Thanks for a fantastic time out here, fingers crossed I can get back out soon!

(Africamper)

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Adventures/Mt Kenya - Africa's Second Highest Peak!

Mount Kenya region

In a nutshell
The beautiful, snow capped peak of Mount Kenya is the second highest point in Africa at 17,058 ft (5199m). It is a challenging and popular destination for trekkers and climbers. The main summit is called Batian and the second summit Nelion (5188m), both of which are technical climbs; but a third peak, Lenana, at 16,350 ft (4985m) is more accessible and a very feasible goal for fit people.

From a distance the volcanic peak dominates the surrounding slopes and valleys. Elephant, black Rhino, Cape Buffalo, Colobus monkey, antelope and Giant Forest Hog can be seen in the foothills of the 228 sq. mi. national park. From the lower forests of bamboo, the landscape develops to unusual high-altitude equatorial vegetation on the shoulder of the mountain with giant heather, lobelia and groundsels. Giving the slopes an alpine desert appearance and a striking feel, almost as if it is from another world

The Challenge – fitness, age, experience
It is important to point out that the challenge is a non-technical trek to climb Mt Kenya, unless you decide to opt for the technical peaks but it offers a full mountaineering experience. You don’t need to be amazingly fit however the more work you do at home the easier you will find the climb. Any regular hill walker will find this expedition within his or her capabilities. If you would like to follow a training programme it should include at least one hill walk a week with a small pack of around 10kgs, and regular visits to the gym or the swimming pool for the final two months before departure. Age is not a big factor on the mountain; the secret of climbing Mt Kenya is to go slowly and enjoy the scenery, drink well, eat well and sleep well. A regular, maintained pace will ensure proper acclimatisation. If you are 16 – 23 you should apply for our Africamp expedition which includes a climb of the mountain as part of our 1 month expedition. It is not necessary to have previous experience to climb Mt Kenya unless you are planning on tackling the technical peaks.

Our trip to Mt Kenya promotes good mountaineering practices for an enjoyable trip, a memorable holiday and one that may lead in the future to more mountain adventures. Our programme is safety-conscious and purposeful in teaching about issues like altitude sickness, and what it actually means. Most worries are borne of ignorance; but with knowledge comes calm, and with that calm comes the ability to prepare mentally and to prevent unnecessary stress.

Mt Kenya the Mountain
My Kenya is in the Mt Kenya National Park which is simply stunning. It offers a more gentle approach to trekking / climbing than Kilimanjaro and differs in that there is a great deal more wildlife to be spotted! Sometimes this isn’t always welcome!

The climb starts at the Park gate and follows winding paths through the Bamboo forests which surround the mountain. The first night is spent near the top of the forest. The following day the route takes us through the second section of Mt Kenya which is her alpine heathland. This opens up fantastic views of the summit and the low lying land and villages now many feet below on the plateau floor around the mountain. Higher up the terrain becomes more rocky and glaciated, with scree slopes to negotiate. This is the remains of the volcanic plug. It can get cold here although there are paths which are easy underfoot.

Adventure Alternative staff have climbed Mount Kenya many times over the past twenty years and we have noticed how the glaciers have retreated dramatically. Where there used to be an ice cave at 15,600 ft there is now nothing because the Lewis Glacier has reduced in size so much. The route now to the summit of Lenana from the West side on the Naro Moru route, which would be the most popular, is now a rock ridge route which requires easy scrambling skills. To come out on top of the ridge to see the sun rising in the East is truly an experience to remember, a real 'high point' on any trip. But it is challenging and you need to have the right clothing higher up.

The Route we use

There are a number of routes to reach the summit of Mt Kenya. Our youth groups tend to use the Naro Moru route with a challenging ascent of the vertical bog! Our advertised treks follow the Sirimon route to the summit and go down the Naro Moru route. For private group treks we also use the Chorgoria route or for a real wild camping experience we can use one of the other less travelled routes, some of which require an armed ranger!

Accommodation whilst on the mountain can be in Bandas (supplement required) or camping. We handle all the catering and have a great team of guides, stores of tents and equipment. You need to only bring your own personal clothing, sleeping bag and roll mat.
All of the routes require 5 days to safely summit the mountain in terms of acclimatisation. Below is an example itinerary for our advertised climbs:

Itinerary

Day One: Depart home
Day Two: Arrive Nairobi and transfer to our Guest House / or a hotel
Day Three: Drive to Naro Moru (4hrs) and meet the guide and porter team, overnight.
Day Four: Trek from the Sirimon Gate (8000ft) to the Old Moses Camp at 10'800ft
Day Five: Trek from Old Moses Camp to Shiptons Camp at 13'800ft
Day Six: Rest and Acclimatisation day. Some Radial hikes and back to camp
Day Seven: Early start at 3am for a summit at 06.30 (16'350ft) and down to Mac Kinders camp for breakfast, then onwards to Met Camp at 10’000ft.
Day Eight: Back to Naro Moru for celebration meal.
Day Nine: Travel back to Nairobi or go on a safari.

Why Adventure Alternative?

We have a 100% safety track record for our trekking adventures, excellent staff and we do not outsource because we have our own set-up and company in East Africa. Using proper acclimatisation on the ascent, providing great food, good preparation and briefings with an emphasis on teamwork, safety and fun means people come back from their holiday feeling very fulfilled and happy.

We can organise your trip to Mount Kenya and we have all the equipment and excellent staff to look after you wonderfully. Treks of Lenana or technical climbs of Batian can both be accommodated. If after your climb you would like to relax and go on a safari to Samburu, Meru or any of Kenya's other fine national parks we can also organise this for you.