Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Wildebeest Migration Safari to witness the incredible display of nature's wonders of the world.
Mount Kenya Technical Climbing
Overview
Are you seeking an unparalleled adventure? We have meticulously designed the Mount Kenya technical climbing package to provide a thrilling challenge for adrenaline enthusiasts aiming to conquer the second highest mountain in Africa. Our team is fully prepared and an exhilarating adventure awaits. You have the option to join a group or embark on the hike solo, accompanied by our experienced climbing crew.
Our technical climbing package is tailored for those seeking more than just a view from the foothills; but for adventurous individuals who are eager to embrace the challenge of reaching the mountain’s peaks while enjoying stunning panoramic views. Ascending the mountain requires considerable perseverance, and it’s crucial to undergo acclimatization to minimize the risk of altitude sickness before embarking on the climb.
Planning Logistics
The team at Kenya epic safaris is involved in every step of the planning, preparation and packing of our expeditions. Behind the scenes we take care of all the nighty grities to ensure a smooth ripple effect for the purpose of a successful technical climbing of Mount Kenya.
Mountain guides & porters
Our mountain guides and porters are highly skilled in mountaineering, with years of experience climbing Mount Kenya. They are not only highly trained and certified, but also very knowledgeable, playing a key role in ensuring a successful climb to the summit. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the company of our professional guides and porters as you climb Mount Kenya.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the mountain varies on the route a climber chooses. There are permanently built mountain huts, bandas and designated camping sites managed by the Kenya wildlife service. Our guides have selected various hotels for overnight stays close to the base of the mountain to ensure acclimatization and above all avoid mountain sickness.
Meals & Drinks
As part of our team; we have a dedicated professional cook who prepares excellent, delicious and healthy meals. Our cook will ensure a diverse menu accommodating different tastes and appetites. The menu consists of high protein foods, carbs, vegetables and fruits. Equally important we cater for special dietary requirements with advance notice at no extra charge. You are advised to bring your favorite snacks / energy bars.
You only require bottled water on the first and last day however on the mountain we will boil water or add purifying tablets then filter using MSR water filtering pump before refilling in your water bottles every morning.
Transport Logistics
Expeditions to Mount Kenya typically commence from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The journey from the city to the mountain’s base generally spans three to five hours, with the duration being influenced by the chosen climbing route. Furthermore, the mode of transportation is determined by factors such as the number of individuals, their budget, and personal preferences. Options for transportation include shared shuttles, mini-vans, and jeeps.
Call To Action
Initiate your ideal climbing experience by contacting our team. We are here to provide you with essential information, outline what to expect and offer guidance. Reach out to us today to begin your adventure with our Mount Kenya technical climbing package. We aim to help you realize your travel aspirations.
- Nairobi Excursions.
- Mombasa Excursions.
- Hell's Gate Day Trip.
- Lake Nakuru Day Trip.
- Mount Longonot Day Trip.
- Amboseli Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara Camping Safari.
- Masai Mara / Lake Nakuru Budget Safari.
- Climbing Mount Kenya Sirimon Route.
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route.
- Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route.
Eight Days Mount Kenya Technical Climb. [Itinerary]
Day One: Nairobi – Old Moses Camp
First, a representative from Kenya epic safaris will meet you at your hotel or pick you up from the airport. Secondly, the rep will brief and hand you over to your assigned mountain guide, who will facilitate your Mount Kenya technical climbing venture.
Before you depart, the mountain guide will provide you with a detailed briefing about what to expect and will also check if you have the appropriate gear for the journey. Following the briefing, you will leave Nairobi and journey to Nanyuki town, passing through the picturesque countryside on your way to the slopes of Mt. Kenya. You will arrive in time for an early lunch.
Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the porters and the cook. Together, you will proceed to Sirimon Park Gate [2650m] where your guide will assist with park formalities and registration. After completing the necessary formalities, you will begin your hike through the forest, which will eventually give way to heather. After approximately three hours of climbing, you will reach Old Moses Camp [3300m] where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
[Time: 3 to 4 hours] Covering nine kilometers.
