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About Mt Kenya, Mt
Kenya Climbing Tours
To the ancient Kikuyu and the Kamba tribesmen the peaks of mount
Kenya viewed from a distance resembled the black and white plumage of
the male Ostrich. These black and white patches on the mountain are actually
the rocks and the glaciers that form the peak area. It was from this resemblance
that the Kikuyu named the mountain Kirinyaga, which translated means,
the area of the Ostrich, similarly it was from this same comparison that
they named their god Mwene Nyaga, implying that god who to them stayed
at the top on Mt. Kenya, was the owner of the Ostrich they imaged to be
on the top. The Kikuyu believe, Mwene Nyaga whom they also called Ngai
lived on top of Kirinyaga (Mt. Kenya). The Kikuyu held Mt. Kenya as a
sacred place, which they faced when praying, or offering sacrifices to
Mwene Nyaga (God). The Kamba people have a slightly different accent and
pronounce Kirinyaga as Kinyaa. Being the first people to encounter the
inquisitive European explores when they sighted the majestic mountain,
the European used the Kamba version to name the mountain, and Mt. Kenya.
The country was later named after the mountain.
Climbing Mount Kenya l Hiking
on Mt Kenya l Mt Kenya Trekking Tours
Mount Kenya is Kenya highest mountain. The twin summits
Batian and Nelion require technical climbing on rock or ice, while mountain
hikers reach Point Lenana, the third highest peak standing at 4985m, quite
easily.
The valley and ridges radiate out from the main peaks,
a pattern that has resulted from many centuries of glacial erosion. Over
the years discoverers have surveyed the most ideal and passable areas
on these ridges and valleys and came up with different routes to connect
to the summit circuit (the trail that circles all the major peaks on the
mountain).
Mount Kenya Climbing, Mt Kenya Hiking, Mt Kenya Trekking
Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest. It offers easy
or challenging ascents with superb scenic beauty. Mount Kenya is the country's
highest mountain. Sitting astride the equator its icy summit reaches to
5199m (17.058ft). 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.
Part of the mountain's fascinating is the variation in
flora and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered
with dry upland forest, the true montane forest begins at 2.00m and is
mainly cedar and podo at 2,500m begins a dense bell of bamboo forest which
merges into the upper forest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades.
In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude moss.
These forest belts are host to many different animals
and plants with at least 11 unique species. Game to view includes: Black
and White Colobus and Sykes monkeys, bushbuck, buffalo, elephant and,
lower down, Olive Baboon, Waterbuck, Black Rhino, Black Fronted Duiker,
Leopard, Giant Forest Hog, Genet Cat, Bush Pig and Hyena. More elusive
is the Bongo, a rare type of forest antelope.
A number of other rare or endangered species can be found
here: Sunni Buck, Mt. Kenya Mole Shrew, Skinks (Lizard), and a variety
of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of Albino Zebra. The
high altitude health at the top (3,000 - 3,500m) is generally open, dotted
with shrubs: Africa Sage, protea and helicrysym. The peak (above 3,500m)
is moorland, with little game other than high altitude zebra and eland
common in the northern moorland.
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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.
The best months are January and February and the late August through September.
Flora and Fauna on Mount Kenya, Vegetation
and Wildlife on Mt Kenya
The flora and fauna has adapted to the environmental
conditions of the equatorial mountain. The high rainfall and mild temperatures
characteristics of the lower slopes of the mountain sustain luxurious
growth of the forest. Similarly plants of higher elevation are and alpine
zone adapted to exist under the harsh climatic regime of the upper slopes.
The vegetation of mount Kenya divides the mountain into
distinctive zones or belts, which are similar from all directions of the
mountain, but vary in extent depending with the amount of the amount of
annual rainfall experienced in a particular area.
THE ZONES AND BELTS OF THE MOUNTAIN
Forests: Between approximately 2100 - 2400 metres
Bambo: Between approximately 2400 - 2850 metres
Hygenia – Hypericum Zone: Also known as the Rosewood Zone
which is a high altitude rain forest between approximately 2850 - 3000
metres.
Health Zne: Also known as Ericaceuous zone with giant heaths
or bushes and tussock grass from above 3000 - 3300 metres.
The Alpine Zone: Between about 3300 - 4350 metres is the home
of many unique high altitude plants such as protea, helichrysums, ostrich
plum lobelia the giant lobelia, senecios, grounsel and the very expansive
fields of tussock grass which is the main cover of the Alpine Zone.
