Mt Kenya Climb
Although not the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kenya is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and picturesque
The Mount Kenya Trek is a superb trek for lovers of high altitude trekking incorporating spectacular scenery and equatorial snows. Our aim is to climb Africa’s second highest mountain (5199 metres). Crowning one of the world's highest national parks, Mount Kenya is a spectacularly beautiful area of moorland, forest, lakes, rock and ice. When you visit Mount Kenya, you visit an absolutely unique environment. It is so unique that UNESCO has declared the park an International Biosphere Reserve. The high altitude equatorial environment has led to the evolution of several specially adapted species of plants, animals and birds. An incredible 81 plant species can only be found on Mount Kenya!
Mount Kenya is a dome-shaped central volcano. Ten glaciers cover the volcanoes peaks. The original crater on Mount Kenya was over 6100 metres high but has been heavily eroded – almost 35% of the volcano has been worn away! Most of this erosion occurred during two periods when glaciers carved much of the top of the volcano. On this trek we pass the Lewis Glacier en route to Lenana, where beautiful ice caves and wind blasted ice formations provide stunning photographic opportunities.
The lower slopes are covered with natural forest and are home to elephant, buffalo, various monkey species and birds. As you get higher, the vegetation changes to heath moorland, covered with giant groundsels and lobelia, until the altitude and cold allow only lichens to survive. The twin peaks of Batian and Nelion can only be climbed by serious/trained climbers – a 700 metre rock face and the cold and altitude makes this a hard task. The next peak over, Point Lenana, is accessible to hikers and this is our goal for this trip. The route that we take up Mount Kenya has been designed for optimum time on the mountain to acclimatise, as well as getting away from the bulk of hikers. This less utilised route is very beautiful with incredible views of the surrounding plains and small lakes, as well as the immense peaks of Batian and Nelion.
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Tour Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Kenya
Inclusions
Mountain guide, arrival transfer, transport, services of porters/cook on mountain climb, entrance fees.
- On foot
- Private vehicle
- Trek
This trip includes 5 days in Mount Kenya National Park.
- 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Mt Kenya Climb
Day 1
Nairobi
Meals Privided:
On arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note this is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time.
Day 2
Judmaier Camp
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At 8am we will depart on our drive to the Sirimon Gate. Upon arrival at the entrance gate into Mt Kenya a trip briefing will be held with your local mountain guides. A picnic lunch will be taken here as well, allowing time to be spent organizing the personal climbing equipment with the porters and mountain guides. We supply all camp equipment including a kit bag, sleeping bag, inner sheet and a thermarest sleeping mat. In the afternoon we have an easy walk to help with our acclimatization. We walk to our overnight camping spot in the forest below Judmaier Camp (3048m). This afternoon's walk takes us through the forest, providing a chance of seeing game and forest birds. From Judmaier Camp the peaks of Batian and Nelion are visible to the south.
Day 3
Liki North Valley
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we ascend the Sirimon track to Liki North Valley and camp overnight in this beautiful little valley below the subsidiary peaks of Tereri and Sendeyo (3962m). Our trekking time today is only a few hours.
Day 4
Shipton's Camp - Mackinder Valley
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we climb out of the North Valley and trek into the Mackinder Valley. This is one of the broadest valleys on the mountain, with many giant groundsels (plants). Our overnight camp is at the head of the Mackinder Valley, just below the main peaks of Batian and Nelion (4267m).
Day 5
Summit - Mintos Hut / Lake Michaelson
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is summit day. We will leave camp at about 2am for four hours of stiff walking on the alpine ascent of the third highest peak, Point Lenana (4985m). We take the route up the North face, offering views of the summit to keep you motivated. The ascent of Point Lenana is one of the most exhilarating sections of walking on Mount Kenya. We will then circumnavigate from Lenana down the Chogoria Route, to overnight near Lake Michaelson (3657m).
Day 6
Met Station
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we continue our descent of Mt Kenya with a five to six hour trek from Lake Michaelson to Met Station Camp. (3048m). The trek will go via Mackinders Camp (4167m) where we will stop for lunch before continuing down the Naro Moru route to Met Station. Nice fresh food will be waiting and the camp and we'll enjoy a barbeque for dinner.
Day 7
Nairobi
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we walk down to the Naro Moru Park Gate and then depart for Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. Our tour comes to an end on arrival. If you are departing from Nairobi this evening, please do not book a flight to depart prior to 6.00pm.
