Mt. Kenya Climbing & Hiking

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro.The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 metres (17,057 ft), Nelion (5,188 metres (17,021 ft) and Point Lenana (4,985 metres (16,355 ft). Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150 kilometres north-northeast of the capital Nairobi.Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

courtesy of wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Kenya

This snow-capped mountain features dramatic landscapes of dense woodlands, waterfalls, moorlands and imposing rock pinnacles. The main destination for trekkers is Point Lenana while for others who are after a technical climb can continue further with the assistance of ropes, ice-axes and crampons to the main summit at Batian Peak. The mountain can be traversed through various routes such as Naromoru, Sirimon and Chogoria.

Best time to climb

Due to its close proximity to the equator, the best time to climb Mt. Kenya really depends on which side of the peak you would like to do. Batian peak, which is the highest (5,199m) is best climbed in July to end of September using the North Face Standard Route. Peak Nelion is usually done by the Mackinders route facing southeast between December to February. June to December is good for the famous ice routes of the Diamond Couloir and Ice Window facing southwards. Unfortunately, global warming has already melted away most of the ice on these routes. The usual Lenana peak which is commonly done by most groups because it is a much easier trek can be done in any month of the year.

Equipment checklist: - 4 locking carabineers - 4-6 normal carabineers - Helmet - Solid climbing boots

- Abseiling device – your preference e.g. figure 8 - Sitting harness - A few slings - The group can be bring 1 set of protection devices - Pulsik rope- small piece - Crampons - Ice-axe to use when crossing gate of mist to Batian - Warm sleeping bag with bevy cover – temperature drops to even –10 or below - 1 Rope 60 mtrs climbing not static