Thenival Zone: Above 4350 metres to the top of the mountain,
the Zone of rock and ice, vegetation is only present in the most sheltered
situations and for the most part, the slopes are of bare gravel and scree
from which the glaciers have only recently retreated.
Fauna on Mount Kenya, Wildlife in the Mount
Kenya National Park
FOREST, BAMBOO AND HAGENEA - HYPERICUM ZONES
BETWEEN 2100 - 3000 METRES
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This zone hosts a rich fauna. Among the larger animals
to the found are the cape buffaloes, bushbucks and the elephants. The
black rhinoceros is very rare and it is very restricted to the North -
Western sections of the mountain. Smaller animals include the attractive
sykes monkeys, the black and white Columbus Monkey, the black-faced vervet,
and the black tipped or slender mongoose and few diurnal mongooses can
be seen during the day. Other animals include defassa waterbuck and the
Burch ells zebras seen in the lower part of the forest of the Sirimon
track. Leopards are sometimes spotted on the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks.
Birds are also plentiful. Among the larger birds of prey, the following
can be seen: the white-backed vultures, the crowned hawk, eagle, the created
eagle, the mountain buzzard and augur buzzard with its beautiful red tail.
Some of the great birds of prey include: the great sparrow hawk, eagle,
the crested eagle, the mountain buzzard and augur buzzard with its beautiful
red tail. Some of the great birds of prey include: the great sparrow hawk
and the African goshawk. The sunbird can be seen hovering around the flowers.
HEATH AND ALPINE ZONES BETWEEN 3000 - 4350
METRES
The most notable animals seen on this zone are: the
potted hyena, large spotted genet, black tipped mongoose and porcupine.
In the upper forest zone into the moorland is the black backed jackals
and hunting dogs. Elephants, buffaloes, rhino and eland seem to migrate
up the mountain into the Alpine zone where leopards are permanent residents
in the Alpine valleys.
Routes Up Mt Kenya, Mount Kenya Climbing
Routes
All the routes to Mt. Kenya are aimed at
connecting the Summit Circuit Route. There are three mainly commonly used
routes namely: The Sirimon, Naro Moru, and The Chogoria route.
SIRIMON ROUTE
This route provides the easiest and most scenic access
to the Northern side of the central peaks, which include Batian, Nelion
and Lenana. The track is 15 km from Nanyuki town heading towards Meru.
This route has a lot of advantages that make it more favourable and comfortable.
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It lies on the northwestern side of Mt. Kenya, and
generally escapes some rainfall, making it drier than other routes
most time of the year.
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There are two permanent camps, the Old Moses at 3300
and Shipton's camp 4200m (overlooking the main peaks).
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From the Mackinder Valley, where the Shipton camp
stands, you have the panoramic view of all the main peaks including
Terere and Sendeyo two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks.
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Water is plentiful and you can always refill your
bottles.
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You also have a chance to cross the Equator both
at Nanyuki and on your way to Old Moses Camp.
CHOGORIA ROUTE
This route provides access to the peaks, from the eastern
side of the mountain. The route begins from Chogoria town; about 96 km
from Embu and 64 km from Meru. It is regarded as being the most beautiful
route to the mountain. Ernest Carr, who made a vehicle track to the moorland,
opened it in 1920s. it is however, a much longer route, compared to the
others.
Camping is possible at the road head and water is available
from a stream that passes by. Mintos Hut (4300m) is an excellently sited
hut on the plateau overlooking Lake Michaelson 300m below. Spectacular
views can be sighted at the Nithi George, by walking ten minutes south-east
of the Mintos hut to the edge of the Temple. From Hall Tarn the trail
continues to the Austria Hut (4790m) via square Tarn and the Tooth Col,
then round the head of the Hobley Valley. Alternatively Shipton's Camp
(4200m) may be reached (3 hours), via Simba Col. Drop down towards lower
Simba Tarn and turn left to Shipton's Camp.
BURGURET ROUTE
The route starts from Mountain Rock Hotel, and goes through
the forest past Gathiuru Forest Station to an indistinct road head at
the end of the plantation area 2500m. The trail continues from here to
Elephant Camp 2600m. The trail cuts through tropical rainforest till it
gets to the more open Hagenia Hypericum Zone 2860m and eventually to the
Heath Zone from where you can now clearly see the peaks. Further on after
the castle there is a good campsite kampi ya farasi on which we pitch
up our tents for the night.
From kampi ya farasi, the trail swings left and climbs
steeply out of the valley. The ridge bears right again, and a walk over
rocky ground brings you round the hill. The tail then swings to the left
via the Hausberg Col and Oblong Tarn to Mackinder's valley and descends
down to Shipton’s Camp (4200m).
