Climbing Mount Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya is probably one of the hardest things you will do, but indeed the most fulfilling and satisfying adventure in Kenya and beyond. With 31 lakes and tarns, Mount Kenya's height is an altitude of 5,199 meters above sea level. This ranks it as the highest mountain in Kenya, but the second highest in Africa. Mount Kenya is a fascinating destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its awe-inspiring landscape, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, a trip to Mount Kenya is an unforgettable experience. Let us explore what makes climbing Mount Kenya so unique and why it should be on your travel bucket list for guided safari tours in Africa.
Mount Kenya Map (Location and Geography)
Located in central Kenya, Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano that rises to a height of 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve. Mount Kenya National Park park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the African elephant, black rhinoceros, and several species of primates.
Routes for Climbing Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya offers a variety of climbing routes for both novice and experienced climbers. The most popular route is the Sirimon Route, a relatively easy climb that takes about 4-5 days to complete. Other popular routes include the Chogoria Route, the Naro Moru Route, and the Burguret Route. Climbing Mount Kenya requires good fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes, so planning and choosing a reputable tour operator is important.
Best Route for Climbing Mount Kenya
The best route for climbing Mount Kenya depends on the climber's fitness levels. The Sirimon Route is easier for novice climbers as it is slant than the Chogoria Route. However, while this is advantageous in terms of steepness, it is also a shortcoming regarding distance. The route is approximately 9 kilometres longer than the Chogoria route, requiring an extra day. This makes it a good route to ascend Mount Kenya for beginners, who are then encouraged to descend using the Chogoria Route.
For experienced and fit climbers, the Chogoria route is friendly and more enjoyable. While it could take about 4 days to reach the peak via the Sirimon Route, the Chogoria Route cuts a day off, taking you 3 days to the Lenana peak, depending on your pace. However, it is important to note that this difference is brought about by its steepness, thus requiring you to be more fit than most.
Cost for Climbing Mount Kenya
You don't have to break the bank to climb Mount Kenya. The prices are friendly and fair depending on the number of days you will take to reach the summit of Mount Kenya and other extra instructions like game drives in nearby parks like the Ol-Pajeta Conservancy or visits to local communities.
For citizens, climbing Mount Kenya costs;
• Ksh 38,999 for groups of five people and above
• Ksh 44,999 for three to five, and
• Ksh 48,499 for solo climbers.
For Residents, climbing Mount Kenya costs;
• Ksh 51,999 for groups of five people and above
• Ksh 56,999 for three to five, and
• Ksh 59,499 for solo climbers.
For Non-Residents, climbing Mount Kenya costs;
• Usd 749 for groups of five people and above
• Usd 849 for three to five and
• Usd 949 for solo climbers.
The Cost Covers;
• Transport Direct To and From Nairobi Accommodation
• Mount Kenya Park Fees
• Meals on Full Board Basis while on the Mountain
• Accommodation while on the Mountain
• At least 2 Porters per Climber
• 1 litre of Mineral Water Per Day
• Camping Gear
• Professional Chef
• Professional Guide
• Gifts and Surprises
The Cost Excludes;
• Extra Accommodation while not on the Mountain
• Transportation Not Direct To and From Nairobi Accommodation
• Cultural Village Visit
• Tips
• Camping Sticks
• Flight Tickets
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned
Please note that children below the age of 18 require special attention and care while climbing Mount Kenya, as the nature of the tour is different from other types of safaris, like visiting the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Reserve. As such, children are provided with a guide who is specifically dedicated to them. Therefore, while in other tours, children may be waivered a certain percentage of the trip cost, children intending to climb Mount Kenya may not be waivered any amount thus pay as adults.
An Itinerary for Climbing Mount Kenya in 4 Days, 3 Nights
An itinerary for climbing Mount Kenya would vary depending on your fitness and the details of your scheduled climb. For instance, some travelers would take 3 days, others 4 days, and others even 5 days to climb the height of Mount Kenya. However, a typical climb to Mount Kenya would take an average of 4 days and 3 nights.
I have prepared an itinerary used by Heartland Safaris for typical travelers.
Day 1: Nairobi - Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m) – Lake Ellis (3,600m) 3hrs, 8km Trek
Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through the agricultural country to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4×4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest for Kenya Forest Service check-in, drive up to Bandas Camp (2900m) where we start our trekking for a distance of 8 km to Lake Ellis. Have evening tea on arrival at 1500 Hrs, adjust to the climate, and prepare for dinner.
Day 2: Lake Ellis Campsite (3,600m) – Minto`s Camp. (4,200m) 4 hrs, 600m ascent, 9km Trek.
