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Live Life on the Edge by Climbing Mount Kenya
Published by Spencer Spellman, Writer
Country: South Africa 
The Experience
With its highest peak standing at 17,057 feet, climbing Mount Kenya is no walk in the park by any means. Located in Mount Kenya National Park, it is the second highest peak in Africa, behind Mount Kilimanjaro, which stands at 19,334 feet. Though it may not carry the same status as some of its cohorts, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest, climbing Mount Kenya is still one of the top summits in the world to ascend. Men and women from around the world travel to Kenya each year for the sole task of trying to conquer this great mountain and make it to the peak.
Mount Kenya is one of the most unique peaks in the world, and is unlike many mountain peaks that come to a point at the top. Formerly an ice cap, a very jagged peak with eroded slopes and valleys remains today. Of these jagged points, the highest peak of Mount Kenya is called Batian, followed by Nelion at 17,021 feet, and Point Lenana at 16,355. As a stratovolcano (a tall, conical volcano built of many layers), Mt. Kenya probably had much more of a pointed peak thousands of years ago before the significant erosion occurred. The 17,000+ foot mountain is split into three regions. Ironically for Africa, the rocky peak consists of glaciers and snowfields. The second region is the alpine zone with its thriving vegetation, followed by the lower slopes, which consist of mountain forest and jungle.
As one of the tallest peaks in the world, climbing is, of course, the most popular activity at Mount Kenya. With its rocky peaks, there's often as much climbing involved as hiking, and because of the difficult terrain, the peaks of Nelion and Batian are reserved for experienced rock climbers. Lenana still consists of a rocky summit, but is much more manageable for novice trekkers, and of the thousands of hikers who trek to the peaks of Mount Kenya, most of them do the Lenana hike because it consists predominantly of walking and hiking.
There are several different hiking paths to Mt. Kenya's summits. These vary in distance and terrain, and is typically recommended to stretch the hikes into at least a couple of days, if not longer. Those interested in actually reaching one of the summits typically take the Naro Moru route, which is named after the town and begins on the westside of Mount Kenya. With little encumbrances, it should take three days to reach the Lenana peak using this route, and there are bunkhouses along the way where hikers can make camp each day.
Although the Naro Moru trek is often the most popular route because of its terrain and access of the Lenana peak, the other routes still offer a great climbing experience of Mount Kenya. Talking to tour guides and judging your preference can help climbers decide which is the right route to take.
Mount Kenya is one of the most unique peaks in the world, and is unlike many mountain peaks that come to a point at the top. Formerly an ice cap, a very jagged peak with eroded slopes and valleys remains today. Of these jagged points, the highest peak of Mount Kenya is called Batian, followed by Nelion at 17,021 feet, and Point Lenana at 16,355. As a stratovolcano (a tall, conical volcano built of many layers), Mt. Kenya probably had much more of a pointed peak thousands of years ago before the significant erosion occurred. The 17,000+ foot mountain is split into three regions. Ironically for Africa, the rocky peak consists of glaciers and snowfields. The second region is the alpine zone with its thriving vegetation, followed by the lower slopes, which consist of mountain forest and jungle.
As one of the tallest peaks in the world, climbing is, of course, the most popular activity at Mount Kenya. With its rocky peaks, there's often as much climbing involved as hiking, and because of the difficult terrain, the peaks of Nelion and Batian are reserved for experienced rock climbers. Lenana still consists of a rocky summit, but is much more manageable for novice trekkers, and of the thousands of hikers who trek to the peaks of Mount Kenya, most of them do the Lenana hike because it consists predominantly of walking and hiking.
There are several different hiking paths to Mt. Kenya's summits. These vary in distance and terrain, and is typically recommended to stretch the hikes into at least a couple of days, if not longer. Those interested in actually reaching one of the summits typically take the Naro Moru route, which is named after the town and begins on the westside of Mount Kenya. With little encumbrances, it should take three days to reach the Lenana peak using this route, and there are bunkhouses along the way where hikers can make camp each day.
Although the Naro Moru trek is often the most popular route because of its terrain and access of the Lenana peak, the other routes still offer a great climbing experience of Mount Kenya. Talking to tour guides and judging your preference can help climbers decide which is the right route to take.
When to Go to Mount Kenya Climbing
The best time of year to climb Mount Kenya is typically at the beginning of the year in January, when the weather is the most comfortable for hiking. August to September is also pretty reliable for good weather when climbing Mount Kenya. These are the dry seasons, and when you can expect the least of the bad weather to make the climb. Some rainfall can tend to occur in late afternoons during the dry season, and the trails are more crowded during these periods, but that is a much better sacrifice than hiking during the rainy season.
Odds n' Ends
The most important thing to keep in mind when climbing Mount Kenya is to be prepared. Although visitors can take short half-day and one-day hikes, to get the full experience of Mount Kenya, you'll have to take a multi-day hike. Getting to the summits typically takes at least three days. Wear layered clothing and remember to take a rain jacket as weather can fluctuate between the morning and late afternoon and evening. It's recommended for climbers to head indoors at night and stay overnight in one of the many accommodations that are spread throughout the trails. These offer a comfortable day of sleep and good nourishment to tackle the following days of hiking and climbing.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Serena Mountain Lodge
- Located on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, Serena Mountain Lodge is a true Africa lodge, where animals often walk right up to the lodge. It offers a tranquil, rustic setting but with comfortable rooms that are a perfect break for climbers.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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The lodge offers 42 en-suite rooms with free mineral water provided in each one. services - facilities on offer include pedicures, manicures and - other ... 5 miles away
This hotel offers magnificent views of "" mount kenia"" and is located in an area where there are large green areas and gardens; a whole ... 26 miles away
$225 USD+
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