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 folk 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 mountain climbing expertise. However if you happen to’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an effective pair of climbing boots. You’ll be able to conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with just some days of climbing.

This massif is ideal for individuals 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 improbable spot for nature lovers and climbers searching for a problem. With three peaks to beat, you possibly can tailor your climb to your talent stage and make it as robust as you want.

The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly if you happen to take your time. Going at a leisurely tempo is the key to steering away from altitude illness and making it to your objective with ease. When you hit 3000 meters, it’s completely wonderful to take it simple. And don’t neglect to drink a lot of water to maintain your self nicely 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 totally different routes to take in your trek on Mount Kenya.

Naro-Moru Route

This route is the quickest approach 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 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 novel 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 often thought of one of many simpler ones, because it climbs step by step with just some steeper sections to succeed in the highest camp. It’s at present the most well-liked 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 at last attain Level Lenana.

The forest is sparse alongside this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very outstanding. A lot of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. Once you cross the ridge into the MacKinder Valley, you’ll have an excellent 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 dwelling to many huge Lobelia and Groundsel, the basic flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will possible 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 go by way of Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your approach to Level Lenana.

The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is usually hailed as essentially the most lovely path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the best way, the journey could be made shorter by utilizing 4×4 autos to skip the decrease part. It’s frequent follow 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 previous, considerably shaky hut the place porters often spend the evening, whereas purchasers need to 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. 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 neglect 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 for having all of it to your self is usually 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 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 steering from the guides, particularly if there haven’t been latest hikers. The route can range 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 must carve out your individual path relatively than comply with a set path.

Timau Route

The Timau Route, positioned on the north facet, can be hardly ever 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 satisfy the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.

The route’s situations range, however autos sometimes don’t exceed round 3400m.

Whereas it’s nonetheless technically doable to climb through 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’s larger 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 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 enough.

Ranging from the underside and climbing your means up, you’ll be handled to a really various panorama. The path takes you thru a mixture of deciduous forest, gallery forests, and the plush 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 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.

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. However, the Afroalpine heights are dwelling to huge tree heaths, quirky big senecias and big 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 varied vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, maintain a watch 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 sometimes spans 6 to eight hours, masking a distance that varies primarily based 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 fantastic thing about Mount Kenya.

Maintain your digital camera useful to seize glimpses of wildlife, akin to rock hyraxes, duikers, and varied chicken 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 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 stage.

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 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 plush 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 crammed with recollections of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie solid throughout the trek.

Contact the Alpine Holidays group by way of the shape under, get extra information or e-book your trekking journey of a lifetime.
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When Is the Finest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya is a improbable climb any time of the yr!

In April and Could, you may encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.

Should you’re searching for optimum situations, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This fashion, you possibly can 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 will provide you with essentially the most bang in your buck.

Being close to the equator, it may well get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so make 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 large temperature swings is vital for a profitable trek!

Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya

To your journey, ensure you have cozy sneakers, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.

Should you’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Carry 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 defend 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 infinite 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?