How to access Mount Kenya
How to access Mount Kenya : Mount Kenya can be accessed through several different routes, each offering a unique experience and varying levels of difficulty. Here are the main access points to Mount Kenya:
Sirimon Route
The Sirimon Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to climb Mount Kenya. The Sirimon Route begins at the Sirimon Gate, which is located on the northwest side of Mount Kenya. To reach the Sirimon Gate, you can drive from Nanyuki town, situated about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi. From Nairobi, you can take a private vehicle or hire a taxi or shuttle service to Nanyuki. The journey from Nanyuki to the Sirimon Gate takes approximately 1-2 hours by road. The typical trekking itinerary for the Sirimon Route is usually 4-6 days, depending on your fitness level and acclimatization needs. Here’s a general outline of the route:
Day 1: Sirimon Gate (2,650 meters) to Old Moses Camp (3,300 meters). This is a relatively easy hike through the forest, taking around 3-4 hours.
Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton’s Camp (4,200 meters). This is a longer day of hiking, taking approximately 6-8 hours. The trail takes you through the scenic Mackinder Valley, passing Liki North Hut and Shipton’s Cave along the way.
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Shipton’s Camp. You can take a day hike to some nearby peaks, such as Point Lenana (4,985 meters) or Hausberg Col (4,650 meters), to aid in acclimatization.
Day 4: Summit Day. Start early in the morning for the summit push to Point Lenana. It’s a challenging ascent, but not technically difficult. After reaching the summit, descend back to Shipton’s Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5: Shipton’s Camp to Old Moses Camp. Descend back through the Mackinder Valley to Old Moses Camp, taking around 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Old Moses Camp to Sirimon Gate. Descend further through the forest and back to the Sirimon Gate, taking approximately 2-3 hours. From there, you can arrange transportation back to Nanyuki or your onward destination.
Guides and Porters: It is highly recommended to hire an experienced guide and, if needed, porters to assist you during the climb. They are familiar with the route, provide valuable guidance, and help carry heavy equipment and supplies, allowing you to focus on the trek itself.
Permits: You will need to obtain the necessary permits to climb Mount Kenya through the Sirimon Route. These can be obtained at the Sirimon Gate or through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website in advance. Make sure to carry your permit and have it available for inspection during the trek.
Remember to acclimatize properly, pack appropriate clothing and gear, stay hydrated, and listen to your guide’s advice for a safe and enjoyable climb on the Sirimon Route.
Naro Moru Route: The Naro Moru Route is another common entry point. It starts at the Naro Moru Gate, situated on the western side of the mountain. To access this gate, you can drive from Nyeri town, which is approximately 150 kilometers north of Nairobi. The journey from Nairobi to Nyeri takes around 2-3 hours by road.
Chogoria Route
The Chogoria Route is known for its scenic beauty and is accessed from the eastern side of the mountain. To reach the Chogoria Gate, you can drive from Chogoria town, which is about 200 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. The journey from Nairobi to Chogoria takes around 4-5 hours by road.
The Chogoria Route is a scenic and challenging route to climb Mount Kenya, offering stunning views and diverse landscapes. The Chogoria Route starts from the Chogoria Gate, located on the eastern side of Mount Kenya. To reach the Chogoria Gate, you can drive from Chogoria town, which is approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. The journey from Nairobi to Chogoria takes around 4-5 hours by road. It’s advisable to use a 4×4 vehicle due to the rough and often muddy road conditions, especially towards the higher elevations.
The typical trekking itinerary for the Chogoria Route is around 5-6 days, but it can be customized based on your preferences and acclimatization needs. Here’s a general outline of the route:
Day 1: Chogoria Gate (2,950 meters) to Lake Ellis 500 meters). The trek starts with a hike through bamboo and montane forest, passing the Gorges Valley. It takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Lake Ellis Camp.
Day 2: Lake Ellis Camp to Lake Michaelson Camp (4,200 meters). The trail continues through scenic moorlands and past tarns, with stunning views of the Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson. This leg of the trek takes around 5-7 hours.
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Lake Michaelson Camp. Take a rest day to acclimatize and explore the area, enjoying the breath taking surroundings.
Day 4: Lake Michaelson Camp to Simba Tarn Camp (4,300 meters). This part of the trek involves ascending the steep slopes of the “Mintos Hut” ridge and crossing the Tooth Col. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to reach Simba Tarn Camp.
Day 5: Simba Tarn Camp to Point Lenana (4,985 meters) and descend to Old Moses Camp (3,300 meters). Start early in the morning for the summit push to Point Lenana, witnessing the sunrise over the surrounding peaks. After reaching the summit, descend to Old Moses Camp, which takes around 7-9 hours in total.
Day 6: Old Moses Camp to the Sirimon Gate (2,650 meters). Descend through the forest and moorlands, reaching the Sirimon Gate in approximately 2-3 hours. Arrange transportation back to Chogoria or your onward destination.
Guides and Porters: It is highly recommended to hire an experienced guide and, if needed, porters to accompany you during the climb. They are familiar with the route, provide valuable guidance, and help with carrying heavy equipment and supplies.
Permits: You will need to obtain the necessary permits to climb Mount Kenya through the Chogoria Route. These can be obtained at the Chogoria Gate or through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website in advance. Ensure you carry your permit and have it available for inspection during the trek.
The Chogoria Route offers a challenging and rewarding experience, with its beautiful alpine scenery and diverse ecosystems. It’s important to be well-prepared, physically fit, and properly equipped for the climb. Remember to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and follow the guidance of your guide for a safe and enjoyable trek on the Chogoria Route.
