Mount Kenya Trek

Mount Kenya Sirimon & Naro Moro route

Location: Kenya, Africa
Price: £2300 per person excluding international flights
Length: 8 days
Previous experience required: Hill walking in the UK

Introduction

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. For the adventurous trekker and mountaineer this mountain is far more interesting than Kilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5199m), Nelion (5,188m) and Point Lenana (4,985m). All three peaks are only separated by about 150m. Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-northeast of the capital Nairobi. Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

Mount Kenya is a ‘stratovolcano’ (a composite volcano) created approximately 3 million years after the opening of the East African rift. Before glaciation, it was approximately 7,000 m (23,000 ft) high. It was covered by an ice cap for thousands of years. This has resulted in very eroded slopes and numerous valleys radiating from the centre.There are currently 11 small glaciers on the mountain and the forested slopes are an important source of water for much of Kenya.

Summary

We fly to Nairobi the capital of Kenya and meet our in country guides, porters and cooks. A 3 hour transfer will take us North from Nairobi towards the equator and to the foothills of Mount Kenya.

Our goal is Point Lenana, at 4985m, the second highest trekking peak in Africa. Snow-capped for much of the year, it is arguably a more beautiful mountain than neighbouring Kilimanjaro, it certainly is considerably quieter. We add an acclimatisation day to the trek as we pass the technical peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m). An opportunity to explore and enjoy this fantastic place.

What’s included in the price of this trip:

  • Arrival and departure from Nairobi International Airport
  • Pre & post climb accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Transport to the trailhead and back after the climb.
  • A fully supported camping trek which includes tents, sleeping mats, kitchen tent, dining tent with table and chairs
  • Professional guiding and support team including porters, chef and kitchen staff.
  • UK training day prior to the trip

The cost excludes

  • International Flights (approx £600 in 2019)
  • Visa fees to get into the country
  • Meals at either end of the trek
  • Any expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, laundry or telephone
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Evacuation by helicopter
  • Rescue costs
  • Tips for your mountain crew 
  • Optional trips and tours whilst you are in Kenya

Further reading

I loved reading this book, No picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi and you can get a flavour of the country, it’s heritage and the nature of the mountain from the book. It  recounts the 1943 attempt of three escaped Italian prisoners of war to reach the summit of Mount Kenya. The way the three prisoners of war left a note in their camp that they were off and might be back at some stage is amazing.