Mount Kenya is like the final 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 people can identify the very 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).
If you happen to’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountain climbing expertise. However when you’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an effective pair of mountain climbing boots. You may conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with only a few days of mountain climbing.
This massif is ideal for many who love a superb problem in a wide ranging 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 incredible spot for nature lovers and climbers on the lookout for a problem. With three peaks to overcome, you may tailor your climb to your ability degree and make it as robust as you want.
The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly when 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 overlook to drink numerous water to maintain your self properly hydrated.
Associated learn: Causes to Go to Kenya
Right here’s an summary:
Totally different Routes To Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya
Here’s a breakdown of the completely different routes to take in your trek on Mount Kenya.
Naro-Moru Route
This route is the quickest technique to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes by means of Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and eventually reaches Level Lenana.
This route was one of the crucial common selections as a result of it’s quick 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 sometimes begin on the park gate, however driving as much as the Met Station (3050 meters) is feasible.
The trek alongside Naro Moru provides 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 normally thought-about one of many simpler ones, because it climbs progressively with only a few steeper sections to succeed in the highest camp. It’s at the moment the most well-liked route however not overly crowded.
Start your journey from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your means by means 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. Many of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. While 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 could be gorgeous in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is residence to many big Lobelia and Groundsel, the traditional flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will seemingly 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 cross by means of Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your technique to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as essentially the most lovely path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the way in which, the journey could be made shorter through the use of 4×4 autos to skip the decrease part. It’s widespread observe to drive 4x4s by means 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 previous, considerably shaky hut the place porters normally spend the night time, whereas shoppers must arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its gorgeous bodily panorama. In contrast to 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 fascinating.
Many climbers select to descend by way of the Chogoria after ascending different routes.
Burguret Route
Don’t overlook in regards to the Burguret Route (identified for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).
The Burguret route might not be as common resulting from 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 unique gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.
Navigating by means of 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 fluctuate 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 have to carve out your individual path quite than observe a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, situated on the north facet, can also be not often traveled.
It was a well-liked route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its means by means 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 satisfy the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.
The route’s situations fluctuate, however autos sometimes don’t exceed round 3400m.
Whereas it’s nonetheless technically doable to climb by way of this route, it’s beneficial 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 among the finest strolling is accessible on the dry facet of the mountain.
Ascend by means of the woodland and onto a broad slope to succeed in 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 ample.
Ranging from the underside and mountain climbing your means up, you’ll be handled to a really 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 cross by means of mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive plants 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 gorgeous 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.
If you happen to 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 residence to large tree heaths, quirky large senecias and large lobelias, with rock hyraxes retaining 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 completely different vegetation.
Previous Moses Camp isn’t just a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.
As you traverse by means of varied vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, maintain 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 means 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 based mostly 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 fantastic thing about Mount Kenya.
Maintain your digital camera helpful to seize glimpses of wildlife, corresponding to rock hyraxes, duikers, and varied fowl 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 finally results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.
The path provides 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 degree.
Reaching Level Lenana round dawn rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the encompassing 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 Previous Moses Camp, retracing your steps by means of acquainted terrain for about 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 means 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 along with your transport automobile, marking the top of your Mount Kenya journey.
The return journey to Nairobi is stuffed with recollections of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie cast throughout the trek.
Contact the Alpine Holidays staff by means of the shape under, get extra data or e book your trekking journey of a lifetime.
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When Is the Greatest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a incredible climb any time of the yr!
In April and Could, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for optimum situations, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This manner, you may keep away from the wet season and benefit from the best climate and views.
Needless to say mountain climate could be unpredictable, so all seasons may make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons gives you essentially the most bang to your buck.
Being close to the equator, it could get fairly chilly at night time and the summit, so make certain to pack heat garments or a comfy sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.
Dressing for large temperature swings is essential for a profitable trek!
Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya
To your journey, be sure you have comfortable footwear, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
If you happen to’re tackling these peaks, don’t overlook your climbing gear! Convey maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, after all, pack a primary assist equipment 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 trendy sun shades!
Associated learn: Trekking Necessities to Carry Whereas Mountain climbing
The view from the highest searching over the countless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that arduous work price it in the long run.
Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?