An early start. After breakfast and sorting of porter loads, we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace. Lunch is served at a small stream crossing before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night’s rest. The afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the “Temple” is well worth the effort. This 150-meter vertical cliff gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge – they look like they are praying. We have some evening tea and bites.
An early night is recommended as you attempt the summit the next day.
Day 3: Minto`s – Pt Lenana (4,985m)- Shipton (4,200m) – Old Moses (3,300m) 11-12 hrs, 785 ascent (3.5 km), 1,685 descent, 14 km Trek.
Wake up at 0100 hrs. Predawn attempt of the summit starts between 0200 - 0300hrs, and you hike for about three hours up to Point Lenana (4,985m) – 3.5km, the hiker’s summit, arriving there in time to watch the African sunrise. Descend to Shipton camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, begin a 4-hour descent to Old Moses camp (3,300m). The descent is gentle, offering ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery, including the moorlands, before reaching the camp - 14 km.
Day 4: Shipton Camp (3,300m) – Sirimon Gate (2,800m) - Nairobi 3-4 hrs, 9km Trek.
After early morning breakfast, descend for 3 hours (9 km) to the Sirimon Gate to board for a 3-4 hrs journey to Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi at 1700 hrs.
Note:
The above itinerary is for 4 nights and 3 days for travellers climbing Mount Kenya. You may need to consult an expert to guide you in planning a suitable itinerary for your desired trek. Heartland Safaris will help you prepare for your ultimate challenge to conquer Mount Kenya's height at no cost. Contact us for expert services.
Climbing Mount Kenya Kit List
Climbing a mountain is not as simple as other safaris, such as visiting the towering elephants of Amboseli National Park or the Serengeti National Park. For this kind of adventure, you may need specialized mountaineer gear that is not needed during a typical African safari. So, you may wonder, what are the essential items to have while climbing Mount Kenya?
Below is a list of essential kits that you may need while climbing Mount Kenya or any other mountain,
A typical mountaineering kit list includes;
- Sleeping Bag (Cold Weather Graded)
- Thermos
- Warm Hat / Balaclava
- Water Bottle / Camelback
- Headtorch
- Waterproof Jacket / Trousers
- Warm Jacket /Trousers
- Thermal Tops/ Trousers
- Arimis Milking Jelly, Hand Cream or Sunscreen
- Hiking Boots
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Day Backpack
- Larger Backpack/ Soft Bag For Porter
Remember to contact your tour operator or professional guide to advise you on the essential items they provide and what you may need to have yourself as you plan your anticipated hike on that beautiful mountain.
Wildlife Safaris
In addition to climbing, Mount Kenya is also an excellent destination for wildlife safaris. The Mount Kenya National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo), as well as numerous other species such as the Bongo antelope, bushbuck, and black and white colobus monkey. Heartland Safaris offers customized safari packages that include game drives in the Mount Kenya National Park, as well as other nearby reserves such as the Aberdare National Park and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Cultural Experiences when Climbing Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is also a great destination for cultural experiences. The area surrounding the mountain is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru. These tribes have a rich cultural heritage; visitors can learn about their traditional customs and way of life through guided tours and cultural performances.
Most tourists who climb Mount Kenya want to experience the beauty and culture of the surrounding communities. We, therefore, organize guided tours to communities like Samburu. This is a preferred destination as it offers a raw cultural experience of the preserved cultures of the cattle herding Samburu people. Moreover, it allows visitors to refresh with enriching game drives in Samburu National Park
Mount Kenya Hotels and Accomodation Options
Mount Kenya offers a range of accommodation options near Mount Kenya, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Tented camps like Rhino Watch Lodge are in the central Kenyan highlands and offer a beautiful view of Mt Kenya. Other options include the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and Anabas Lodge, Silver Montana, and Serena Mountain Lodge, among others options, depending on the climber's ideal route for climbing Mount Kenya. However, in most instances, the Mount Kenya hotels are suitable for day 1 and possibly the last night before checkout, as tents are the most common and preferred accommodation options up and down the mountain.
Conclusion on Climbing Mount Kenya
Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the world's most fulfilling and magical experiences. It is not just about climbing Mount Kenya and reaching the summit but about self-discovery and worth the place on your bucket list. "The mountain is hard, but I discovered that I am tougher," stated Tamzhini Srinivishan, an 8-year-old girl who conquered Mount Kenya in 4 days of ascending and descending on the Easter Holiday of the year 2024.
As you embark on that journey, you want to climb a mountain, go on a wildlife safari, or experience the local culture; Mount Kenya has something to offer everyone. Heartland Safaris, the preferred go-to-tour solution in Kenya and beyond, encourages you to take on that dream vacation today and experience the healing power of adventure.
