Climbing Mt Kenya

Challenge yourself by climbing Mt Kenya, Africa’s 2nd highest, and Kenya’s highest peak, at 5199 m. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. You will be offered some of the finest views of Mt. Kenya’s spectacular rocky peaks as you pass through rolling hillsides covered with unique high elevation vegetation. There are various routes and here we list some treks using different combinations of routes. If you wish to do a shorter or different version than what you see here, please contact us or see Mount Kenya 5 or 6 day climbs.

Apart from the superb climbing potential on Mt Kenya, its tarns and exotic high altitude vegetation, sunbirds, alpine chats, rock hyrax and soaring buzzards make the circuit around the peaks on one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains.

The highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between October and mid-December. Rain and snow can be encountered at any time of year, even in the driest months January –February. Rainy seasons in Kenya last from March to June and from October to December.

Tour Name:  Climbing Mt Kenya
Price Range: $1735 – $1835
Duration: 8 days
Country(s): Kenya
Tour Type: Private
Start & Finish: Nairobi
Tour Code: KCMK8
Activities: Mountain Climbing

Pricing per person sharing, minimum 2:

• Old Moses Liki SE Face – Chogoria 8 days – $1735 US
• Old Moses Liki North Face – Chogoria 8 days – $1835 US

Included

• Accommodations in tents or huts while climbing
• Mess tent, chairs and tables
• All meals while climbing
• Nairobi transfers
• Mountain Guide and porters
• Park Entrance fees

Not Included

• Visas, tips, souvenirs, beverages, climbing equipment and items of a personal nature.

 Options

• Fly in/fly out
• Extend days
• Add on a safari in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda
• Add on some volunteering in the region

Choose from SE Face or North Face Routes:

Itinerary SE Face – Usual Route December to February

Day 1 Nairobi – Old Moses Camp 3300 m
Depart Nairobi for Nanyuki, and proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon gate. Follow the track uphill for 10 kms to Old Moses.

Day 2 Liki North 3993 m
Follow the trail around the head of a large valley, crossing several small streams to reach the crest of the ridge between the Otulili and Liki North Valleys.

Day 3 Shipton’s Camp 4250 m
Ascend the west side of the valley, over a ridge, then down into the Mackinder Valley to meet the direct route. From here, we follow Mackinder Valley.

Day 4 Austrian Hut 4700m
Arise at 2:00 a.m., and depart for the Lenana summit for sunrise. This section is a long and hard with tough scree. After enjoying the views, descend to Austrian Hut, your base before climbing Nelion.

Day 5 Nelion and Batian summit 5199 m to Ian Howell Hut 5100 m
Arising at 3:30 am, cross the Lewis Glacier and head up to the base of Nelion, arriving at the top at around 1:00 pm. Traverse the Gate Of Mist to Batian summit and then return to Nelion and Ian Howell Hut.

Day 6 Mintos Hut (Halls Tarn) 4200 m
Abseil down to the bottom about 9 ropes, to Austrian Hut for breakfast. Continue down to Mintos Hut.

Day 7 Meru Bandas 3000 m
Descend to Meru Mt Kenya Bandas above Chogoria, following the Gorges Valley. Enjoy hot showers and a well-earned sleep.

Day 8 Nairobi
Carry on down through the bamboo and indigenous forest to Bairunyi for your transport back to Nairobi.

Itinerary North Face

Day 1 Nairobi – Old Moses Camp 3300 m
Depart Nairobi for Nanyuki, and proceed to Mt Kenya National Park Sirimon gate. Follow the track uphill for 10 kms to Old Moses.

Day 2 Liki North 3993 m
Follow the trail around the head of a large valley, crossing several small streams to reach the crest of the ridge between the Otulili and Liki North Valleys.

Day 3 Shipton’s Camp 4250 m
Ascend the west side of the valley, over a ridge, then down into the Mackinder Valley to meet the direct route. From here, we follow Mackinder Valley.

Day 4 Kami Hut 4600 m
Today, ascend to Kami Hut, normally taking 2hrs. This is the base camp for climbers who are doing the North Face.

Day 5 Firmin Tower
Ascent of Batian by the North Face Standard Route. Starting in the early morning dark, usually between 4 and 5 am, we may climb the first couple of pitches by headlamp. This section is rocky and frozen scree. Start climbing 10 ropes, spending the night at Firmin Tower.

Day 6 Summit Batian 5199 m to Shipton’s Camp 4250 m
From Firmin Tower, continue rock climbing until you reach Batian peak at 5,199m, at around midday, then abseil down to the bottom and walk to Shipton’s Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 Meru Bandas 3000m
Ascend Simba col then down to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas above Chogoria, following the Gorges Valley. It will take 7 hours to reach the bandas.

Day 8 Nairobi
Continue walking down through the bamboo and indigenous forest to Bairunyi to meet up with your transport back to Nairobi.

Full Itinerary

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