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 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).
Should you’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountaineering expertise. However should you’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an effective pair of mountaineering boots. You may conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with just some days of mountaineering.
This massif is ideal for many who love a very good problem in a panoramic setting. Though 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 implausible spot for nature lovers and climbers searching for a problem. With three peaks to beat, you may tailor your climb to your ability degree and make it as powerful as you want.
The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly should 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 wonderful to take it straightforward. And don’t overlook to drink numerous water to maintain your self effectively hydrated.
Associated learn: Reasons to Visit Kenya
Right here’s an outline:
Completely 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 method to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes by way of Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and at last reaches Level Lenana.
This route was some of the 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 remains 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 affords a novel expertise, main you thru a vertical bathroom 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 often thought-about one of many simpler ones, because it climbs regularly with just some steeper sections to achieve 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 manner by way of Previous 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. 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 a terrific viewpoint if the climate is evident. The strategy to the peaks alongside the traditional U-shaped MacKinder Valley may be gorgeous in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is house to many big 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 advocate in additional element beneath.
Chogoria Route
For a scenic journey, begin at Chogoria and go by way of Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your method to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as probably 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 by utilizing 4×4 automobiles to skip the decrease part. It’s widespread 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 often spend the evening, whereas shoppers need to arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its gorgeous bodily panorama. Not like 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. Further 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 overlook concerning the Burguret Route (identified for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).
The Burguret route might not be as common because 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 amenities like huts. You’ll want to rearrange with the rangers prematurely and make funds at a special 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 differ 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 somewhat than comply with a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, positioned on the north facet, can also be hardly ever traveled.
It was once a preferred route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its manner 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 circumstances differ, however automobiles usually don’t exceed round 3400m.
Whereas it’s nonetheless technically attainable to climb through this route, it’s advisable to seek the advice of with the Rangers for present circumstances.
Our Advice: 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 finest strolling is accessible on the dry facet 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 facet of the mountain, and entry is ample.
Ranging from the underside and mountaineering your manner 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 go by way of mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive flowers like big 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 really a sight to behold.
Should you hang around on the decrease slopes among the many lush forests and bamboo thickets, you may catch a glimpse of elephants, bushbucks, big forest hogs, and even buffalo. Then again, the Afroalpine heights are house to huge tree heaths, quirky big senecias and big 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 / Previous Moses
Departure from Nairobi at 0700 hrs out of your lodge 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 is not only a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.
As you traverse by way of varied vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, maintain an eye fixed out for distinctive natural world. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the various 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 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 fantastic thing about Mount Kenya.
Maintain your digital camera helpful to seize glimpses of wildlife, comparable 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 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 ultimately results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.
The path affords 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 encircling 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 manner 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 along with your transport car, marking the top of your Mount Kenya journey.
The return journey to Nairobi is full of recollections of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie cast through the trek.
Contact the Alpine Holidays workforce by way of the shape beneath, get extra information or guide your trekking journey of a lifetime.
They may often reply to your message inside 24 hours.
When Is the Finest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a implausible climb any time of the 12 months!
In April and Might, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
Should you’re searching for 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 best climate and views.
Understand that mountain climate may be unpredictable, so all seasons may make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons provides you with probably the most bang in your buck.
Being close to the equator, it may possibly get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so be certain that 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
To your journey, be sure you have cozy sneakers, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
Should you’re tackling these peaks, don’t overlook your climbing gear! Deliver maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, after all, 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 sunglasses!
Associated learn: Trekking Essentials to Carry While Hiking
The view from the highest looking over the limitless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that onerous work value it in the long run.
Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?