Day Two: Old Moses Camp – Shipton Camp
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, the day’s climb to Shimpton Camp with a packed lunch begins. The track leads uphill to a junction where a left turn is taken, followed by an hour of climbing, eventually crossing the Ontulili River.
Continuing onwards, a right turn is made to contour the moorlands towards Liki North, eventually proceeding uphill to Mackinder’s Valley, offering panoramic views of Tereri and Sendeo peaks, Nanyuki town and the beautiful terrain.
The climb then progresses to Shimpton Camp at 4200m, where dinner and overnight stay are provided. The camp boasts an excellent setting with the north faces of Nelion peak and Batian peak visible from the camp.
[Time: 6 to 7 hours] Covering seventeen kilometres.
Day Three: Shipton Camp – Mackinder’s Camp
After breakfast, we start our day’s hike to prepare for summiting the peak circuit and acclimatize better. We will be hiking anticlockwise through Hausberg Col [4591m] and then passing between Oblong and Hausberg tarns.
A hot lunch will be provided en route. We will then ascend to two tarns and begin the descent to Mackinder’s Camp [4200m] on the southwestern side of the peak, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
[Time: 6 to 7 hours] Covering seventeen kilometers.
Day Four: Mackinder’s Camp – Point Lenana – Shipton Camp
Prepare yourself for the most challenging part of the hike today. Begin your day early at 2:30 am and start with a light breakfast consisting of coffee or tea with some biscuits before leaving the camp to ascend to the top hut, Austrian Hut, which stands at 4800m.
Continue your ascent to the summit point Lenana and aim to reach there by sunrise. Once at the summit, take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as the day becomes clearer from Point Lenana.
After spending time enjoying the view and capturing some photos to commemorate your achievement of summiting Mount Kenya, start your descent towards Markinder’s camp at 4200m, where a full breakfast will be served.
Not long after descend further down to the North west side of Mt. Kenya to Shipton camp [3050m] for much needed rest, dinner and overnight stay. The descent walk takes about six hours.
[Time: 9 to 10 hours] Covering twenty one kilometers.
Day Five: Shipton Camp [Acclimitazion Day]
Today, we will be dedicating our time to acclimatizing at Shipton camp as we prepare for the challenge of summiting Batian Peak. Our day will include a brief climb on either Point Peter or Point Dutton, allowing us to adjust to the altitude and terrain. All meals will be provided, and we will be staying overnight at Shipton camp to ensure we are well-rested for the days ahead.
Day Six: Shipton Camp – Batian Peak – Shipton Camp
Preparing for an ambitious day ahead, we aim to reach the summit of Batian Peak. We start by waking up early at 4:30am and having a light breakfast consisting of coffee or tea with some biscuits. After leaving the camp, we embark on the hiking journey towards Batian Peak using the North face standard route. The route initially involves following a wide contour and ascending for approximately 7 pitches, with the difficulty never exceeding 5.7. Upon completion of the ascent, we plan to descend using the same route and aim to reach Shipton’s Camp before dusk for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day Seven: Shipton Camp – Chogoria Bandas
To start your day, wake up early for a delicious breakfast before embarking on the day’s hike along the Scenic Chogoria Route. As you climb up to Simba Col, you’ll then descend to the beautiful Halls Tarns. Following that, you will traverse the backbone of a ridge, offering breathtaking views of the spectacular Gorges Valley.
As you swiftly lose elevation, you’ll transition from the high moorlands into the forest belt that envelops Mount Kenya, eventually reaching Chogoria bandas [3000m] for a satisfying dinner and an overnight stay.
[Time: 5 hours] Covering seventeen kilometres.
