Mount Kenya Climbing is a very exciting but rather a challenging activity compared to its Mount Kilimanjaro counterpart. Strapped some 210km north of Nairobi on the equator, Mount Kenya offers a myriad of vegetation zones…
A sample Mount Kenya Trekking itinerary and schedule may more or less be in line as follows:
05 Days Mt Kenya Climbing Sirimon – Chogoria Route
Distance: 90 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Start/Finish: Nairobi
Summary
Much more scenic than Naromoru and it is on the dry side of mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain
Day 1: Nairobi/Sirimon/Judmier Camp (Old Moses Camp) 3-4 hrs, 9km, 860m ascent
Depart Nairobi at 8 am to Nanyuki town for lunch, taking about 4 hours. Proceed to Sirimon Gate, 1 hr, 2440m. From the gate follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 hrs. About 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Judmier Camp, 3300m for dinner and overnight, L, D
Day 2: Judmier Camp/Shipton Camp 6-7hrs, 14km, 900m ascent
After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, 4200m, B,L,D
Day 3: Shipton Camp – Acclimatisation
Spend the day acclimatizing. Walk to Kami Hut down to Hauseberg Lakes (Hauseberg Tarn and Nanyuki Tarn). Walk back to Shipton for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Shiptons/Point Lenana/Mount Meru Bandas (Chogoria Gate) 6 hrs, 14km, 785m ascent
Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving point Lenana at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Mintos hut, 2hrs, for breakfast and further hrs down to Mount Meru Bandas, 2950m, for dinner and overnight, B, L, D
Day 5: Chogoria Bandas/Chogoria/Nairobi
Descend 2hr, 15km to forest clearance to catch a 4×4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village where you will connect with your transfer vehicle back to Nairobi, B,L.
Such a typical Mt Kenya trek for 05 days is recommended and pricing range from US$ 675 per person sharing with an extra day at US$ 115 per person. Acclimatisation at the lower levels is the much needed commodity to ensure a no less than 98% chance of reach the summit, Point Lenana at 4985M.
Climbing prices would more often include the following important items:
o Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
o Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
o Full board accommodation whilst on the trek. Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
o Shared accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
o All park entrance fees to include government taxes
o Fully serviced climb with English speaking professional mountain guide, porters and skilled cook/s
o Start and finish in Nairobi
o Treated water on the trek.
o Certificate on successful completion of the trek
Items that are typically non included are:
o Laundry, sleeping bags, tips, drinks, accommodation before the trek, climbing gears and medical evacuation
o International flights
o Visas to Kenya
o Items of a personal nature
o Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
For more specialised climbing advice, more details can be found with Adventure Africa Holidays: http://www.adventureafricaholidays.com/mountkenyaclimbing.html. Do not hesitate to seek professional advice prior to the start of this exciting but obviously challenging activitiy. You will importantly be advised on such effects as altitude sickness, the tricks to a successful climb and more of the trekking tips.
Try climbing Mount Kenya trekking and hiking of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain and Kenya’s highest mountain cutting across the equator and standing majestically north of Nairobi.
Wish you well in this exercise but you may count on my professional advice!