Hiking Mount Kenya
Hiking Mount Kenya : Africa is known for great safaris but for ardent hikers and trekkers, the African continent offers a wide variety of picturesque scenery and a sizable wilderness region. One of the most unusual ways to appreciate Africa’s flora and fauna and take in the natural splendour of its highlands is to go hiking there. There is one place on the vast continent that should be at the top of your list despite the fact that there are beautiful canyons, volcanoes, gorges, and seaside mountain ranges everywhere else.
The most well-known landmark in Kenya is Mount Kenya, the second-tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Equatorial Africa is home to this mountain, which rises to a stunning height of 5,199 metres (17,057 feet) there. This ancient dormant volcano was constructed about 3 million years ago at the beginning of the Great Rift Valley. The mountain has eroded slopes and many valleys as a result of being covered in ice for thousands of years.
Trekkers and hikers worldwide have begun to pay attention to the stunning Mount Kenya and everything it has to offer, which is often disregarded in favour of Kilimanjaro. The lower slopes of this glacial peak are good for Safaris covered in dense bamboo and rainforest, and there are buffalo, monkey, and leopard species living there. At higher levels, Mount Kenya boasts a rare Afro-Alpine moorland and plant life, as well as several vegetation bands visible from the peak’s base.
Mount Kenya is a significant climb in all of itself, with abundant wildlife, mountain lakes, forested slopes, magnificent panoramic vistas, and a less travelled route than other ranges. The Kenyan tribe the Kikuyu, have a strong cultural attachment to Mount Kenya because they consider it to be a throne of the gods.
In contrast to its natural beauty, Mount Kenya is more difficult to walk because of its high altitude and notoriously steep terrain. Choosing the proper route is crucial for a fruitful and satisfying hiking trip. Both experienced and novice hikers agree that Mount Kenya’s various peaks are ideal for them.
Where is Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is located about 180 kilometres from Nairobi. To go to Nanyuki or Naro Moro, you can either rent a private car, take the railway, or a matatu (a privately operated transport). Those choosing to fly can land at Nairobi’s international airport, Jomo Kenyatta (JMO). The hike’s starting site is reachable from the airport via bus or private transfer.
The Three peaks of Mount Kenya
Casual hikes, intermediate-level treks, and even very technical climbs are all possible on Mount Kenya’s three main peaks:
Point Lenana: Point Lenana, the third and lowest summit, rises to a height of 4,985 metres (16,354 feet), making it the lowest summit. It is without a doubt the most well-liked peak among hikers due to the lack of technical climbing expertise needed to reach the summit. Hiking to this point however, need top-notch physical fitness.
Nelion: Nelion, Batian’s slightly smaller twin peak, is 17,021 feet (5,188 metres) tall. Nelion proves to be a difficult climb that necessitates prior multi-pitch rock climbing experience. Nelion’s ascent takes 6 to 9 hours to complete. For those planning to climb the Batian later, a walk up to this summit is a fantastic warm-up. Austrian Hut is the highest hut on Mount Kenya.
Batian: With a height of 5,199 metres (17,057 feet), it is Mount Kenya’s highest peak. The major summit, Batian, is best suited for experienced rock climbers and mountaineers. It normally takes 11 to 13 hours to finish the peak ascent. To walk Batian, you must be in good physical and mental shape and have the right technical equipment.
Routes of ascending Mount Kenya
Point Lenana on Mount Kenya can be reached via five primary paths. Combining and picking out different pathways is typical when taking a fun, adventurous walk. This not only helps you save time, but it also enables you to take in the mountain’s varied surroundings and panoramas. You must first get to Point Lenana even if you want to climb Batian and Nelion.
The top five routes for climbing Mount Kenya are listed below:
Naro Moru
The shortest and most direct path is known as Naro Moru. This explains why tourists are more likely to visit it. Despite the fact that Naro Moru may not be beautiful, it is nonetheless quite inexpensive. The optimum route for it is one with a steep ascent and descent.
The Vertical Bog, a marshy area that becomes flooded during the rainy season, is a steep stretch of Naro Moru, making it more difficult. The trail runs across the wide Teleki Valley and offers a stunning view of the Tyndall Glacier, and the magnificent plant life is here. This trek can be completed in a single long day, but two days and one night are advised.
Sirimon Route
The most well-known ascent, Sirimon is a scenic route that is somewhat longer than Naro Moru and passes through yellowwood forests that are home to a variety of wildlife and provide access to moorland. For people who have little prior mountain hiking expertise, this path provides the ideal hike. Additionally, the track is kept dry since Sirimon is shielded from precipitation. The Old Moses and Shipton camps, which are located along this route, let hikers take a break and refuel before continuing the ascent. The trek requires a minimum of two days to accomplish and begins in Nanyuki.
Chogoria Route
The beautiful surroundings and lengthier length of the dramatic Chogoria route set it apart from other regular routes. It begins at the village of Chogoria, 20 miles from the park’s entrance. Hikers find themselves traversing a forest with lovely wildlife and the chance to see a few wild creatures. Waterfalls and tarns are frequently encountered throughout the trip.
The Chogoria path additionally offers views of the lovely Lake Michaelson from the ‘Temple,’ a sheer cliff. Long strolls around the Gorges Valley are enjoyable for hikers as well. Normally, it takes five days to accomplish this hike.
Burguret route
One can go on a wild adventure to get to Point Lenana through the more difficult Burguret route. Because of the overgrown trails and thick vegetation, there are significantly fewer hikers on this route than elsewhere.
At the beginning of the climb, this trail leads hikers through a few tropical rainforests. The forest shelters along the trail are where hikers must spend the night. The Burguret path is also difficult because it’s frequently muddy and difficult to climb. The trail requires a minimum of three nights, and it is frequently used in conjunction with another trail to descend.
Timaru Route
Given that it is ancient and lacks amenities or places to stay overnight, the Timau route is relatively infrequently used.
The best time to climb Mount Kenya
In general, Mount Kenya, which is located exactly on the equator, is warm and sunny during the day while experiencing a significant dip in temperature at night. Even though the mountain is accessible year-round for hiking, the optimum time to go depends largely on personal inclination and the local climate.
Between December and March, and perhaps even from July to September, is the dry season. The greatest time to walk Mount Kenya is during these months because there are so little chances of precipitation. The months of Mid-March through June, as well as October through December, are rainy season off-limits.
You should trek the North Face Standard Route from July to September, and the Normal Route from December to March. While the temperature at Mount Kenya remains constant throughout the year, it does alter drastically during climb, when daytime highs of 15 to 5 °C and lows of below-freezing at night are experienced.
Level of fitness to climb Mount Kenya
No prior mountaineering experience is necessary to complete the trekking or hiking routes up to Point Lenana. But before climbing the peak, one must have hiking experience. Additionally, you must be in good general health. One needs to be in top climbing fitness, have high strength, and have the stamina for peaks like Nelion and Batian.
While ascending to the summit, hikers may experience acute mountain sickness (AMS), or altitude sickness. Headaches and nausea are two frequent symptoms that can be minimised by staying adequately hydrated and adjusting to the dry air. Before ascending Mount Kenya, hikers should completely educate themselves on AMS and other ailments that may develop.