Day Eight: Chogoria Bandas – Nairobi
As you reach the final stretch of your climb, enjoy a delicious breakfast before making your way through dense bamboo and rainforests until the land opens up. A 4×4 jeep then takes you to Chogoria town for lunch.
In the afternoon, head back to Nairobi, arriving late in the day. The adventure concludes with a drop-off at a hotel or the airport, marking the end of your Mount Kenya technical climbing venture.
[Time: 2 to 3 hours] Covering ten kilometres.
End of services.
- Transport to and from the base of the mountain.
- Park entrance fees.
- Accommodation in mountain huts / bandas / Camps.
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Services of a mountain guide, porters & a cook.
- Rescue fee.
- H.F Radio communication for backup in case of an emergency.
- All government taxes.
- International airfares.
- Climbing equipments.
- All expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, hard drinks, soft drinks and laundry.
- Tips.
- Visas.
- Travel Insurance.
Mt. Kenya Accommodation
Judmaier Camp, also known as Old Moses Camp, is situated at an altitude of 3300 meters on Mount Kenya. At Old Moses, visitors have the choice of staying in dormitory-style bunkers or camping in the expansive grounds surrounding the camp.
The camp features a hut with a kitchen, dining area and well-maintained bathroom facilities. Old Moses Mountain Hut serves as the initial overnight stop for many hikers embarking on the Mount Kenya trek.
The Shiptons Camp is situated at an altitude of 4200m, just below the main peaks of Mount Kenya. Visitors have the option to sleep in bunkers within the mountain hut, which is commonly used by most hikers on their final day before summiting Pt. Lenana. The hut is equipped with a kitchen and dining area, as well as a clean and well-maintained bathroom.
MacKinder’s Camp is situated at an impressive elevation of 4200m on Mount Kenya. Accommodation at MacKinder’s Camp consists of clean and well-maintained huts. The facilities at the camp include a kitchen and a common dining area.
For those who prefer pitching tents on the ground, access to the lodge’s facilities is available. MacKinder’s Camp is a popular choice for climbers to spend the night as they prepare for their summit attempt.
Chogoria bandas are situated on Mount Kenya at an altitude of 3000 meters. The accommodation options are simple, offering dormitory-style huts. Each hut, or banda, comes with beds that have clean sheets, blankets, and towels. Most climbers stay at the Chogoria bandas on their first night while hiking the Chogoria route.
Mount Kenya Hiking Routes
Sirimon route approaches Mount Kenya from the north-west. Once on the moorlands, the path splits into two routes; the more frequently used one follows the Mackinder Valley, while the quieter route goes into the Liki North Valley. These paths eventually rejoin at Shipton’s Cave, which is located just below Shipton’s Camp on the Peak Circuit Path.
Many trekkers choose the Naro Moru route to reach Point Lenana. The route can be completed in just 3 days and offers bunkhouses at each camp. Beginning at Naro Moru town to the west of the mountain, the route ascends towards Mackinder’s Camp on the Peak Circuit Path. The terrain is generally favorable, but there is a challenging section known as the Vertical Bog.
The Chogoria route begins at Chogoria town and follows the trail to the peak circuit. The path travels through a forest area on the mountain’s southeastern side, leading to open moorland. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table. The trail then continues past Gorges Valley, passing the Temple site, before ascending to Simba Col just below Point Lenana.
The Mountain Club of Kenya highlights Ithanguni and the Giant’s Billiards Table as some of the finest mountain trekking experiences in the country.
Mount Kenya National Park
The Park
Mount Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is located 175 km north east of Nairobi in central and eastern province of Kenya. The mountain is surrounded by a forest reserve and together they make up the Mount Kenya National Park which was gazetted in the year 1949 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.
Mount Kenya stands at 5199 meters [17,057 ft] and the park covers an area of 750km2. Mount Kenya was once a volcano created 3 million years ago. It is estimated to have been 23,000 ft tall but has since eroded to 17,000 ft. Glaciation has coursed erosion of the slopes creating glaciers [small lakes]. The lower slopes of the mountain have been glaciated and are now cultivated or forested, they are distinguished by V shaped valleys.
