Getting there:

Main road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport. Some trekkers and Climbers access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria. There is an airstrip in Nanyuki, with both scheduled and charter flights available.

Mt. Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, sits on the equator at an elevation of 5199m (17,058ft). An invaluable natural resource for Kenya as the source of all of its major rivers, it is one of the most exotic, dangerous and frequently accepted mountaineering challenges on the planet. Its slopes are the home of an astonishing variety of trees, plants and wildlife and as well provide unparalleled alpine wilderness hiking. Its peaks offer a full range of high altitude technical rock and ice climbing.

Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain. Sitting astride the equator its icy summit reaches to 5199m (17,058 ft). All of the mountain above the 3200m contour forms a national park. In fact the mountain consists of three principal zones; the rocky peak area, actually an eroded volcanic plug, with its mantle of glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone with its distinctive giant vegetation; and the vast gentle lower slopes drenched in mountain forest and bamboo jungle.

It is no wonder that this remote majestic wonderland was considered as God's domain by awed farmers at its foothills. Many rivers flow from the perpetual snows, among them the mighty Tana, Kenya's largest and longest river and source of much of Kenya's electricity supply. Most visitors are content to marvel at the mountain's beauty but some will want to attempt to reach the peaks; a feat requiring considerable rock climbing skill. But the mountain's lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by the fit and the adventurous. Point Lenana, 4985m, can be easily reached. In fact the majority of visitors go to the mountain to enjoy the walking and especially the high level hut-to-hut hike round the mountain with its humbling vistas.

Wildlife within the forests below the park boundary includes elephant, buffalo, lion, several species of antelope including the rare bongo and occasionally the melanistic forms of both the leopard and the serval. Much of this wildlife can be seen from the safety of Mountain Lodge which lies just inside the forest on the south side of the mountain. Mountain climbers should appreciate the need for acclimatisation over several days before attempting the high peaks. Naro Moru River Lodge specialises in assisting climbers with guides, porters and equipment. It is quite unwise to attempt to climb during the rains. The best months are January and February and late August through September. Serious climbers may seek advice from the Mountain Club of Kenya. For those who wish to savour the mountain air, the glorious views and the peace and tranquillity which emanate from the mountain, there are many hotels around the foothills among them the famed Mount Kenya Safari Club.
 

Route Name Naro Moru

Time Five days, including one day on summit
Description This is the most popular route, although it is less scenic than the othe two. It ascends Mount Kenya's forest and moreland areas from the west, usually with two stops for overnights in bunkhouses, one of the reasons for its popularity.



Route Name Chogoria Route

Time Six days, including one day on summit
Description This is by far the most scenic and interesting route, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding valley. The route approaches from the Chogoria village, on the mountain's east side.



Route Name Sirimon Route

Time Five days, including one day on summit
Description This is the second most scenic route, approaching from the north.

Once on top, there are various huts along the Summit Circuit Path. The entire circuit can be hiked in one day. As for climbing the summit peaks, the highest peak is Batian (17,058 ft./5,199 m), and the second highest is its neighboring twin Nelion (17,021 ft./5,188 m). These peaks are so close in proximity, they are typically climbed together. The normal route is a Grade IV rock climb, 400 meters of elevation in twenty roped pitches. There are many other routes, ranging in difficulty from Grade IV climbs to the classic Diamond Buttress route (Grade VI, A1 or VII).

Persons less technically inclined usually climb the third highest peak, Point Lenana (16,355 ft./4,985 m). This is the easiest high peak, a rock scramble using any of many possible routes, most commonly on the Southwest Ridge or North Ridge.


Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu home were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.

The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Its ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are thick with forest. The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the days early light silhouettes its impressive summit high over the surrounding plains.

While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finally one of the worlds rarest sights, equatorial snow.

For those who don't want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout....
 

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