Dayhikes and climbing Mount Kenya
Day trips and climbing Mount Kenya
“Climbing Mount Kenya is much cooler than climbing the other mountain.”
The climb of Mount Kenya is of a completely different nature. Of course you should also climb Kilimanjaro, but if you are looking for a more interesting mountain in Africa, sooner or later you will come across climbing Mount Kenya. climbing Mount Kenya offers outdoor athletes and mountain climbers various options to climb one of the three peaks of Mount Kenya. Each peak has its own level of difficulty. First we will focus on the easiest but no less exciting way of climbing Mount Kenya: on foot and without extensive climbing equipment. We spoke to a guide and porter who has climbed Mount Kenya hundreds of times and is happy to share his insights and tips with us.
The highest mountain in Africa? Kilimanjaro. Everyone knows that, but did you also know that climbing Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa? At 5,199 meters, Batian Peak is slightly higher than Nelion (5,1888m) and Point Lenana (4,985m). If you want to climb the first two peaks mentioned, you must have the necessary climbing experience and the right equipment. However, if you want to climb Point Lenana, a good pair of hiking boots is all you need. The third highest peak of Africa's second highest mountain can be reached in a few days. Our guide has already been there a few hundred times and now he shares his knowledge with trekkers from all over the world who want to go to Point Lenana.
climbing Mount Kenya Facts
How high is Mount Kenya?
Anyone can name the highest mountain in Africa, but did you know that Mount Kenya is the second highest? At 5,199 meters, Batian Peak is slightly higher than Nelion (5,1888 m) and Point Lenana (4,985 m). If you want to climb the first two peaks, you will need some experience in traditional rock climbing. However, if you want to climb Point Lenana, a decent pair of hiking boots will suffice. You can reach the third highest peak of Africa's second highest mountain in just a few days of hiking.
Where is climbing Mount Kenya located?
The mountain is located in central Kenya, 150 kilometers northeast of the capital Nairobi. The snow-capped mountain is surprisingly close to the equator, about 10 miles (16.5 kilometers) south of it. Mount Kenya is located 320 kilometers south of Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kenya is located near Glamping Kenya lodge.
The vital role of Mount Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya is not only a great mountain to see and climb. Africa's second highest mountain is an important water catchment area, which plays a vital role in the agricultural sector on the lower slopes of the mountain. “That's why you'll see that every door in the houses around Mount Kenya faces the mountain. The people believe that the Gods are on the mountain and they take care of it. With no rain, no crops,” our guide explains. “In addition, tourism plays another important role on climbing Mount Kenya. Many people have jobs as guides, cooks or porters on the mountain. The trekking industry is certainly bringing a positive change to the livelihoods of the people on and around Mount Kenya.” The Kikuyu, Ameru, Embu and Maasai all call Mount Kenya home.
Tips for climbing Mount Kenya.
Taking it easy is essential if you want to avoid altitude sickness and successfully reach your goal. "Once you reach 3000 meters, you need to take it easier. You also need to drink a lot of water to stay well hydrated."
Most tours on climbing Mount Kenya are either 4.5 or 6 days. If you have the time, it is better to do it at least in 5 days. This gives you more time to acclimatize and this way the trekking does not become a rushed job. This also gives you the opportunity to do one of the longer routes, such as the 6-day Burguret-Chogoria Traverse. Personally, I like the Chogoria side of the mountain,” says our guide.
What is the best season for climbing Mount Kenya?
climbing Mount Kenya can be organized all year round. But if you want the best conditions, you should plan for January through March or June through October. Then you avoid the rainy season and get the best weather and therefore the best views. Of course the weather on the mountain can be difficult to predict, but if you go in the right season you have the best chance of perfect conditions.
climbing Mount Kenya requires decent gear. Especially the basics such as an 80-90l L backpack and quality trekking socks.
Technical clothing
• Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
• Insulated jacket, synthetic or down
• Soft jacket, fleece or softshell
• 2 Long sleeve shirts, lightweight fabric
• Short sleeve T-shirt, lightweight and quick drying
• Water-resistant trousers
• 2 hiking trousers (zip-off)
• Fleece pants
• Shorts (optional)
• Long underwear (quick-drying fabric recommended)
• Underwear
• Sports bra for women
Head covering
• Sun hat for protection against the sun
• Knitted hat for warmth
• Balaclava, buff, bandana
For the hands
• Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
• Glove liner, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for extra warmth (optional)
Footwear
• Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
• Sports shoes, to wear in camp (optional)
• At least 3 pairs of socks, thick, wool or synthetic
• 3 Sockliners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters
• Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
accessories
• Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons
• Sleeping bag liner, for extra warmth (optional)
• Walking sticks (recommended)
• Headlamp, with extra batteries
• Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your gear.
• Daypack, to carry personal items.
Extras
• Toiletries (optional)
• Medicines
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent containing DEET
• First Aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Emergency toilet paper
• Wet wipes (biodegradable)
• Snacks, lightweight, high calorie, high energy
• Pen and notepad for notes or diary (optional)
• Camera with extra batteries (optional)