Moses camp 3,300m) for dinner and overnight. This is a gentle trek that takes 3 - 4 hours gaining an elevation of 680m.

Day 2: Old Moses - Shipton camp (4200m). 7 hours, 14km, 900m Ascent.
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking right at the junction. After a water break, you continue on the track crossing Ontulili River before turning right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North River, and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the Shipton Camp. This camp is a surreal setting below the towering peaks and glaciers. The resident population is Rock Hyrax and Sunbirds.

Day 3: Shipton Camp - Acclimatisation Day.

For better acclimatization, you can take a rest day at the Shipton camp. Short walks/day hikes are possible on the summit climb to Oblong and Hausberg tarns gaining an elevation of 370m before returning to the camp for lunch. The afternoon is for leisure.

N.B: Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatization - but you can do that almost as well toughing in the sun watching the eagles!

Day 4: Shipton - Point Lenana (4,985m)- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) 11-12 hrs, 785 Ascent, 2,085 Descent.

Kick-off at 3. am to reach Point Lenana in time for the African Sunrise. The climb starts on frozen scree and continues on a rocky track with some very minor scrambling. With a good moon, you barely need a torch. Without a Moon then the pollution-free sky bangs on the ground giving you as good a view of the Stars as almost anywhere on Earth.

The climb takes 3-4 hours and to add to the exhilaration, Mt Kilimanjaro is also visible from the horizon
Descend to Minto`s hut for a full breakfast. After short rests descend further to Mt Kenya Bandas along the Gorges Valley where you can enjoy good views of the Temple, Lake Michaelson, Mushroom Rocks, and Giants Billiards Table Mountain.

Dinner and overnight at the Mt Kenya Bandas.

Here you can enjoy log fires, hot showers, and beds at the Bandas.

Day 5: Meru Bandas- Chogoria town. 2 hours, 10km

After breakfast, descend on a broad track through bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet the vehicle for transfer to Chogoria town and further to Nairobi.

Best Time to visit Mount Kenya;

The best times to visit Mount Kenya are June to October and December to March. The ground is at its driest from January to March, the ideal month for camping and access to the park gates. At other times of the year, the ground is wetter, and occasionally an itinerary has to be changed if an access route becomes too waterlogged.

It is advisable to avoid April to May and November, the long and short rains respectively. You may well experience the odd shower whatever time of year you visit. The mountain has its microclimate with convectional rainfall sometimes occurring from late morning to late afternoon.

Arrange with Ultimate Wild Safaris for bookings and inquiries;

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