Climbing Mount Kenya - Expert Tips from a Guide

How High is Mount Kenya?

Everyone can name the highest mountain in Africa but did you know that Mount Kenya is the second highest? With 5,199 meters Batian Peak is a bit higher than Nelion (5,1888m) and Point Lenana (4,985m). If you want to summit the first two peaks mentioned, you will need to gain some experience in traditional rock climbing. However, if you want to climb Point Lenana, you can just buy a decent pair of hiking shoes. You can get to the third highest peak on the second-highest mountain of Africa in only a few days of hiking.

Where is Mount Kenya?

The mountain is located in central Kenya, 150 kilometers northeast of the capital Nairobi. The snow-capped mountain is also surprisingly close to the equator located 16.5 kilometers south of the Equator. Mount Kenya is situated 320 kilometers to the south of the Kilimanjaro.

"I was only 18 years old when I started as a porter on Mount Kenya. It was a good way to make money in those days," remembers Evans Mwangi, managing director of Go To Mount Kenya, a trekking company specialized in Mount Kenya tours. "It was 1989. As I liked hiking so much, it was an obvious choice for me. The money was good and it kept me fit. No one in my family was into it, but I went for it anyway. Before I knew it, I was in my 20s and I had climbed Mount Kenya so often that I knew the mountain like the back of my hand. I was a cook for a few years and I then became a guide and started leading trekking expeditions."

I remember the mountain in those days. The glaciers on Mount Kenya, especially the Lewis Glacier, could be enjoyed in all their glory. Over the years the glaciers became smaller and smaller. One of them is just dust and rocks these days", says Evans with a slightly sad tone. "Climate change definitely took its toll on Mount Kenya. Everything else if still as it was, of course. The route itself hasn't changed.

Mount Kenya isn't just a great mountain to see and climb. The second-highest mountain of Africa is a massive catchment area and plays a vital role in the agricultural sector on the lower slopes of the mountain. "This is why you will see that every door in houses around Mount Kenya is facing the mountain. People believe the Gods are on the mountain and they provide. Without rain, no crops," explains Evans. "On top of that, tourism on Mount Kenya plays another vital role. Many people have jobs as a guide, a cook or a porter on the mountain. The trekking industry definitely makes a positive change in the livelihoods of people on and around Mount Kenya." The Kikuyu, Ameru, Embu, and Maasai all call Mount Kenya their home.

There came a point for Evans to professionalized and to start his own company. Evans took a course in guiding and can now name all the vegetation on Mount Kenya and is a professional when it comes to preventing altitude sickness. Evans now has two daughters and one son. Will they be part of the company one day? "I will leave that up to them. If they want to, they are welcome to. Of course, I am not as often on Mount Kenya as I used to be, but I do try to bring my family or my friends every now and then. Nothing is more rewarding than to have a few Tusker Beers after having successfully made it to Point Lenana."

"Some friends and I tried to climb to one of the other peaks some time ago. But for this, you need to be a very experienced rock climber. We didn't make it all the way to Batian, unfortunately. But, the trek to Point Lenana can be done by everyone, especially if you take it pole pole. This is Swahili for taking it easy", explains Evans. A guide will tell you the same when climbing Kilimanjaro. Taking it easy is key if you want to prevent altitude sickness and make it successfully to your goal. "As soon as you make it to 3000 meters, it is okay to take it slower. Also, you must drink lots of water to stay properly hydrated."

Most treks on Mount Kenya are either 4,5 or 6 days. If you have the time, Evans suggests doing it in 5 days at least. "This will give you more time for acclimatization and this way the trek doesn't become the rush. This will also allow you to do one of the longer routes, like the 6-day Burguret-Chogoria Traverse. Personally, I love the Chogoria side of the mountain", tells Evans. Further one you will find one of Evans his favourite itineraries.

Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round. But if you want the best weather then you should be planning for January to March or June to October. Then you are avoiding the rainy season and you get the best weather and with that the best views", Evans agrees. Of course, the weather on the mountain can be hard to predict and all seasons are possible at any time on the day, but if you stick to the best seasons, you can get the best bang for your buck.

Trekking in Mount Kenya requires decent gear. Especially the basics like an 80-90 L backpack and quality trekking socks.

Technical clothing

• Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
• Insulated jacket, synthetic or down
• Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell
• 2 Long sleeve T-shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
• Short sleeve T-shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
• Waterproof pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
• 2 Hiking pants (convertible to shorts recommended)
• Fleece pants - shorts (optional)
• Long underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
• 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
• 2 Sport bra (if applicable)

Headwear

• Brimmed hat, for sun protection
• Knit hat, for warmth
• Bandana (optional)

Handwear

• Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
• Glove liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional)

Footwear

• Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces
• Gym shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
• 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic
• 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
• Gaiters, waterproof (optional)

Accessories

• Sunglasses or goggles
• Backpack cover, waterproof (optional)
• Poncho, during rainy season (optional)
• Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended)
• Water bladder, camelback type (recommended)
• Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate

Equipment

• Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons
• Sleeping bag liner, for added warmth (optional)
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Head lamp, with extra batteries
• Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment.
• Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear

Other

• Toiletries (Optional)
• Prescriptions
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent, containing DEET
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper (To be provided)
• Wet wipes (recommended)
• Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional)
• Pencil and notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional)
• Camera, with extra batteries (optional)

If you are wondering about how to train for your Mount Kenya trek, you can use these five steps to become the best version of yourself. Fitness is not as important as the right acclimatization, but it can definitely make things easier and help you on your way to Point Lenana.

Aerobic fitness

You best get moving as soon as you have your mind set on your Mt Kenya climb. With the right aerobic fitness, you will have an improved heart rate, healthy muscles, and great lung capacity. Do power walking, running, hiking, trekking, cycling and/or swimming. Don’t worry. you don’t need to train for a marathon. One hour, 3 to 4 times a week is plenty of exercise.

Endurance

When you are comfortable doing exercise a few times a week, you can fire it up by doing some longer sessions. The best thing you can do is walking long distances, at least once a week. If you can hike comfortably for a prolonged time, you are good to go.

Gear

Don’t use your backpack and shoes that you purchased for your Mt Kenya ascentfor the first time after your land. Break them in and use this equipment when you are working on points 1 and 2. Altitude: If you can, you can mimic the altitude by hiking and trekking in the hills and mountains. If you do not live in the right area for that, then don’t panic. The first two points are most important.

Know your body

This is perhaps the most important part. If you are questioning your physical capabilities, you should perhaps go see a professional for monitoring. It is important to know your body, so you can notice any warning signs when you are on your way to Point Lenana.

As there is different trekking routes on Mount Kenya, there are different options and prices as well. You can climb Mt Kenya in as little as 4 days but you can also do a traverse and spend 6 days on the mountain. 4 to 5 days on the mountain, regardless of which route you choose can cost between 600 and 700 EUR or 700 and 800 USD. If you are interested in doing the Burguret - Chogoria Traverse, for example, you can expect to pay about 975 EUR or 1080 USD.

In the mountaineering and trekking industry, it is common to tip your guide and other support staff after you have safely descended. And why not? If it wasn't for them, you might not have submitted and they are there to keep you safe. Just as when you are trekking in Nepal or when you are climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, it is expected to give your guide and porters a tip. It is normal to tip about 8 to 12% of the total trekking price. The tips will be split among your staff.