Mount Kenya is like the final word trekking spot in Kenya! Certain, most individuals consider Kenya for its seashores and safaris, however this mountain is a hidden gem for journey seekers.
And sure, most people 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 case you’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountaineering expertise. However for those who’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an efficient pair of mountain climbing boots. You’ll be able to conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with only a few days of mountain climbing.
This massif is ideal for individuals who love a great problem in a wide ranging setting. Despite the fact 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 unbelievable spot for nature lovers and climbers on the lookout for a problem. With three peaks to beat, you may tailor your climb to your talent degree and make it as robust as you want.
The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly for those who take your time. Going at a leisurely tempo is the key to steering away from altitude illness and making it to your aim with ease. When you hit 3000 meters, it’s completely positive to take it simple. And don’t neglect to drink a number of water to maintain your self effectively 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 strategy to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes by way of Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and eventually reaches Level Lenana.
This route was one of the crucial widespread decisions as a result of it’s brief and has handy huts at Met Station (3050m) and MacKinders (4200m). The forest alongside this route remains to be lush, with a dense bamboo zone. Many climbers sometimes begin on the park gate, however driving as much as the Met Station (3050 meters) is feasible.
The trek alongside Naro Moru gives a novel expertise, main you thru a vertical lavatory into the expansive Teleki Valley beneath 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 normally thought-about one of many simpler ones, because it climbs step by step with only a few 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 by way of Previous Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, and eventually attain Level Lenana.
The forest is sparse alongside this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very distinguished. A lot of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. If 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 basic U-shaped MacKinder Valley could be beautiful in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is house to many big Lobelia and Groundsel, the basic flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will doubtless spot Rock Hyrax at Shipton’s cave or hut.
That is additionally the route that we advocate in additional element beneath.
Chogoria Route
For a scenic journey, begin at Chogoria and move by way of Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your strategy to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is usually hailed as probably the most stunning path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the way in which, the journey could be made shorter by utilizing 4×4 automobiles to skip the decrease part. It’s frequent observe to drive 4x4s by way of the forest till you attain the Meru Bandas at 3000m.
Simply previous the junction close to “The Temple” at 4300m, you’ll discover an outdated, considerably shaky hut the place porters normally spend the evening, whereas shoppers must arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its beautiful bodily panorama. In contrast to different routes that comply with 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 Large’s Billiard Desk, and the Nithi Falls make this route much more charming.
Many climbers select to descend by way of the Chogoria after ascending different routes.
Burguret Route
Don’t neglect concerning the Burguret Route (recognized for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).
The Burguret route will not be as widespread as a result of its difficult navigation and lack of facilities. Nonetheless, the rugged, undeveloped nature of the path and the potential of having all of it to your self could be a draw for some adventurers.
In contrast to 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 distinct gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.
Navigating by way of the bamboo forest within the decrease part may require some steerage from the guides, particularly if there haven’t been current hikers. The route can fluctuate till you attain the primary tenting spot at Kampi Ya Machengeni (3000m) within the moorlands.
The subsequent stretch is extra open and simpler to navigate, however you’ll nonetheless have to carve out your individual path relatively than comply with a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, situated on the north aspect, can also be not often traveled.
It was once a well-liked route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its means by way of 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 situations fluctuate, however automobiles sometimes don’t exceed round 3400m.
Whereas it’s nonetheless technically attainable to climb by way of this route, it’s really useful to seek the advice of with the Rangers for present situations.
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 may be higher surroundings than Naromoru, and a few of the finest strolling is out there on the dry aspect of the mountain.
Ascend by way of 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 aspect of the mountain, and entry is ample.
Ranging from the underside and mountain climbing your means up, you’ll be handled to a very numerous 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 by way of mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive flowers like large heaths and coso timber, 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 really a sight to behold.
In case 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. Alternatively, the Afroalpine heights are house to large tree heaths, quirky large senecias and large lobelias, with rock hyraxes maintaining 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 / Previous 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 Previous Moses camp for in a single day (3300m), 3 to 4 hour hike (9kms). Previous Moses camp is the place you acclimatize as you additionally come throughout totally different vegetation.
Previous Moses Camp isn’t just a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.
As you traverse by way of numerous vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, hold a watch out for distinctive wildlife. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the varied ecosystems that characterize Mount Kenya.
Day 2: Previous 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 by way of Liki and Makinders valleys, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of rugged landscapes and towering peaks. This portion of the journey sometimes spans 6 to eight hours, overlaying 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.
Preserve your digicam useful to seize glimpses of wildlife, resembling rock hyraxes, duikers, and numerous chook species that inhabit these high-altitude areas.
Day 3: Shipton Camp / Level Lenana / Judmaier Camp (Previous Moses Camp)
That is the head 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 ultimately results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.
The path gives awe-inspiring views as you ascend in direction of Level Lenana, Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak, standing at roughly 4985 meters above sea degree.
Reaching Level Lenana round dawn rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the encompassing peaks and the huge expanse beneath. 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 Previous Moses Camp, retracing your steps by way of acquainted terrain for roughly 4 hours.
Day 4: Judamaier Camp (Previous 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 by way of the luxurious rainforest. The path winds its means down for about 2 hours, providing trekkers an opportunity to replicate 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 top of your Mount Kenya journey.
The return journey to Nairobi is full of reminiscences of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie cast through the trek.
Contact the Alpine Holidays group by way of the shape beneath, get extra information or guide your trekking journey of a lifetime.
They’ll normally reply to your message inside 24 hours.
When Is the Greatest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a unbelievable climb any time of the 12 months!
In April and Might, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
In case you’re on the lookout for optimum situations, 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.
Take into account that mountain climate could be unpredictable, so all seasons may make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons offers you probably the most bang on your buck.
Being close to the equator, it could get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so make certain to pack heat garments or a comfortable sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.
Dressing for large temperature swings is vital for a profitable trek!
Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya
In your journey, ensure you have comfortable sneakers, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
In case you’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Convey maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, in fact, pack a primary support package simply in case.
Don’t miss out on capturing the views with a digicam and binoculars, and defend your self from the solar with a solar hat, sunscreen, and trendy sun shades!
Associated learn: Trekking Necessities to Carry Whereas Mountain climbing
The view from the highest looking over the limitless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that onerous work price it ultimately.
Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?
