Mount Kenya is like the last word trekking spot in Kenya! Positive, most individuals consider Kenya for its seashores and safaris, however this mountain is a hidden gem for journey seekers.
And sure, most folk can identify the best mountain in Africa, however do you know that Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain? Standing at 5,199 meters, Batian Peak is only a tad taller than Nelion (5,1888 m) and Level Lenana (4,985 m).
In the event you’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountaineering expertise. However in case you’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an effective pair of mountaineering boots. You possibly can conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with just some days of mountaineering.
This massif is ideal for individuals who love a superb problem in a panoramic setting. Regardless that it’s on the equator, the primary peak Batian, is an actual showstopper with its snow-capped glaciers. Guests flock right here year-round for the breathtaking views! It’s a improbable spot for nature lovers and climbers in search of a problem. With three peaks to beat, you may tailor your climb to your talent stage and make it as robust as you want.
The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly in case you take your time. Going at a leisurely tempo is the key to steering away from altitude illness and making it to your purpose with ease. When you hit 3000 meters, it’s completely tremendous to take it simple. And don’t neglect to drink a number of water to maintain your self nicely hydrated.
Associated learn: Causes to Go to Kenya
Right here’s an outline:
Completely different Routes To Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya
Here’s a breakdown of the totally different routes to take in your trek on Mount Kenya.
Naro-Moru Route
This route is the quickest option to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes via Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and at last reaches Level Lenana.
This route was one of the vital common decisions as a result of it’s brief and has handy huts at Met Station (3050m) and MacKinders (4200m). The forest alongside this route continues to be lush, with a dense bamboo zone. Many climbers usually begin on the park gate, however driving as much as the Met Station (3050 meters) is feasible.
The trek alongside Naro Moru presents a singular expertise, main you thru a vertical lavatory into the expansive Teleki Valley under the Lewis Glacier. Within the Teleki Valley, you’ll encounter iconic Tree and Cabbage Groundsels and Lobelia Telekii and Deckenii.
Sirimon Route
The route is often thought of one of many simpler ones, because it climbs steadily with just some steeper sections to achieve the highest camp. It’s presently the preferred route however not overly crowded.
Start your journey from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your means via Outdated Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, and at last attain Level Lenana.
The forest is sparse alongside this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very outstanding. A lot of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. Whenever you cross the ridge into the MacKinder Valley, you’ll have an important viewpoint if the climate is evident. The method to the peaks alongside the traditional U-shaped MacKinder Valley may be beautiful in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is dwelling to many huge Lobelia and Groundsel, the traditional flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will possible spot Rock Hyrax at Shipton’s cave or hut.
That is additionally the route that we suggest in additional element under.
Chogoria Route
For a scenic journey, begin at Chogoria and move via Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your option to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as essentially the most stunning path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the way in which, the journey may be made shorter through the use of 4×4 autos to skip the decrease part. It’s widespread observe to drive 4x4s via the forest till you attain the Meru Bandas at 3000m.
Simply previous the junction close to “The Temple” at 4300m, you’ll discover an previous, considerably shaky hut the place porters often spend the evening, whereas shoppers should arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its beautiful bodily panorama. Not like different routes that observe a U-shaped glacial valley, the Chogoria winds across the spectacular ‘Temple’ with Corridor Tarns above it and Lake Michaelson on the base of the amphitheater. Extra highlights like Lake Ellis, the Big’s Billiard Desk, and the Nithi Falls make this route much more charming.
Many climbers select to descend through the Chogoria after ascending different routes.
Burguret Route
Don’t neglect in regards to the Burguret Route (recognized for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).
The Burguret route might not be as common as a result of its difficult navigation and lack of facilities. Nonetheless, the rugged, undeveloped nature of the path and the opportunity of having all of it to your self is usually a draw for some adventurers.
Not like different routes, Burguret doesn’t have a clearly marked path or any services like huts. You’ll want to rearrange with the rangers prematurely and make funds at a unique gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.
Navigating via the bamboo forest within the decrease part may require some steerage from the guides, particularly if there haven’t been latest hikers. The route can range till you attain the primary tenting spot at Kampi Ya Machengeni (3000m) within the moorlands.
The following stretch is extra open and simpler to navigate, however you’ll nonetheless must carve out your individual path quite than observe a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, situated on the north facet, can be not often traveled.
It was a preferred route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its means via the milder northern slopes earlier than getting steeper at round 4200m.
From there, it descends sharply into and throughout the Hinde Valley and the Nithi North River earlier than ascending to fulfill the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.
The route’s circumstances range, however autos usually don’t exceed round 3400m.
Whereas it’s nonetheless technically attainable to climb through this route, it’s really useful to seek the advice of with the Rangers for present circumstances.
