Mount Kenya Climbing
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 center 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), point Lenana can be reached by climb Mount Kenya trekker and the other two being only for technical climbers. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of its taller neighbor Kilimanjaro.
When is the best time to climb Mount Kenya?
The best months to climb Mount Kenya are traditionally January to March and June to October but it can be climbed all year round. The rainy seasons tend to be in April, May and November but nowadays climate change has made it more difficult to predict.
What kit is needed on Mount Kenya?
To successfully summit Mount Kenya you’ll need kit which keeps you warm, dry, protected from the sun/rain and comfortable in the various environments that you’ll find yourself in on the way to the summit. There is a detailed list via the ‘More Information’ menu under ‘Mount Kenya trek kit list’. A couple of basic maps which show the routes on Mount Kenya can be found in the Mount Kenya Maps and Books more information page.
Is a climb on Mount Kenya similar to Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kenya is its own National Park with a stunning landscape of interesting endemic flora and flora as well as jagged summit peaks and glaciers. It differs from Kilimanjaro in that there is a great deal more wildlife to be spotted, as well as numerous high tarns and traditional higher peaks! For many it is a much more scenic and peaceful experience with much fewer numbers and smaller teams ascending the mountain, many have been up and down without meeting anyone other than the Kenya Wildlife Service staff at the Park Gates and the camps.
How Difficult Is The Mount Kenya Climb?
The most technically challenging sections of the hiking route to Point Lenana generally only requires a bit of scrambling over snow and ice.
Is Altitude Sickness a Risk on Mount Kenya Climb?
Altitude sickness (or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)) is the main obstacle hikers face in reaching the summit.
Head-aches and nausea are its common effects and are experienced by most hikers beyond 3000m. To mitigate these symptoms, it is recommended that hikers drink 3-4 litres of water per day, and acclimatize properly to the thin air.
Before hiking Mount Kenya, it is essential that hikers are fully informed on the risks, symptoms and treatments available for AMS as well as for high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which are life-threatening if left untreated.
What Trekking Insurance Works for Mount Kenya?
No matter how well prepared you are, you are taking certain risks by hiking Mount Kenya. We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers you for hiking up to 6,000m.
World Nomads offer insurance that includes cover for high altitude hiking.
Use the quote calculator adjacent to get a cost of travel insurance for your trip.
Mount Kenya Climbing Itineraries and prices:
