Mount Kenya is like the last word trekking spot in Kenya! Positive, most individuals consider Kenya for its seashores and safaris, however this mountain is a hidden gem for journey seekers.
And sure, most folk can identify the best mountain in Africa, however do you know that Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain? Standing at 5,199 meters, Batian Peak is only a tad taller than Nelion (5,1888 m) and Level Lenana (4,985 m).
When you’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountain climbing expertise. However if you happen to’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an efficient pair of climbing boots. You’ll be able to conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with just some days of climbing.
This massif is ideal for many who love an excellent problem in a panoramic setting. Although it’s on the equator, the principle peak Batian, is an actual showstopper with its snow-capped glaciers. Guests flock right here year-round for the breathtaking views! It’s a implausible spot for nature lovers and climbers in search of a problem. With three peaks to overcome, you’ll be able to tailor your climb to your ability stage and make it as powerful as you want.
The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly if you happen to take your time. Going at a leisurely tempo is the key to steering away from altitude illness and making it to your purpose with ease. When you hit 3000 meters, it’s completely wonderful to take it simple. And don’t neglect to drink plenty of water to maintain your self effectively hydrated.
Associated learn: Reasons to Visit Kenya
Right here’s an outline:
Totally different Routes To Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya
Here’s a breakdown of the totally different routes to take in your trek on Mount Kenya.
Naro-Moru Route
This route is the quickest option to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes by Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and at last reaches Level Lenana.
This route was some of the well-liked decisions as a result of it’s brief and has handy huts at Met Station (3050m) and MacKinders (4200m). The forest alongside this route remains to be lush, with a dense bamboo zone. Many climbers usually begin on the park gate, however driving as much as the Met Station (3050 meters) is feasible.
The trek alongside Naro Moru presents a novel expertise, main you thru a vertical bathroom into the expansive Teleki Valley under the Lewis Glacier. Within the Teleki Valley, you’ll encounter iconic Tree and Cabbage Groundsels and Lobelia Telekii and Deckenii.
Sirimon Route
The route is normally thought-about one of many simpler ones, because it climbs progressively with just some steeper sections to succeed in the highest camp. It’s at the moment the most well-liked route however not overly crowded.
Start your journey from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your manner by Previous Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, and at last attain Level Lenana.
The forest is sparse alongside this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very outstanding. A lot of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. If you cross the ridge into the MacKinder Valley, you’ll have an amazing viewpoint if the climate is evident. The strategy to the peaks alongside the basic U-shaped MacKinder Valley may be beautiful in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is dwelling to many big Lobelia and Groundsel, the basic flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will possible spot Rock Hyrax at Shipton’s cave or hut.
That is additionally the route that we advocate in additional element under.
Chogoria Route
For a scenic journey, begin at Chogoria and move by Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your option to Level Lenana.
The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as probably the most lovely path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the best way, the journey may be made shorter through the use of 4×4 automobiles to skip the decrease part. It’s frequent apply to drive 4x4s by the forest till you attain the Meru Bandas at 3000m.
Simply previous the junction close to “The Temple” at 4300m, you’ll discover an outdated, considerably shaky hut the place porters normally spend the evening, whereas purchasers must arrange camp.
What units this route aside is its beautiful bodily panorama. Not like different routes that comply with a U-shaped glacial valley, the Chogoria winds across the spectacular ‘Temple’ with Corridor Tarns above it and Lake Michaelson on the base of the amphitheater. Extra highlights like Lake Ellis, the Big’s Billiard Desk, and the Nithi Falls make this route much more charming.
Many climbers select to descend through the Chogoria after ascending different routes.
Burguret Route
Don’t neglect concerning the Burguret Route (recognized for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).
The Burguret route might not be as well-liked as a result of its difficult navigation and lack of facilities. Nonetheless, the rugged, undeveloped nature of the path and the potential for having all of it to your self generally is a draw for some adventurers.
Not like different routes, Burguret doesn’t have a clearly marked path or any services like huts. You’ll want to rearrange with the rangers prematurely and make funds at a unique gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.
Navigating by the bamboo forest within the decrease part would possibly require some steerage from the guides, particularly if there haven’t been current hikers. The route can fluctuate till you attain the primary tenting spot at Kampi Ya Machengeni (3000m) within the moorlands.
The subsequent stretch is extra open and simpler to navigate, however you’ll nonetheless have to carve out your individual path reasonably than comply with a set path.
Timau Route
The Timau Route, situated on the north aspect, can be not often traveled.
It was once a preferred route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its manner by the milder northern slopes earlier than getting steeper at round 4200m.
From there, it descends sharply into and throughout the Hinde Valley and the Nithi North River earlier than ascending to fulfill the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.
The route’s circumstances fluctuate, however automobiles usually don’t exceed round 3400m.
Whereas it’s nonetheless technically potential to climb through this route, it’s beneficial to seek the advice of with the Rangers for present circumstances.
