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 title 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).
For those who’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 possibly can conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with only a few days of mountaineering.
This massif is ideal for many who love a superb problem in a wide ranging setting. Regardless that it’s on the equator, the principle 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 beat, you possibly can 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 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 high quality to take it straightforward. 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 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 strategy to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes via Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and eventually reaches Level Lenana.
This route was one of the vital well-liked 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 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 singular 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 often thought-about one of many simpler ones, because it climbs steadily with only a few steeper sections to succeed in the highest camp. It’s presently the most well-liked route however not overly crowded.
Start your journey from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your method via Outdated 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 incredible viewpoint if the climate is obvious. The strategy to the peaks alongside the basic U-shaped MacKinder Valley will be beautiful in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is residence to many big Lobelia and Groundsel, the basic flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will seemingly 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 via Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your strategy to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as probably the most lovely path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the best way, the journey will be made shorter through the use of 4×4 automobiles to skip the decrease part. It’s widespread follow 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 purchasers should arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its beautiful 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 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 well-liked 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 could be a draw for some adventurers.
In contrast to 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 unique gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.
Navigating via the bamboo forest within the decrease part may require some steering 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 must carve out your personal path quite than observe a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, situated on the north facet, can be not often traveled.
It was once a well-liked route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its method 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 satisfy the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.
The route’s circumstances fluctuate, however automobiles sometimes 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 may be larger surroundings than Naromoru, and among the finest strolling is on the market on the dry facet of the mountain.
Ascend via 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 adequate.
Ranging from the underside and mountaineering your method 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 via mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive flora like big 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 really a sight to behold.
For those who 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. However, the Afroalpine heights are residence to huge tree heaths, quirky big senecias and big lobelias, with rock hyraxes conserving 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 lodge 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 completely 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 a watch out for distinctive wildlife. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the various 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 sometimes spans 6 to eight hours, masking a distance that varies based mostly on the tempo and stops alongside the best way.
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 helpful 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 (Outdated 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 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 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 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 method 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 car, 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 beneath, get extra information 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 12 months!
In April and Could, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
For those who’re on the lookout for optimum circumstances, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This manner, you possibly can keep away from the wet season and benefit from the most interesting climate and views.
Remember that mountain climate will be unpredictable, so all seasons may make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons will provide you with probably the most bang to your buck.
Being close to the equator, it could possibly get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so be sure that to pack heat garments or a comfortable sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.
Dressing for giant temperature swings is essential for a profitable trek!
Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya
On your journey, ensure you have cozy footwear, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
For those who’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Deliver maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, after all, pack a primary support equipment simply in case.
Don’t miss out on capturing the views with a digicam 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 Mountain climbing
The view from the highest searching over the countless 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?
