Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain at 5,199m (17,058 feet) and the highest of all Kenya Mountains. Mount Kenya is roughly circular, about 60km across at the 200mm contour, where the steep font hills rise out of the gentler slopes of the centered highlands. At the centre of the massif, the main peaks rise sharply from around 4,500m to the main summit of Batian 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana 4,985m. Other major summits on the mountain include Point Piggott 4,957m, Point Dutton 4,885 and Point John 4,883m. Of the three main peaks (Batian, Lenana and Nelion), only point Lenana can be reached by trekkers and the other two being only for technical climbers.
Itinerary
Pick up in Nairobi in the morning and drive for 3 hours to Naro Moru, stop in our office briefly to meet with the guide as well as sort out all the equipment required for the trek. We proceed onto the Sirimon Track as far as the Mount Kenya National Park Gate. From here we do a 9 km light hike up to the Old Moses Camp (3300m) for overnight. This hike (2 to 3 hours) is essential for acclimatization and is also very interesting as you hike through four of the mountain vegetation belts – the tropical rain forest, bamboo jungle, rosewood and heather zones.These are also the areas where you are most likely to see animals.
Our hike starts around 0700hrs going via the new Sirimon route through the beautiful and unique Alpine Moorland Zone. Walking time today is 5-7 hours depending on individual fitness and stopping half – way for a picnic lunch. We arrive at Shiptons Camp (4200m), late afternoon and have dinner and overnight
Pre-dawn summit attempt of point Lenana (4985m). You will start the day at 4.30 am for the summit attempt, an ascent of 685 ms; the highlight being the watching of African sunrise and if it’s clear enough having a view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Descend to Mintos hall area 4300mts for breakfast and short rest. Then descend to Mt. Kenya Bandas (1300mts)for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast we descend the mountain through Chogoria forest to meet with the vehicle for transfer back to Nairobi. Enjoy nature once more as you finish your conquer of the second largest mountain.