Our Advice: Sirimon Route
Match journey trekkers will discover the Sirimon Route on Mount Kenya to be a enjoyable and simply accessible trekking route. There’s larger surroundings than Naromoru, and a number of the greatest strolling is on the market on the dry aspect of the mountain.
Ascend by the woodland and onto a broad slope to succeed in the summit location. The route begins near Nanyuki on the northwest face of the mountain.
The bunkhouse facilities are the best on this aspect of the mountain, and entry is enough.
Ranging from the underside and climbing your manner up, you’ll be handled to a very various panorama. The path takes you thru a mixture of deciduous forest, gallery forests, and the plush Afroalpine rainforest on the base of the massif. As you proceed, you’ll move by mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive plants like large heaths and coso timber, bogs, and grasslands.
As you ascend, you’ll encounter spectacular senzenzias and lobelias earlier than reaching the highest with its beautiful rock and ice formations. There are 800 plant species on this space, with 81 discovered nowhere else – a colourful show of uncommon and tropical nature that’s actually a sight to behold.
When you hang around on the decrease slopes among the many lush forests and bamboo thickets, you would possibly catch a glimpse of elephants, bushbucks, large forest hogs, and even buffalo. Then again, the Afroalpine heights are dwelling to huge tree heaths, quirky large senecias and large lobelias, with rock hyraxes maintaining hikers and climbers firm.
4 Days Up and Down Sirimon Route
Right here’s a breakdown of the 4 days of trekking to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya.
Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Previous Moses
Departure from Nairobi at 0700 hrs out of your lodge and switch to Nanyuki, arriving after 3 hours. Later switch to Sirimon gate and hike to Previous Moses camp for in a single day (3300m), 3 to 4 hour hike (9kms). Previous Moses camp is the place you acclimatize as you additionally come throughout totally different vegetation.
Previous Moses Camp is not only a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.
As you traverse by varied vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, maintain a watch out for distinctive natural world. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the varied ecosystems that characterize Mount Kenya.
Day 2: Previous Moses – Shiptons
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic hike to Shipton’s Camp, located at an elevation of 4200 meters. The path meanders by Liki and Makinders valleys, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of rugged landscapes and towering peaks. This portion of the journey usually spans 6 to eight hours, protecting a distance that varies based mostly on the tempo and stops alongside the best way.
Shipton’s Camp serves as a high-altitude base for trekkers, providing important facilities amidst the uncooked fantastic thing about Mount Kenya.
Preserve your digital camera useful to seize glimpses of wildlife, equivalent to rock hyraxes, duikers, and varied fowl species that inhabit these high-altitude areas.
Day 3: Shipton Camp / Level Lenana / Judmaier Camp (Previous Moses Camp)
That is the top of your Mount Kenya journey as you set out for the summit bid within the early morning hours. Departing from Shipton’s Camp at 3 am, the ascent begins with a difficult climb up a steep stony quarry, which ultimately results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.
The path presents awe-inspiring views as you ascend in the direction of Level Lenana, Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak, standing at roughly 4985 meters above sea stage.
Reaching Level Lenana round dawn rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the encompassing peaks and the huge expanse under. After soaking within the majestic dawn, the descent again to Shipton’s Camp takes round 2 hours, the place a well-deserved breakfast awaits.
The journey continues as you descend additional to Previous Moses Camp, retracing your steps by acquainted terrain for about 4 hours.
Day 4: Judamaier Camp (Previous Moses) / Sirimon / Nairobi
On the ultimate day of your trek, after a satisfying breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the mountain and start the descent by the plush rainforest. The path winds its manner down for about 2 hours, providing trekkers an opportunity to mirror on their journey amidst the tranquility of the forest.
As you emerge from the dense vegetation, you’ll reunite along with your transport car, marking the top of your Mount Kenya journey.
The return journey to Nairobi is crammed with reminiscences of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie solid through the trek.
Contact the Alpine Holidays crew by the shape under, get extra information or e-book your trekking journey of a lifetime.
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When Is the Finest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is a implausible climb any time of the 12 months!
In April and Might, you would possibly encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.
When you’re in search of optimum circumstances, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This manner, you’ll be able to keep away from the wet season and benefit from the best climate and views.
Take into account that mountain climate may be unpredictable, so all seasons would possibly make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons provides you with probably the most bang to your buck.
Being close to the equator, it could get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so be certain to pack heat garments or a comfortable sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.
Dressing for large temperature swings is essential for a profitable trek!
Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya
To your journey, ensure you have comfortable footwear, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.
When you’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Carry maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.
And, after all, pack a primary help equipment simply in case.
Don’t miss out on capturing the views with a digital camera and binoculars, and defend your self from the solar with a solar hat, sunscreen, and trendy sunglasses!
Associated learn: Trekking Essentials to Carry While Hiking
The view from the highest looking over the limitless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that arduous work price it ultimately.
Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?
