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KENYA
SAFARI HOLIDAYS
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Mt Kenya Hiking, Mount Kenya Climbing, Mount
Kenya Trekking, Climbing Africa Mountains, Climbing
Mt Kenya, Walking on Mount Kenya, Mount Kenya
Trekking Route, Naro Moru Route, Nanyuki, Sirimon
Route on Mount Kenya, Shiptons Camp,
ABOUT MT KENYA
Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain. Straddling the equator, it's icy
summit reaches to 5,199 m. The National Park consists of all areas above 3,200
m. The mountain actually consists of three distinct zones: the volcanic peak
zone, with its endless glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone, with its
distinctive giant vegetation such as groundsels; and the lower slopes, with
their thick forest and bamboo vegetation.
Mount Kenya has always attracted curious hikers and adventurers, including the
turn of the century British geographer/explorer Halford Mackinder. To most
modern day adventurers, climbing to the peak of Mount Kenya is still a challenge
requiring extensive mountain climbing skills. Nevertheless, most visitors are
able to reach the more accessible Point Lenana at 4,985 m and many visitors
enjoy simple high altitude walks.
Wildlife below the Park boundary include elephant, buffalo, antelope, and the
rare bongo, also found in the nearby Aberdares. Most wildlife can be viewed from
Mountain Lodge on the south side of the mountain. Mount Kenya can be climbed
anytime of the year. However, the best times for visiting Mount Kenya and the
National Park are December to February and July, August through to early
October, when there are no rains.
when to climb Mt Kenya
Weather, Climate and Seasons
Although, Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, the highest rainfall occurs
between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October
and mid December. Lying on the equator Mount Kenya is affected by the passage of
the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brings with it the main rainy periods.
The highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and
slightly less between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in
the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain where it reaches
2500mm. per year at 3000m. Precipitation decreases with altitude and is about
700mm. per year at 4500m. Rain and, higher up, snow can however be encountered
at any time of year - even in the driest periods (January and February).
Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last
for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings, and
convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon. Temperatures
vary considerably with height and with time of day. On the plains surrounding
Mount Kenya the average day temperature is about 25°C. At 3000m. frosts can be
encountered at night while day temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time
temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of
Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period. During this
time rock climbs are "in-condition" and snow and ice climbs gradually
deteriorate. In the June to October period the north-facing rock climbs and
south-facing ice climbs are best.
Mt kenya climbing gears and equipments you need you have before trekking
,climbing Mt kenya
Equipment check list
Headlamp
Walking pole(s)
Sleeping Bag,
Gaiters: To keep mud, rocks, and snow out of your boots.
Water purification: This is essential as water for drinking is taken directly
from mountain streams.
Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a
comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support.
Other Check list (limit yourself)
USEFUL EQUIPMENT:
2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
1 head lamp (plus spare batteries & bulb)
1 pair of walking/ski poles
1 pocket swiss army knife
2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
1 travel pillow (optional)
Personal Items & Toiletries:
Toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene
items. (Ladies, please carry some sanitary toiletries as being at high altitude
may alter your cycle).
USEFUL EQUIPMENT:
2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
1 head lamp (plus spare batteries & bulb)
1 pair of walking/ski poles
1 pocket swiss army knife
2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
1 travel pillow (optional)
Personal Items & Toiletries:
Toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene
items. (Ladies, please carry some sanitary toiletries as being at high altitude
may alter your cycle).
- Mount Kenya Climbing routes
Expect a challenging start. The ascent to the
base of the high peaks is steady and longer hence a
real test on individual fitness. Descent through
Sirimon is more or less gradual and at a comfortable
pace
CMTK01 5 Days - Sirimon | Chongoria Traverse
Sirimon Route: This offers some of the best
forest walking on Mt. Kenya. Bantu Lodge provides a
vehicle service to the roadhead. The track, 13km.
from Nanyuki towards Isiolo, is well signposted and
leads through farmland for 10km. to the park gate
(2650m.). Forest track to Judmeier Camp (3400m., 4
h.). Campsite on edge of moorland by stream 500m.
before Judmeier Camp. Now two options: 1. Eastern
Variant. The track deteriorates to a boggy path.
Traverse then descend into the marshy Liki North
Valley; hut and pleasant campsites (3993m., 3½ h.).
Climb over a ridge and descend into Mackinder
Valley; follow this to Shipton's Cave and slightly
higher Shipton's Camp (4236m., 3 h.), good
campsites. 2. Western Variant This involves fewer
ups and downs but is wetter.
CMTK02 5 Days- Naromoru Traverse
The most popular and
quickest route to the south side of the mountain.
Good access to Naro Moru from Nairobi; from there
limited public transport goes part way to the park
gate or it is possible to use Naro Moru River Lodge
transport to the Met. Station ($35 per person one
way). Just past Naro Moru, turn right and follow
signs for the National Park; the dirt road leads in
17km. through farmlands then plantations to the park
gate (2450m.). Now forests to the Met. Station
(3050m.) and roadhead (3½ h.). Easy forest path then
very boggy moorlands to the Picnic Rocks (3750m., 3
h.). (It is important not to get lost in the lower
half of the "Vertical Bog" during descent -
if in doubt keep right). More soggy moorlands then a
ridge lead to good viewpoint over Teleki Valley
(4000m., 1 h.). The path slants to a stream
crossing, then gently up valley (several campsites)
to Mackinder's Camp (4200m., 1½ h.). (Fine groundsel
forests on a southern, weller variant). 10 mm.
beyond Mackinder's Camp and 80m. above the MCK hut
is the Ranger Station.
CMTK03 6 Days- Sirimon | Chogoria Traverse
Chogoria Route: From roadhead the fastest and
most spectacular route to approach Point Lenana.
Driving from Embu two turn-offs are sign-posted "Meru
Mt. Kenya Lodge"; the second is better; dirt roads
for 9km. to the Forest Gate (1700m.). Now a track
for 22km. (high clearance 4WD advised even when dry)
through beautiful rain forest, bamboo then parkland
to the Park Gate and Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge (3017m., 9
h. on foot). Campsite at 2700m., water in valley to
south. There are fine walks in the "Parklands" near
the Park Gate. Now two options: 1. Via Urumandi Hut.
5 mm. from the Park Gate turn left and follow an
overgrown track to the Kinithi stream, campsite,
then on to hut (3063m., 1 h.). Path over natural
bridge then through heather moorlands to roadhead,
campsites, fine watertall (3300m., 1 h.). 2. Follow
the main track, cross the Kinithi stream, pass
special campsite, (photo) and ignore turn-off right
to Lake Ellis and Mugi Hill (2 h.). Dry ridge with
views over Gorges Valley to Hall Tarns and Minto's
Hut (4297 m., 5 h.); campsite and viewpoint over
Lake Michaelson. Further information on peak area
diagrams. Guided tours on the Chogoria Route.
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