Climbing Mount Kenya – What You Need to Know First

Posted at January 4, 2010

Located 25km from Nanyuki town and 205 km from Nairobi via Nanyuki, Mt. Kenya boasts of being the highest mountain in the country and the second highest in the beautiful continent of Africa after Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Batian the mountain’s highest peak stands at 5199meters an equivalent of 17058feet, followed closely by Nelion at 5188meters, Lenana at 4985meters, Pigott at 4957meters, point Dutton at 4885meters and point John at 4883meters. To conquer the first two you must be a experienced technical climber as it has proven to be a difficult and dangerous ascent; on the other hand physically fit trekkers able to endure long enough easily make it to Lenana point.

The mountain was once an active volcanic mountain with its last eruption believed to have taken place some 3 million years ago. The area surrounding the mountain is under the protection of mountain Kenya National park covering an area measuring 240 sq miles and comprises of several distinctive zones which include the lower slopes characterized by the rain forest abundant with a variety of tree species the most noticeable being camphor and bamboo vegetation and also home to wildlife such as elephant, buffalo and monkeys with the moor lands offering a long list of mammals including the rock hyrax.

The alpine zone is characterized by its unique giant rosette vegetation such as groundsels and podocarpus. Last but not least is the volcanic peak with its endless glaciers and equatorial snow.

The person credited with discovering the mountain is none other than the European missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf in 1849. the mountain has over the years attracted a large number of visitors attempting the adventurous ascent with the first ever recording being made on the 13th of September 1899 by Halford John Mackinder, Cesar Ollier and Josef Brocherel. Nelion was first climbed by Eric Shipton in 1929, and Shipton and Bill Tilman completed the traverse of the ridge between the two highest peaks.

Climbing Mount Kenya is best done in January or February on the south side and August or September on the north side as these are the dry seasons. Climbing during the rainy seasons is possible though not advisable as it is not very conducive for climbing/trekking.

The mountain experiences normal patterns of weather characterized by clear mornings with mist closing in from 10:00am thus early morning starts are always recommended with a 2am start for the final ascent to point Lenana where you arrive in time to catch the sunrise.

There are 3 designated routes used in the ascent of this mountain they include Naromoru Route trek popular with climbers (it is also the fastest route to point Lenana), Sirimon Route popular with those hiking (it on the drier side of the mountain thus most interesting) and Chogoria Route for those who prefer walking (the most scenic of routes). All are unique in their own right as each offers something different.

Naro Moru Route is the most popular route especially with trekkers attempting to conquer point Lenana and the fastest taking up to 3days to ascend with overnight at bunkhouses found at each camp. The terrain is conducive except for the vertical quagmire.

The track starts in Naro Moru town where most trekkers overnight for acclimatization purposes and continues past the Park headquarters up the ridge flanked by the Northern and Southern Naro Moru Rivers. At the road head is the Meteorological Station accessible during the dry season, the route further drops down drops down into the Northern Naro Moru Valley to Mackinder’s Camp on the Peak course trail.

Sirimon Route is on the north side of the mountain, a 10km track from the park gate accessible by a two wheel drive or by simply walking. The track scales up through the forest where the forest gradually turns into moorland covered with colossal heather, ending at Old Moses Hut to become a trail.

The path continues up the hill before splitting into two routes one to the left and the scarcely used which goes around to the side of the Barrow, to Liki North Hut an area where vegetation is scanty, with giant lobelia and groundsels strewn around. The trail climbs over a ridge, before rejoining the main trail ascending the Mackinder Valley.

To the left of the steep trail in the rock wall on the left a few meters before reaching Shipton’s Camp lies the Shipton’s Cave. The pursuit of the river leads up to Lower Simba Tarn and ultimately to Simba Col both at the peak of the course trail.

Chogoria Route’s main distinctive feature is the Gorges Valley. This route begins from Chogoria town 32 km from the forest gate to the park gate often accessible by vehicle with a few enduring trekkers opting to walk. Being the most scenic of all the routes there is plenty of natural wonder to feast your eyes on some of which include the forest home to abundant wildlife such as tree monkeys, elephant, buffalo and leopard.

