CLIMBING MOUNT KENYA

Mt. Kenya

The facts are very interesting. The statistics are that it is the highest mountain in Kenya, the second highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is a beautiful extinct volcano standing alone - the most beautiful in its own way. It erupted last between 2.6 and 3.1 million years ago. It is safe, very safe with the Mount Kenya National Park: 620 square kilometers (240 square miles), and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting the areas around it. Mount Kenya receives up to 15, 000 visitors every year!

The mountain is scenic and proudly located in Central Kenya, just South of the Equator, around 150 km (95 miles) North-northeast of Nairobi: The capital city.


The paramonic view of Mount Kenya includes: Its three highest peaks, Batian (5, 199m - 17, 058 ft), Nelion (5, 188m - 17, 022 ft) and Lenana (4, 985m - 16, 355 ft). Its slopes include several different biomes with the lowest parts enveloped in a dry upland froest, changing to montane forest of juniper and podocarpus at about 2, 000 metres (6, 600 ft). A belt of Bamboo at 2, 500m (about 8, 000 ft) that changes to an upper forest of smaller trees covered with moss and "goat's beard" lichen. Above a distinct timberline at about 3, 500m (11, 500 ft), there is an afroalpine zone with its characteristic giant rosette plants. Twelve small (and rapidly shrinking) glaciers may be found scattered among the complex of peaks, of which Batian and Nelion are the highest.

Mount Kenya hiking is an acient volcanic mountain much older than Mt. Kilimanjaro. It's believed to have once reached well above 6, 000m. What is left today is a volcanic plug which erosion has fashioned into the complex jagged outline of the central peaks.
Its forests are rich in wildlife, the friendly neighbourhood full of hospitality, the atmosphere virgin and the climbing experience memorable!

There are three main Mt. Kenya trekking routes, which penetrate the forest and the moorland. These include: Naromoru Route trek, Sirimon Route hiking and Chogoria Route walking and each of which has something different to offer. Mount Kenya Naromoru Route is the fastest route to point Lenana, but not as scenic as the other two, trust me. Mt. Kenya Trekking though Chogoria hike is the most scenic and Mt. Kenya hiking Sirimon Route the most interesting because it is on the drier side of the mountain.

The normal pattern of weather on mount Kenya climbing is for clear mornings with mist closing in from 10:00 am although, this can clear by evening. Therefore, early morning starts are the order of the adventurers day, with a 2:00 am start for the final ascent to point Lenana, if you want to catch the sunrise. Here is a complete guide to explore the real beauty.