Mountain Climbing
ADVENTURE GLOBAL
Mount Kenya
mountain climbing
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro; its highest peak is Batian, which is 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level. Nelion is the second-highest peak at 5,188 meters (17,057 feet), and Lenana is at 4,986 meters (16,358 feet) above sea level.
Mt Kenya is a volcanic mountain created about 3 million years ago after the opening of the East African Rift Valley. The glaciation was 7,000 meters or 23,000 feet above sea level. Thousands of years ago, the mountain peak was entirely covered by ice, resulting in several countless valleys radiating from the peak.
This large mountain and its surrounding vegetation and national park are located on the equator in central Kenya.
The mountain had been climbed many times by locals around the area. The Kikuyu tribe and its tribal leaders used to climb the mountain for special prayer and to make sacrifices. The first foreigners to summit the mountain on record were Sir Halford John Mackinder, together with Cesar Ollier and Josef Brocherel on 13 September 1899. The team had three failed attempts before reaching the top. They faced many challenges, starvation and hostile attacks by natives, where some even lost their lives, but ever since then, the mountain has been climbed many times, and many records have been broken.
Our answer is a definite yes! It is possible, and many of our clients have reached the top with a 97% success rate. This has been made possible due to our company policy of a six-day climb. This guarantees you will get to the top and is done gradually, so you have plenty of time to acclimatise.
Point Lenana is the third highest point, located at 4986 meters above sea level, and from our long experience, this climb is possible for many people. For example, if you decide to climb the Naru Moro route to the Ferrata, which is an excellent idea, we can guarantee that it will only increase your climbing challenge and be more fun. You will look at the fantastic view of the gorges and savannah, the deep and wide valley, and the volcanic peaks. All this adds to the thrill of climbing this beautiful mountain, a worthy African mountaineering challenge.
You can choose to climb the two highest peaks, Batnia and Nelion. We recommend starting your ascent at Naro Moru and then descending at Chogoria. This route will allow you to see the beautiful deep valleys. The peak is rigged, and you have a chance to spot beautiful wildlife on your climb up to Lenana's highest peak. On your descent, you will also see some outstanding views, looking down on the vast plains, gorges, elevations of the thick colossal forest and the breathtaking lake, a real challenge for mountaineers.
If you choose to start your climb from the west side of the mountain, climb the Naru Moro route and finally up the Sirimo climb, the easiest and cheapest way to climb Mt Kenya. This is because it has an easier terrain, and your final camp will be at Shiptons, which is much closer to the summit. This is a less challenging route.
Mt Kenya can be climbed all year round, but the best time to climb is from January to March, and April and June are the best months to climb the mountain from any of the hiking trails; this is because it is dry season, the rainy season is usually in April, May and November.
There are fewer technical hikes up to the summit of Lenana; you don't need to be super fit to tackle this route, but previous hiking experience will help. The Neolio or Batnia peaks are more challenging to climb, and you need to be in good climbing shape to do them. This is Multi-pitch climbing, which means a lot of strength and endurance is involved. This technical route requires you to reach Lenana Point, so you need to be in good shape not only to be able to climb but also to endure the challenging trek.
In addition to your personal hygiene products, the right type and layer of clothing is needed, which is vital for your climbing:
- Have some non-cotton and moisture-wicking essentials.
- Wear a puffy jacket with a thick insulating layer to keep you warm.
- Hat, gloves, socks and good climbing shoes suit higher altitudes.
- It is raining and snowing on Mt Kenya. Pack a waterproof jacket or layers to protect you from strong wind and rain.
- You are responsible for bringing your climbing equipment when climbing the Nelion and Batian peaks. Bring your own rope, rack, harness, rope anchoring system and combs.
Feel free to contact us for more information about your Mt Kenya climbing safari.
-Trekking in East Africa, Lonely Planet, ISBN-10: 1864502894, ISBN-13: 978-1864502893
-Mount Kenya 1:50,000 Map & Guide. Wielochowski. EWP 2007
-Kilimanjaro & East Africa, Climbing & Trekking Guide. Burns. ISBN 0-89886-604-9
-Guide Book to Mt Kenya & Kilimanjaro. Mtn Club of Kenya, (4th Ed 1990) ISBN 9966-986-0-3
Mount Kenya
Mountain Climbing