Mount KENYA Climbing

About Mount Kenya:
At 5199m high, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya. It consists of three distinct zones; the volcanic peak zone, the alpine zone, and lower slopes, with their thick forest and bamboo vegetation.

Mount Kenya, straddling the equator, it's icy summit reaches to 5,199 m. The National Park consists of all areas above 3,200 m. The mountain actually consists of three distinct zones: the volcanic peak zone, with its endless glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone, with its distinctive giant vegetation such as groundsels; and the lower slopes, with their thick forest and bamboo vegetation.

Climbing Mount Kenya is a challenge requiring extensive mountain climbing skills. To climb to the highest peaks-Batian and Nelion, one requires ropes, ice-axes and other specialized climbing gear. The two peaks can be attempted by experienced climbers. Non-experienced climbers have managed to reach point Lenana 4,970 meters ( 16,300ft) commonly called the "Tourist Peak". Nevertheless, most visitors are able to reach the more accessible Point Lenana at 4985m and many visitors enjoy the simple high altitude walks.

Animals like elephant, buffalo, antelope, lion and rare bongo can be found at the bottom of the mountain.
Access to Mount Kenya National Park is by three routes: the Naro Moru Route; the Chogoria Route; and the Sirimon Route.

The Naro Moru route is from the western slopes of the mountain, beginning in the small town of Naro Moru on the A2 Muranga - Nanyuki road. This route is very steep.

The Chogoria route begins near the small town by the same name, 2 kms to the west of the B6 Embu - Meru road, about 150 kms north of Nairobi. From Chogoria town, you must travel 6 kms to the forest gate and from the forest gate, a further 23 kms to the Park gate. The thick forest on the route to the Park gate are home to antelope and elephants, making this approach to the Park interesting for game enthusiasts.

Sirimon route begins near the small town of Timau on the A2 Nanyuki - Isiolo road north of the mountain. The road to the Park gate leaves the main road 1 km from the bridge over the Sirimon River. This is the least used access point to the park because of the rough and hilly terrain it must pass through.

Ascending the Mountain Kenya:
To climb to the highest peaks-Batian and Nelion, one requires ropes, ice-axes and other specialized climbing gear. The two peaks can be attempted by experienced climbers. Non-experienced climbers have managed to reach point Lenana 4,970 meters (16,300ft) commonly called the "Tourist Peak".

TA/MKC/101: Mount Kenya Climb- Naro Moru Route:
This is the most popular route although not the most scenic. It is also the fastest route to point Lenana. It is the easiest route to the top with bunkhouses and good access.

DAY1: Naro Moru Park Gate - Met Station. 10 km, 3-4 hours, 1000m ascent. The trail ascends from Naro Moru gate to Met Station at 3,050m, possible sidetracks through the Teleki valley.

DAY2: Met Station - Mackinders Camp. 10 km 5-6 hours, 1150 m ascent. Continue to climb past the vertical bog up to Mackinders Camp at 4,210m.

DAY3: Mackinder's Camp - Point Lenana (4985m), then descent to Met Station 4 km, 3.5 hours, 785 m ascent. 14 km, 5-6 hours, 1935 m descent. At about 3.00am star the final push to the summit. This early start will allow you to enjoy the sunrise over the mountains at Point Lenana. Descend to Met Station for overnight.

TA/MKC/102: Mount Kenya Climb - Chogoria Route
This is by far the most scenic and interesting route. It takes in both tropical forests and moorland.

DAY1: Ascend to Minto’s Hut at 4,300m which is situated on a plateau overlooking Lake Michaelson 300m below. There are spectacular views of the summits from here.

DAY2: The trail continues to Austrian Hut via Tooth Col which is situated between several rock towers. Overnight at Austrian Hut.

DAY3: An early morning start to attempt the summit of Point Lenana, which is only about one hour from Austria Hut. Descend to Chogoria Park Gate for the night.

TA/MKC/103: Mt. Kenya Climb - Chogoria - Naro Moru with Summit Peak Circuit
Combine the very scenic Chogoria route with the popular Naru Moru together with the Circuit of the Peaks.

DAY1: Transfer to Naro Moru resting here overnight for acclimatization.
DAY2: Ascend to Met Station at 3,0550m.
DAY3: The trail leads on the Mackinders Camp overnight here.
DAY4: Now on the summit circuit route we pass Two Tarn Hut, Oblong and Hausberg Tarns before reaching Shipton’s Camp at 4,210m. Overnight at the camp.

DAY5: An early start (2.00am) to attempt the final push to the summit at Point Lenana and views of the sunrise. Descend via Square Tarn to Minto’s Hut for breakfast before overnighting at Chogoria Park Gate.