The numerous safari ants are omissible as they strut across the track. The ascent requires passage through the bamboo zone which starts near the park gate and also feature long strands of grass growing up to 40feet high making the road barely passable by both humans and vehicles thus endurance is necessary.

On venturing into the park the track passes through rosewood forests, with lichens dangling from the branches leading to a point where the path split into two with the smaller track leading to a trail up the nearby Mugi Hill and across to Lake Ellis. A small bridge lies across the Nithi stream on top of large suspended prop overlooking the Lake Michaelson close to Hall tarns near the track head.

A few hundred meters down stream leads to the gate waterfall and continues up the ridge above the gorges valley with magnificent views of the peaks, Lake Michaelson, The Temple, and across the valley to Delamere and Macmillan Peaks. Hall Tarns are situated right on the path and above a 200 m (700 ft) cliff directly above Lake Michaelson.

The trail eventually leads across the flat head of the Nithi River where the slope steepens, the path splits, heading west to Simba Col, and south west to Square Tarn both on the Peak course Route.

Type of clothing won when partaking in this adventurous venture is of much importance as the right type of clothing can make the trek/climb easy and enjoyable for you with the alternative having an adverse and at times detrimental effect.

To ensure that your face and head are kept warm and protected always bring a balaclava which covers the head and ears when the temperatures are low and a shade hat for protection from the equatorial sun. Other head and face gear include bandannas, sunglasses essential for eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water.

The upper body should always have three warms layers made of wool, polypropylene or pile all fitting over each other to provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.

The lower part of the body includes undergarments which should be carried in enough supply for the entire climb, one pair of quick drying hiking shorts which are excellent for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain, tights which should be comfortable to hike in, they protect from vegetation and sunburn and are warm on cool misty days; Lycra are often the best and a pair of long underwear bottoms, either wool or polypropylene.

A pair of comfortable pile, bunting or wool pants that fits loosely over the long underwear bottoms and a good pair of rain pants preferably Gortex or nylon pants made of breathable, water resistant nylon large enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants.

Rain parka should also be made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed to ensure you are kept dry in instances where it rains; Poncho which is a quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; Wool gloves or mittens pair of light and heavy gloves is necessary;

One pair of mitten shells to go over mittens to provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain. The Sleeping Gear includes a sleeping bag, stuff sack and a sleeping pad which should be full-length, Therma-Rest or its equivalent

Down or Synthetic Jacket that keeps you well insulated ensuring no heat is lost, though optional may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.

For the protection of your feet two pairs of thin polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks which help prevent blisters and keep feet dry, 6 pairs of thick socks made of heavy wool or polypropylene socks.

Foot wear is very important as it’s one of the major determinants of how far you get to ascend thus one pair of hiking boots medium weight large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock is necessary; One pair of high gaiters made of breathable material to keep dirt and snow out of boots and tennis shoes to wear within the camp after a day of hiking.

For personal Health and Comfort one is required to bring toiletries which include toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, foot powder, hand cream, etc.; plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more, lip balm with a SPF rating of 15 or more, ear plug to block out disturbing noises such as snoring or any other guaranteeing you peaceful night’s sleep; flashlight and/or headlamp with extra batteries, adjustable ski poles which are required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain; pocket knife, simple Swiss Army type with scissors, personal first aid and drug kit, towel plus individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels great for general hygiene; spare contacts or glasses just incase.
Some optional items include umbrella, portable chair, snacks, fingernail brush, and plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

The Carrying Gear should include a large day pack with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc.

Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds, large duffel bag with a lock where mountain gear will be kept in and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs; medium duffel bag to store your non-mountain gear usually stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.

Always make baggage tags useful in identifying your bags with easy at the airports or hotels, plastic bags where sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains.

As the saying goes water is life and in this case two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles of water are to be brought, alternatively if you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water.

However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition as they useful in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag; water treatment tablets or two bottles of Potable Aqua or Polar Pure crystal iodine which purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use; water flavoring powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler’s lemonade make treated water taste better.