PJSChallenges | Mt Kenya

Mt Kenya
Lenana Point
Kenya

ABOUT MOUNT KENYA

Altitude - 4,985m (16,355ft)

Grading Level - T4 (click HERE to find out more about our grading)

Best months to go: January - December

Mount Kenya has several small glaciers (although these are fast disappearing); and as such its climate can be chilly all year round. At night, temperatures on the higher elevations can drop as low as 14ºF/ -10ºC. Typically, early mornings on the mountain are sunny and dry, with clouds often forming by midday. While it is possible to hike Mount Kenya throughout the year, it gets considerably more difficult (and less comfortable) during Kenya's rainy season. These usually last from mid-March to mid-June, and from October to mid-December.

The final approach to Point Lenana is via ferrata. This is a steel cable which runs along the route and is periodically fixed to the rocks, commonly found in the Alps and Dolomites. However the via ferrata section on Mt Kenya is the highest in the world.

If you are used to regular multi day hill walking you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on this trek. Previous walking experience is not essential but will help you get the most out of this trip. Non hill walkers must come with a reasonable degree of fitness. Most days involve 5 - 7 hours walking plus plenty of rest stops. A head for heights is advantageous on summit day. Our itinerary will provide clients with maximum acclimatisation and time to enjoy the stunning scenery of this beautiful mountain. Two nights accommodation in a luxury hotel at the start and end of the climb. We will ascend via the Sirimon Route and descend down the other side of the mountain via the Chogoria Route.

The peaks on the mountain were formed by volcanic eruptions, and the mountain is made from different types of volcanic rock. Because Mount Kenya is located on the equator, the sun rises and sets at almost exactly the same time each day, 5:30 am and 5:30 pm. There are several glaciers on Mount Kenya, although they are retreating quickly and no new ice is forming. In less than 30 years the mountain may be completely free of ice.

Mount Kenya has no fewer than three peaks, the highest of which is Batian at 17,057 feet/ 5,199 meters. However, this peak is out of reach for all but the most advanced climbers as it sits atop a series of treacherous chimneys, pitches and gullies. Instead, most trekkers aim for Point Lenana, which sits independently of the twin peaks of Batian and Nelion at 16,355 feet/ 4,985 meters. It is a challenging climb, made even more so by its relatively steep approach and rapidly increasing altitude. From the summit, 360º views stretch out over the African plains to distant Kilimanjaro.

Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa attracting over 16,000 visitors each year. The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breath-taking. It is pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game and unique montane and alpine vegetation.

Traditionally Mount Kenya is the less climbed, smaller brother of Mount Kilimanjaro. However it should not be underestimated and many people who have climbed it prefer the wilderness, abundant wildlife and stunning mountain lakes that you find on Mount Kenya. Point Lenana is a feasible trekking peak and also currently the worlds highest via ferrata summit route, which adds to the challenge and enjoyment. The panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys and savannah makes a trek on this mountain a thoroughly enjoyable African experience.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrive Nairobi airport and transfer to hotel.

Day 2

Sirimon Gate 2,650m – Old Moses Camp 3,300m, 3-4 hrs

Transfer to Mt Kenya National Park entrance. Sirimon Gate. After a snack lunch at the gate we begin our ascent to Old Moses Camp. Overnight at camp.

Day 3

Old Moses Camp 3,300m – Shipton Camp 4,200m, 7-8hrs

After breakfast we will begin the scenic walk through the valley towards Old Moses Camp by walking next to and crossing water streams. We will reach camp by 3pm and enjoy the stunning sunset by the mountain peaks. Overnight in camp.

Day 4

Shipton Camp 4,200m – Lenana Peak 4,985 – Lake Camp 3,300m, 12 hrs

After a very early wake up, we will leave camp at around 2am to begin our final ascent of Mt Kenya to Lenana Peak, the worlds highest via ferrata summit. We will hope to reach the peak in time to watch the stunning sunrise at 5:30am, throwing light on the surrounding peaks. After photos at the top, we will begin our descent down the Chogoria Route. We will enjoy stunning scenery of flora & forna and past stunning high altitude lakes, stopping for lunch along the way before arriving at our overnight camp by a beautiful lake to rest from our long and successful summit.

Day 5

Lake Camp 3,300m – Chogoria Gate 2,950m, 4hrs

We descend back down to the foothills of mountain, through trees and giant heathers into the rain forest. On arrival at the park gate, our transport will be waiting to take us back to our hotel. Celebration dinner at hotel, overnight in hotel.

Day 6

Hotel – Airport

After breakfast, our transport will take you to Nairobi airport for your flight home.