Our Suggestion: Sirimon Route
Match journey trekkers will discover the Sirimon Route on Mount Kenya to be a enjoyable and simply accessible trekking route. There’s higher surroundings than Naromoru, and a few of the greatest strolling is accessible on the dry facet of the mountain.
Ascend via the woodland and onto a broad slope to achieve the summit location. The route begins near Nanyuki on the northwest face of the mountain.
The bunkhouse facilities are the best on this facet of the mountain, and entry is adequate.
Ranging from the underside and mountaineering your means up, you’ll be handled to a really various panorama. The path takes you thru a mixture of deciduous forest, gallery forests, and the luxurious Afroalpine rainforest on the base of the massif. As you proceed, you’ll move via mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive flora like large heaths and coso bushes, bogs, and grasslands.
As you ascend, you’ll encounter spectacular senzenzias and lobelias earlier than reaching the highest with its beautiful rock and ice formations. There are 800 plant species on this space, with 81 discovered nowhere else – a colourful show of uncommon and tropical nature that’s actually a sight to behold.
In the event you hang around on the decrease slopes among the many lush forests and bamboo thickets, you may catch a glimpse of elephants, bushbucks, large forest hogs, and even buffalo. Then again, the Afroalpine heights are dwelling to huge tree heaths, quirky large senecias and large lobelias, with rock hyraxes holding hikers and climbers firm.
4 Days Up and Down Sirimon Route
Right here’s a breakdown of the 4 days of trekking to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya.
Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Outdated Moses
Departure from Nairobi at 0700 hrs out of your resort and switch to Nanyuki, arriving after 3 hours. Later switch to Sirimon gate and hike to Outdated Moses camp for in a single day (3300m), 3 to 4 hour hike (9kms). Outdated Moses camp is the place you acclimatize as you additionally come throughout totally different vegetation.
Outdated Moses Camp isn’t just a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.
As you traverse via numerous vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, hold an eye fixed out for distinctive natural world. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the varied ecosystems that characterize Mount Kenya.
Day 2: Outdated Moses – Shiptons
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic hike to Shipton’s Camp, located at an elevation of 4200 meters. The path meanders via Liki and Makinders valleys, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of rugged landscapes and towering peaks. This portion of the journey usually spans 6 to eight hours, masking a distance that varies primarily based on the tempo and stops alongside the way in which.
Shipton’s Camp serves as a high-altitude base for trekkers, providing important facilities amidst the uncooked great thing about Mount Kenya.
Maintain your digital camera useful to seize glimpses of wildlife, similar to rock hyraxes, duikers, and numerous fowl species that inhabit these high-altitude areas.
Day 3: Shipton Camp / Level Lenana / Judmaier Camp (Outdated Moses Camp)
That is the top of your Mount Kenya journey as you set out for the summit bid within the early morning hours. Departing from Shipton’s Camp at 3 am, the ascent begins with a difficult climb up a steep stony quarry, which finally results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.
The path presents awe-inspiring views as you ascend in the direction of Level Lenana, Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak, standing at roughly 4985 meters above sea stage.
Reaching Level Lenana round dawn rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the encircling peaks and the huge expanse under. After soaking within the majestic dawn, the descent again to Shipton’s Camp takes round 2 hours, the place a well-deserved breakfast awaits.
The journey continues as you descend additional to Outdated Moses Camp, retracing your steps via acquainted terrain for about 4 hours.
Day 4: Judamaier Camp (Outdated Moses) / Sirimon / Nairobi
On the ultimate day of your trek, after a satisfying breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the mountain and start the descent via the luxurious rainforest. The path winds its means down for about 2 hours, providing trekkers an opportunity to mirror on their journey amidst the tranquility of the forest.
As you emerge from the dense vegetation, you’ll reunite together with your transport automobile, marking the tip of your Mount Kenya journey.
The return journey to Nairobi is full of recollections of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie solid through the trek.
Contact the Alpine Holidays staff via the shape under, get extra data or ebook your trekking journey of a lifetime.
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When Is the Finest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a improbable climb any time of the 12 months!
In April and Could, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
In the event you’re in search of optimum circumstances, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This fashion, you may keep away from the wet season and benefit from the most interesting climate and views.
Remember that mountain climate may be unpredictable, so all seasons may make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons offers you essentially the most bang on your buck.
Being close to the equator, it might get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so be sure to pack heat garments or a comfy sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.
Dressing for giant temperature swings is vital for a profitable trek!
Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya
On your journey, be sure to have comfortable footwear, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
In the event you’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Deliver maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, in fact, pack a primary help package simply in case.
Don’t miss out on capturing the views with a digital camera and binoculars, and shield your self from the solar with a solar hat, sunscreen, and classy sun shades!
Associated learn: Trekking Necessities to Carry Whereas Climbing
The view from the highest looking over the countless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that tough work value it ultimately.
Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?