Burguret Route
The Burguret Route is a less frequented route and provides a more remote and challenging experience. It starts at the Burguret Gate, which can be reached by driving from Nanyuki town.
The Burguret Route is a less frequented and more challenging route to climb Mount Kenya, offering a remote and adventurous experience. The Burguret Route starts from the Burguret Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kenya. To reach the Burguret Gate, you can drive from Nanyuki town, which is the closest major town to the mountain. From Nanyuki, it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the Burguret Gate by road. It’s recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle as the road can be rough and require off-road driving skills.
The Burguret Route typically takes around 5-7 days to complete, depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. Here’s a general outline of the route:
Day 1: Burguret Gate (2,860 meters) to the Moorland Camp (3,300 meters). The trek starts through bamboo forests and gradually ascends into the moorland zone. It takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach the Moorland Camp.
Day 2: Moorland Camp to the Burguret Camp (3,700 meters). This part of the trek involves hiking through the beautiful heath and moorland vegetation, with occasional sightings of wildlife. It takes around 4-6 hours to reach the Burguret Camp.
Day 3: Burguret Camp to the Austrian Hut (4,790 meters). This leg of the trek becomes steeper and more challenging, leading to the Austrian Hut. It takes approximately 6-8 hours to reach the Austrian Hut.
Day 4: Acclimatization day at the Austrian Hut. Take a rest day to acclimatize and prepare for the summit push. It’s advisable to do short hikes in the vicinity of the hut for acclimatization purposes.
Day 5: Austrian Hut to the Summit (Point Lenana, 4,985 meters) and descend to the Teleki Valley Camp (4,300 meters). Start early in the morning for the summit push to Point Lenana, enjoying the sunrise over the surrounding peaks. After reaching the summit, descend to the Teleki Valley Camp, which takes around 6-8 hours in total.
Day 6: Teleki Valley Camp to the Sirimon Gate (2,650 meters). Descend through the beautiful Teleki Valley, passing through different vegetation zones. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to reach the Sirimon Gate. Arrange transportation back to Nanyuki or your onward destination.
Guides and Porters: Due to the challenging nature of the Burguret Route, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced guide and, if needed, porters to accompany you during the climb. They are familiar with the route, provide guidance, and assist with carrying heavy equipment and supplies.
Permits: You will need to obtain the necessary permits to climb Mount Kenya through the Burguret Route. These can be obtained at the Burguret Gate or through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website in advance. Ensure you carry your permit and have it available for inspection during the trek.
The Burguret Route offers a remote and less crowded experience, with beautiful landscapes and a sense of adventure. It requires good physical fitness, proper gear, and navigation skills. It’s important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and follow the guidance of your guide for a safe and enjoyable trek on the Burguret Route.
Naro Moru Route
The Naro Moru Route is a popular and relatively easier route to climb Mount Kenya, known for its scenic beauty and varied terrain. The Naro Moru Route starts from the Naro Moru Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kenya. To reach the Naro Moru Gate, you can drive from Nyeri town, which is the closest major town to the mountain. From Nyeri, it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the Naro Moru Gate by road. You can also access Naro Moru from Nairobi, which is approximately 150 kilometers south of Nyeri. The journey from Nairobi to Naro Moru takes around 2-3 hours by road.
The typical trekking itinerary for the Naro Moru Route is around 4-5 days, but it can be customized based on your fitness level and acclimatization needs. Here’s a general outline of the route:
Day 1: Naro Moru Gate (2,600 meters) to Met Station (3,050 meters). The trek begins with a relatively easy hike through the forest, taking around 3-4 hours to reach the Met Station camp.
Day 2: Met Station to Mackinder’s Camp (4,200 meters). The trail gradually ascends through the beautiful bamboo and heather zones, with glimpses of the surrounding peaks. It takes approximately 5-6 hours to reach Mackinder’s Camp.
Day 3: Acclimatization day at Mackinder’s Camp. Take a rest day to acclimatize and explore the area. You can do short hikes to points of interest, such as the Naro Moru Tarn or try ascending to Point Lenana for better acclimatization.
Day 4: Mackinder’s Camp to Point Lenana (4,985 meters) and descend to Met Station. Start early in the morning for the summit push to Point Lenana, experiencing stunning views along the way. After reaching the summit, descend back to the Met Station camp, taking around 7-9 hours in total.
Day 5: Met Station to Naro Moru Gate. Descend through the forest to the Naro Moru Gate, taking approximately 2-3 hours. Arrange transportation back to Nyeri or your onward destination.
Guides and Porters: While it’s not mandatory to have a guide or porter on the Naro Moru Route, it is still highly recommended, especially if you are inexperienced or prefer assistance during the climb. A guide can provide valuable knowledge about the route and help with navigation, while porters can assist with carrying heavy equipment and supplies.
Permits: You will need to obtain the necessary permits to climb Mount Kenya through the Naro Moru Route. These can be obtained at the Naro Moru Gate or through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website in advance. Ensure you carry your permit and have it available for inspection during the trek.
The Naro Moru Route offers a relatively easier and faster climb compared to other routes, but it still requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization. It’s important to be well-prepared, have appropriate gear, and stay hydrated throughout the trek. Following the guidance of your guide and taking necessary precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable climb on the Naro Moru Route.
Regardless of the route you choose, it is recommended to hire an experienced guide or join a reputable tour operator to ensure your safety and make the most of your climb. They will assist with transportation arrangements, permits, and provide guidance throughout the trek.
It’s essential to obtain the necessary permits and follow the guidelines set by the Mount Kenya National Park authorities. These permits can be obtained at the respective gates or through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) website.
Remember to be well-prepared, physically fit, and have proper climbing gear and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on Mount Kenya.