NARO MORU ROUTE
This route to the Teleki Valley and is the shortest way
to the peaks. It is the most densely populated with hikers owing to the
fact that it is the shortest way up, and most obvious trail. A steep marshy
section known as the Vertical bog, it reached one hour from Met Station,
this section is terrible and is covered in tow hours. After three to four
hours from Met Station the path reaches the crest of the ridge overlooking
Teleki Valley (4000m).
The path contours along the right hand side of the Teleki
Valley, keeping high and then gradually descending to pass Naro Moru stream
to Mackinder's Camp (4200m). From Met Station to Mackinder's camp is app.
5-6 hours of hiking. The Austrian hut can be reached in a further 4 hours
walk and another 45 min you see point Lenana (4985).
SUMMIT CIRCUIT OF THE MAIN PEAKS - ANTI
CLOCKWISE
Beginning from Shipton's Camp you ascend directly to
Kami Hut, follow the sandy scree to the Hausberg Col and drop steeply
to Oblong and Hausberg Tarn for a short rest. After your rest the path
leads straight on between the two tarns to reach the foot of the scree
slope that climbs steeply up to reach a col with Nanyuki tarn as its base.
The path trends left and downwards from the col passing
below Arthur's Seta, trends to reach Nanyuki Tarn, passes to the left
of the tarn, to climb a short rocky section, then cross a small col to
reach Hut Tarn, turning right to reach Two Tarn Hut (4490m).
From here the path continues along the right side of
the tarn, climbs a bolder to reach a scree overlooking Teleki Valley then
drops through a steep scree slope to reach Mackinder camp (4200m).
From Mackinder's trend northwards to meet a path coming
from American Camp, the path to Austrian Hut can be seen snaking up the
large scree slope on the opposite side of the valley, follow this clearly
cairned path around the head of a valley. Cross a boulder scree and a
large buttress, trend steeply upwards to reach Tooth Col, from this col
it is possible to see down into George's Valley and Hall Tarns.
The path then drops down to square Tarn, continues to
follow cairns trending left and down towards Simba Tarn, drop steeply
down towards the lower. Samba Tarn the cut across the to the Shipton’s
Camp. Hiking time to complete the circuit is eleven hours. It is advisable
to split the trip into two by spending a night at the Mackinder's camp
on the Teleki Valley (4200m).
SUMMIT CIRCUIT OF THE PEAKS CLOCKWISE
From Shipton's Camp 4200m - aim cast, around the left
side of a rocky bluff 100m, to meet the path to lower Simba Tarn. From
the south-eastern end of the Tarn ain south-east and trend leftwards to
skirt around a rocky buttress on its left side then aim straight up towards
Simba Col. From Simba Col, a drop a short scree slope, which is passed
on its side, and continue to trend right and gradually upwards across
boulders to cross another ridge and drop to square tarn.
A zig-zag can be seen climbing the scree-slope directly
towards the summit of point Lenana. Follow this path to reach harris Tarn
pass to the right across steep rocky ground, maintain height where possible
to reach point Lenana on the right.
From point Lenana drop down, trending left via Lewis
Glaciers to Austrian hut. Trend down towards the head of Teleki Valley.
The path is clear as it drips down the scree, to reach level vegetation
ground at the head of the valley. Keep trending right to reach the American
Camp, from this camp the path climbs steeply up the right side of a scree
slope. At the top of this ridge is Hut Tarn and Two Tarn, aim now northwards
out from the shoulder of point pigott. Follow the path on the left down
to Nanyuki tarn then below and to the left of the cliffs of the Eastern
terminal.
Drop slightly, across wide rock ledges, then trend up
and left round the base of the cliffs of Arthur's Seat to reach the col
between Arthur's Seat and the Western terminal. From the col, Hausberg
Tarn and Oblong Tarn are visible at the head of Hausberg Valley. Drop
down the scree to the valley and across easy ground to pass the tarns.
The path is zigzag up a sandy scree to reach Hausberg
Col. From this point the head of the Mackinder Valley can be seen, descend
directly down the steep scree to Shipton's Camp. Hiking time to complete
this circuit in a day is 11 hours. Spending a night at the Mackinder's
Camp on the Teleki Valley can split the trip.
