Climbing Mount Kenya

At 5,199 metres, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, and the second highest mountain in Africa. Two of the three main peaks, Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m), are only for technical climbers, however there are several routes to choose from allowing trekkers to reach the third peak, Point Lenana (4,985m). The scenic Siromon Route offers some of the finest walking and best views of the main peaks. The gradual ascent passes through impressive forests in the lower reaches and features abundant wildlife and beautiful alpine scenery higher up.

You will be collected from Nairobi and transfer to your accommodation at the base of Mount Kenya by road, approximately 3 hours. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch and the afternoon is free to prepare for your climb. (LD)

Your quest begins at 2,134 metres above sea level in the dense rainforest, draping the slopes of Mount Kenya. The panoramas surrounding Serena Mountain Lodge will delight you with their dramatic features. By day, cool, clear mountain air and sweeping views across the treetops beckon with opportunity for discovery and exploration. An open-air deck at the Mount Kenya lodge gazes down to a water hole bustling with elephant and buffalo herds. As darkness approaches, the trees surrounding the hotel come alive in a wall of sound as creatures of all manner begin their nocturnal rituals.

Accommodation: 1 night Serena Mountain Lodge

Sirimon gate (2,600m) – Ol Moses Camp (3,300m)
Hiking time: 3 – 3½ hours

After breakfast you will be collected and transferred by vehicle to Sirimon gate (2600m). From the gate you will follow the track as it winds uphill though the forest which becomes heath land after about 3 to 3½ hours from the gate the track veers right to Ol Moses Camp,(3300m) for Dinner and overnight. (BLD)

Accommodation: 3 nights on Mount Kenya at various camps.

Mount Kenya –
Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers.

Siromon Route Summary –
Much more scenic than Naromoru and it is on the drier side of the mountain which offers some of the finest walking. Climb up through forest into a wide ridge approach to the summit area. The route starts on the northwest side of the mountain near Nanyuki. Access is adequate and the bunk house facilities are the best on this side of the mountain.

Ol Moses Camp (3,300m) – Shipton Camp (4,200m)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

After breakfast, follow the track uphill, forking left at the junction. After one hour from Old Moses Camp, the track crosses Ontulili River. Go right contouring through the Moorland and crossing Liki North and continue uphill to Mackinders Valley from where there are panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks. Dinner and overnight at Shipton Camp, in Bunk Houses (4200m) (BLD)

Shipton Camp (4,200m) – Point Lenana (4,985m – summit) – Mackinders Camp (4,300m)
Hiking Time: 9 – 10hrs

Leave at 3am up a steep stony quarry that cuts through a cliff clearing visible part towards lower Hall Tarns arriving point Lenana at 6:30am, taking about 3hrs. After the sunrise, descend down to Shipton Camp, 2hrs, for breakfast and further, 4hrs, down to Mackinders Camp – (4300 M) for Dinner and overnight. (BLD)

Mackinders Camp (4,300m) – Sirimon Gate (2,600m)
Hiking time:2 – 3hrs

After breakfast, descend down via Narromoru route to connect your vehicle and transfer to Serena Mountain Lodge – Lunch Dinner and Overnight at Serena Mountain Lodge. (BLD)

Accommodation: 1 night Serena Mountain Lodge

After breakfast you will be transferred back to Nairobi and your onward arrangements. (B)