Climb Mount Kenya

Climb Africa's second highest and arguably most beautiful mountain (4985m)

Whilst Kilimanjaro gets all the crowds, over the border in Kenya lies Africa's second highest mountain, Mount Kenya. The trekkers peak at Point Lenana lies at 4,985m in altitude and it is one of the most stunning accessible mountain treks in the world. Mount Kenya rises from the African plain and its combination of graceful glacial features, unusual Afro-Alpine plant life and wildlife make this a fantastic trek. This 5 day route takes you up the relatively gentle ascent of Sirimon and down the quick Naro Moru descent, with a day spare at Shipton's Camp for acclimatisation to the altitude. Regular scheduled departures or private treks are available. All treks are accompanies by porters, cook and guide.

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Itinerary / Highlights

D1: Nairobi to Old Moses Hut
am. Drive Nairobi – Sirimon Gate (250km / 4 hours)
pm. Walk 10km / 2.5 hrs from Sirimon Gate (2,600m) – Old Moses Hut (3,340m)
You’ll be picked up from airport or Nairobi hotel in the morning and journey north past diverse agricultural lands and landscapes to the slopes of Mount Kenya. After meeting your crew you’ll have a full briefing and equipment check. Each person has a personal porter and there are extra porters for food and camping equipment. Today is a short walk to the first hut at 3,340m, a total ascent of 740m in just 2-3 hours. On this route, you will pass through zones of dense forest, bamboo, giant heather and out onto high open moorland. The trail follows a dirt road that has recently been put in by the Kenya Wildlife Service to reduce response times to emergencies on the mountain. The dense vegetation is home to buffalo, elephants and is teeming with birdlife. Whilst there will be evidence of large game everywhere, your chances of seeing them are small. (L,D)

D2 Old Moses Hut to Shiptons Camp
Walk 14km / 8 hours from Old Moses Hut (3340m) to Shipton’s Camp (4236m)
After an early cooked breakfast you’ll head out of the camp. The first hour is easy going over gentle open grassland. In the early morning sun, the views over the plane below are stunning. There is a chance of seeing Eland and Buffalo grazing in the distance. After an hour you begin to cross two valleys, the first is easy, but the second involves a quick descent followed by a punishingly quick 100m climb out of the valley. The reward is stunning views up the glacial valley with the twin peaks shining in the sun. The crew usually wait at this point to make sure you make it without any altitude affects. The next 2-3 hours are fairly easy going up the broad valley past a bizarre jurassic landscape of glacial features, giant lobellia and Senecio plants. There is a strong chance you will see beautiful sunbirds and the Hyrax, a close relative of the elephant, but more like a baby seal in size and shape. Finally there is a further short climb past Mackinders Caves before reaching Shiptons Camp where you’ll enjoy a much deserved cup of tea. (B,L,D)

D3 Shiptons Camp Acclimatisation Day
Walk 7km / 4-5 hours from Shipton’s Camp (4,200m) to Hausberg Col (4,600m) and return.
You’ll stay at Shipton’s for two nights, and have a rest day. This is invaluable for acclimatisation and will make the summit day more enjoyable. Highly recommended is a short walk on the summit circuit trail up to the Hausberg col (4,6OOm) OR go farther, passing between Oblong and Hausberg Tarns to Nanyuki and Two Tarns to enjoy panoramic views of peaks Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m). Having reached a high altitude of over 4600m the true acclimatisation benefit of this day becomes clear, Climbing high and sleeping low is excellent for acclimatisation (B,L,D)

D4 Summit Day
Climb 749m up and 3km in length to Point Lennana (4985m)
Descend 685m and 3.5km to Mackinder’s Camp (4,300m) or onto Met Station (4hrs) to reduce the walking distance on the last day.
The big day, after a very early 3am start and a quick cup of tea and biscuits it is time to don all the layers you can manage and head out into the pitch dark. The early start is designed to get you to the summit just in time for sunrise. It also increases your chances of summitting without cloud cover. The climb is a steady ascent up scree and rock, with a scramble up the last 30m. The views from Point Lenana are superb, showing off the tarns, glaciers and jagged peaks of Mount Kenya at their resplendent best. On a clear day you can see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Temperatures can be very cold on the summit (as cold as -20 degrees C plus wind chill) so after quick photos and a moment to take it all in, you’ll head back down again. After a 2 hour walk past the glacier down loose scree you will reach Mackinder’s Camp and a very welcome hearty breakfast. If you are feeling up to it after a couple of hours rest you can head on down the further 9km to Met Station for the overnight, if not you can rest and stay the night at Mackinder’s.

D5: Descend and Return to Nairobi
Am. Walk 22km / 6 hours from Mackinder’s Camp (4,300m) to Naro Moru Gate (2,600m)
Pm. Drive from Naro Maoru park gate to Nairobi 210km / 4-5 hours
A long descent through attractive vegetation on the windward side of the mountain. The trail winds through the infamous vertical bog, dense bamboo and virgin rain forest to meet the vehicles at the park headquarters at Naromoru gate. There will be time for a shower and lunch at Mountain Rock Lodge at the foot of the mountain before proceeding with your onwards plans. If you are heading back to Nairobi expect to get there by early evening.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

You’ll be staying in simple mountain huts. So expect shared dorms with well worn mattresses. There are flush toilets and running water which is a nice bonus, but the water does tend to be absolutely freezing, so don’t come expecting to shower every day. The dorms tend to be 10-15 beds each.

Whilst the facilities tend to be basic the food most definitely isn’t and you certainly won’t go short. Breakfast consists of bread, cereal, tea / coffee, fresh seasonal fruit and some combination of pancakes, omelette, bacon, beans and sausages. You’ll be provided with a packed lunch, usually containing sandwiches, chicken legs (or similar), fruit, crisps and biscuits. At the end of a long day’s trekking you’ll be met with a flask of tea and coffee and snacks (usually popcorn and biscuits). For dinner you’ll get soup, a healthy portion of meat or fish with vegetables and rice / potatoes / pasta followed by fresh fruit.

Water is topped up as you go along from the mountain streams. You will need to bring two 1 litre water bottles and enough water purification tablets. We recommend you also bring taste neutraliser tablets as this makes the water more palatable and it is incredibly important you drink plenty of fluids at this altitude.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Scheduled departures on alternate Sundays from 12 June 2011 at £640 per person
Private departures on any day from £640 for a group of 4 and £800 for a group of 2 people.

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