Mt Kenya Climbing Itineraries
SIRIMON - CHOGORIA ROUTE
Trekking on Mt Kenya,
Mt Kenya Hikes
This trek uses the gentlest ascent trail on the mountain. Our own huts
and an additional acclimatization day at Shiptons Camp (4,200m). It allows
you to explore the contrasting, picturesque and spectacular scenery of
Mt. Kenya. From the lower forest zone we cross through the bamboo and
heather zones to reach the moorlands, walk through the Mackinder Valley
enjoying its beautiful scenery and vegetation of giant groundsel and lobelias
until we arrive at the Shipton's Camp. On this trek you combine use of
huts with camping. It also includes one night at our Base Lodge ahead
of the trek during which you participate in exhilarating fitness activities
that help you acclimatize better.
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Day 01: Transfer from Nairobi to the slopes of Mount
Kenya for lunch. In the afternoon is a 3-4 hours nature walk through the
forest reserve to Mau Mau caves, the former base for Kenya's freedom fighters.
As you hike you learn about plants, birds and animals found in the forest
from your escort naturalist guide. A traditional dance performance ca
n also be arranged at the lodge after dinner to liven up the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Mountain Rock Lodge
Day 02: Vehicle transfer to the mountain soon after breakfast
together with the guide and porters. The drive to Sirimon Park Gate (2,600m)
takes less than 2 hours. En route to the mountain you could have a brief
stopover at the equator crossing. After completion of park entry formalities
and lunch, you begin a 3-4 hour hike through montane forest, bamboo, rosewood
and heather zones to Old Moses Camp (3,300m). the forest and bamboo are
home to hundreds of buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks and a plethora of
bird species. Dinner and overnight at Old Moses Camp (3,300m).
Day 03: After an early breakfast at 0700hrs, commence
a 6-7 hours trek through the sprawling moorlands up to the Shipton's hut
(4,200m). The hike provides opportunities for fascinating views of unique
moorland plants and scenery but is also a test on your individual endurance.
You gain good acclimatisation as you cover an altitude range of 900m.
Lunch stop is at a vantage point on the Mackinder Valley. Dinner and overnight
at Shipton's Camp (4200m).
Day 04: Acclimatizing day at Shipton's. Take a walk to
the peak area and return to the Shipton's hut for hot lunch. Dinner and
overnight at the camp. N.B.: You could subtstitue the extra day at Shiptons
with a night at Likii North, hiking from Old Moses to Likii then to Shipton's
the following day.
Day 05: Start predawn summit attempt at 0300hrs, hiking
for three hours up to Pt. Lenana (4,985m), the hikers summit, arriving
there in time to see the African sunrise. From Pt. Lenana you have good
views of Pt. Nelion (5188m), Pt. Batian (5199m) and other surrounding
peaks, and on a clear day the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro can be seen protruding
from the sky over 340m to the south. From the summit descend to Mintos/Hall
tarn campsite (4,300m) for breakfast then relax for the rest of the day.
Interested persons can explore the Gorge's Valley. Dinner and overnight
at Mintos campsite.
Day 06: After breakfast, begin a 5-6 hour descent to
Meru Mount Kenya cabins situated at the Chogoria Park gate (3,000m). The
descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy the gorgeous landmarks
on the lower gorges valley including Vivienne Falls, Nithi Falls, mushroom
rocks and an array of interesting mountain plants. Today you have a chance
to clean up and relax at the Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge. Dinner and overnight
at the lodge.
Day 07: After breakfast gradually descend through the
Chogoria Forest to meet up with our vehicle for the return journey to
Nairobi arriving by 1700hrs. Picnic lunch is served en route.
What you need to know:
You carry only a small bag with your personal effects while your back
pack, sleeping bags, clothes, food and kitchen gear are carried by porters.
The group is guided by an experienced Mt. Kenya guide. Nights are spent
in huts on the mountain and in small tents with foam mattresses in the
foothills. Besides your normal effects, you are advised to bring a medium
sized back pack, sleeping bag, warm clothes, good hiking shoes, nylon
rain suit, a pair of sunglasses and sun block.
What is included: Transport from Nairobi to
your hotel and park gate, hotel on your first and last night, all food
starting with evening meal on the first day and ending with breakfast
on the last day, services of a mountain guide and porters, all hut fees,
camping equipment, acclimatization tour to the equator.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- Sleeping bag
- Money for personal spending and tipping
- Only a small kit bag or rucksack, as space is limited
- A pair of long trousers jersey for the cool morning and evenings
in addition to plenty of light clothes for hot days (dont forget a hat),
a pillow, good walking shoes.
- Torch, sunglasses, suntan lotion, insect repellent.
- Mineral water for drinking (available in office)
- Camera firms, binoculars, maps, guide-books
- Toilet paper, towel, soap, toothbrush/paste
Price per person US$ 850 - Group Rate {Minimum 4 People}
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