Mount Kenya Zones
The higher part of the mountain which is now moorland is distinguished by U shaped valleys. There are about 11 small glacier on the mountain. Mount Kenya has three major peaks namely Batian at 5199 meters, Nelion at 5188 meters and Lenana at 4,985 meters. Batian and Nelion are only 250 meters apart separated by the “Gates of Mist”.
Mount Kenya is one of the five most significant water towers in Kenya that the country depends on for her water supply. It provides water for about 50% of the country’s population and produces 70% of Kenya’s hydroelectric power. There are two major rivers that originate from this water catchment namely Tana River and Ewaso Ng’iro River. Mount Kenya has different zones depending on the altitude.
Mount Kenya Vegatation
The base of the mountain is characterized by fertile farmland, followed by montane forest. Above the forest is a belt of bamboo. This zone is almost continuous, but is restricted to small isolated bunches in the north because of low rainfall. Above the bamboo is the timberline forest. The trees here are often smaller than the trees in the forests lower down the mountain. At around 3000m the vegetation turns to heath land and chaparral which paves way for Afro-alpine zone which begins at 3500m, the air here is drier and thinner.
Many of the species here are endemic, with adaptations to the cold and fluctuating temperatures. Typical plants here include giant groundsels [senecios] and giant lobelias. At 4500m we have the nival zone which is characterized by an area that has minimal or no vegetation whatsoever and has been glaciated.
Hiking Routes
There are eight walking routes up to the main peaks. Starting clockwise from the north these are the: Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes. Chogoria, Naro Moru and Sirimon are the most frequently used.
Climbing / Hiking Gear & Equipments
- Walking trousers synthetic material is recommended.
- Long Underwear Tops – Light synthetic.
- Women’s sports bras Synthetic material.
- Light fleece with a warm layer.
- Long sleeve polypropylene shirt.
- Medium weight polypropylene/thermal leggings.
- Wind – waterproof – breathable jacket.
- Gloves- light weight.
- Warm Hat or Balaclava Sun hat – wool or synthetic.
- Face mask or neck gaiter.
- Medium or large duffel bag to pack your town clothes with a lock, this can be left at the hotel or we can store them for you.
- Medium duffel bag to pack your hiking stuff with a lock. [ The porter will carry this bag. ]
- A day pack to store your essentials with a capacity of about 25 to 35 liters is recommended.
- Walking/hiking shoes – comfortable and waterproof.
- Socks – Fitting socks one thick and one thin pair.
- Head lamp with extra batteries & bulbs.
- Adjustable trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag – Rated 3 – season.
- Gaiters – make sure they will fit over boots.
- Purification tablets or filters – water for drinking is fetched from mountain streams.
- Water bottle preferably one litre.
- Female or male hygiene supplies.
- Hand wipes and camp towel.
- Personal toiletry kit.
- Suncream.
- Lip balm.
- Sun glasses.
- Camera & extra battries.
- Passport, flight ticket, travel insurance, visa, cash & credit card.
- Basecamp entertainment i.e books, board games, playing cards or ipod.
- Favorite Snacks, candy bars or protein bars.
- Bandanas.
Do's & Dont's At Mt. Kenya
Do's & Dont's At Mt. Kenya
- Do not Litter the park.
- Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys or baboons.
- Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
- Do not take any plant or animals remains, dead or alive.
- Do not start fires or throw cigarettes in the parks/reserve.
- Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points.
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, honk or play loud music as this will keep away the animals.
- Do not provoke any animals; it’s dangerous.
Food for thought
Food for thought
Kindly don’t forget your patience, have an open mind, positive and relaxed attitude as things in this part of the world may be very different to what you are accustomed to but in the end the experience is price less and will always be memorable.