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| Mt. Kenya |
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| trek length: | 4 days |
| max altitude: | 4985m |
| walking distance: | 40km |
| prime time: | all year |
| price range: | ~600US$ |
| physical level: |  |
| technical level: |  |
| culture shock: |  |
At 5199m Mt. Kenya, an extinct strato-volano, is the highest mountain of the (obviously same-named) country and the 2nd highest peak in Africa. Unlike the Kilimanjaro the "Batian" peak of Mt. Kenya is strictly for mountaineers. However, fit mortals can reach Point Lenana (4985m), the third-highest peak, and the best way to do it is the cross the volcano. Typical for most volcanoes the early ascent is moderate but it gets increasingly steeper towards the summit. The crossing can be done in 4-5 days and this is where the problem starts for some because the gain in altitude is hefty and you start already at 2500m so there is very little time to acclimatize. The best way to prepare is some very serious exercise prior of the trek - you will appreciate a very good fitness level especially during the night of the final ascent to Point Lenana (most groups start at 2-3am to reach the summit by sunrise). As mentioned it gets very steep but technical climbing is not required. It places you need to do a little rock scrambling. Apart from the thrill of ascending a high volcano the Mt. Kenya massif offers vast vistas of bizarre volcanic landscapes and down onto the clouds floating above the Kenyan high planes, exotic high altitude plants and a highland rain-forest. Most groups stay in huts which are conveniently located around the central mountain massif. The hut standard is rather basic but after a long day you will appreciate any place which is reasonably shielded from the cold winds outside. The weather can vary within the hour but the most important thing to be prepared for is the final ascent to the Lenana Point where the temperatures can fall well below -10C so take some seriously warm clothing with you. Mt. Kenya is often done prior of climbing the Kilimanjaro with some safaris to relax in between - a highly recommended combination.
Day 1: National Park entrace to Old Moses Camp(~3-4 hours)
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| National Park entrace |
Your tour operator will transport you and your crew to the northern entrance
of the National Park at around 2635m. This first section of the trek traverses
a rainforest where you can see colorful Hagenia trees and giant Bamboo.
If you're really lucky you may even spot some mountain elefants, buffaloes and
antilopes on your way. The old Moses Camp (3300mm) is already beyond the
tree line. From here you've great vistas of the vast planes below and of
the gentle volcanic landscape.
Day 2: Old Moses Camp to Shipton's Camp(~6-7 hours)
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| Mackinder valley |
Soon after leaving the Old Moses Camp you will pass Lobelia plants and some giant Senecia trees which grow as high as 5m in places. Initially you walk up
on gentle slopes before entering the Mackinder where you should be able to spot the three main peaks of Mt. Kenia. A bit further up you will reach your camp for the night @ 4200m. Those with signs of altitude sickness should push a little further prior of resting in the camp in order to ease the symptoms.
Day 3: Shipton's Camp to Mackinder's Camp (via Lenana Pt.)(~9 hours)
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| Lenana Pt. vista |
The night will be very short - most groups would like to enjoy the sunrise at Lenana Pt. and this means to start as early as 3 o'clock. Beyond Shipton's Camp the route gets very steep and for some it may be an advantage that some sections
are hidden in the dark. There are no technical difficulties though - it is
"just" strenuous. It takes about 3 hours to reach Lenana Pt. The views
for here are stunning with Mt. Kenya's main peak to the west, bizarre
volanic valleys to the east and the remainders of Mt. Kenya's glacier below.
By now you will have forgotten the pains of the ascend. :-) Eventually
you need to head downwards again. Initially this involves some rock
scrambling till reaching a mountaineering camp. From here a trail leads further
down to the fairly comfortable Mackinder's camp.
Day 4: Mackinder's Camp to end point(~5 hours)
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| Ascending from Mackinder's Camp |
Below Mackinder's Camp the trail condition deteriorates somewhat - it can get pretty muddy
the more you decent. Don't forget to look back at times because the views of the main peaks
are great. If you're lucky you will also be able to see on top of the clouds floating above
the planes below. Eventually you will reach your pickup point after a fairly short hike.
