Your Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kenya

If you are, then one of the best countries for you to visit there is Kenya. This beautiful east African country is home to lots of places worthy of being in a bucket list like Masai Mara National Reserve where you can watch the wildebeest migrate from a safe distance and Lamu Island where you can experience their culture and have a beach holiday.

Kenya isn’t all about safaris and beaches though.

If you travel to Kenya, you should consider climbing Mount Kenya. The mountain is the tallest one in Kenya and is also the highest point in the country.

This makes it an unavoidable sight which will compel you to attempt to reach its peak. Reaching its peak isn’t all biscuits and gravy though. Read on to learn what you need to know before climbing the mountain.

1. When to Consider Climbing Mount Kenya

Being successful in climbing Mount Kenya is all about preparation. Preparation isn’t limited to buying the necessary supplies and readying your body for the climb though. Picking the right time to make your journey is also involved in the preparation process.

It’s true, trips to the peak of Mount Kenya are available all year round. There are certain times when the experience is much better because of the smallest differences. For example, the weather is at its most tolerant during the months of Jan-Feb and July-October.

During these times, the rain won’t become your problem as the rainy season comes after these months. However, you can still experience a bit of rain during these months though. This allows you to experience the beauty of Mount Kenya.

2. Choosing the Best Route for You

Before you resolve yourself to reach the peak of the mountain, you should first decide which route you’ll take. There are 4 main routes open for aspiring hikers.

Naro Moru Trail

This route is the most popular one for tourists for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s the shortest route leading towards one of the peaks of the mountain, Point Lenana. This means people won’t have to spend more than 3 days to see the sights of one of the peaks.

People often mistake this to be an easy trip because of the shortened duration. They often learn the hard what that this is the steepest route to take to the Point Lenana.

The path isn’t as scenic as other trails and doesn’t offer much of an experience compared to the other paths.

Buruget Trail

The Buruget route is one of the less traversed paths towards one of the mountain’s points. A part of this is because the path takes hikers through a dense forest. Many people dislike the idea of going through an unfamiliar forest, so they often don’t go for the Buruget trail when they get a glimpse of a Mount Kenya map.

If you have proper guidance, the right equipment, and a brave attitude though, going through this route can be an enlightening experience. Having nature surround you and having fewer people around you makes for a spiritual trek on Mount Kenya.

Sirimon Trail

The Sirimon path is the least traveled one among the main paths. This is because the area the path crosses through is full of the country’s wildlife. This is a prospect which scares most people enough to opt for the other paths instead.

The truth is the local wildlife will keep their distance as long as you keep yours. Some of them are territorial and will not hesitate to charge at you if you step too close. Don’t worry though, their areas are all marked and your guides will also discourage you from straying too far from the path.

Chogoria Trail

This path is the longest among the main paths. Despite this, the Chogoria path is still popular among hikers and tourists alike. This is because it’s the most beautiful and scenic path on the mountain.

The path takes hikers through the Hall Tarns and showcases a fantastic view of alpine lakes along the way. It also takes hikers through the Gorges Valley which then leads to Lake Michaelson. With many more picture-perfect locations on this path, you can see why a lot of people take Chogoria.

3. Checking Out Your Checklist

If you want your Mount Kenya experience to be a pleasant one, then you should bring along these things. Thick and layered clothes are a must-have when you’re on one of the trails leading to its peaks. Many people ignore this because they think of the hot weather in Africa.

Yes, it’s true the days there are warm and sometimes even hot. However, the nights can reach up to –15 degrees Celsius. Your first thought may be to start a campfire in this scenario. That’s a good idea but you’ll soon learn that you’re discouraged from burning anything while you’re on the path.

It’s also a good idea to pack extra pairs of climbing shoes before going on your trip. As mentioned above, rain can happen anytime on Mount Kenya. You’re going to want to have a dry pair of boots by the end of the day.

To avoid hypothermia, you may also want to have emergency supplies on hand. For example, a foil blanket will be sure to keep you warm during the coldest of nights. If you forgot to pack emergency supplies, then you can get them in one of the shops located along the trail.

4. The Sleeping Situation Along the Path

Many people worry about how sleeping during the hike will go. If you’re one of those people, you’ll be glad to know there are huts and bunkhouses dotted along the trails. All you need to have a good night’s sleep is a bedroll.

If you’re with a large group, you can opt to set up a camp somewhere off the trail instead. This way, you’ll be able to sleep under the stars and experience African skies.

5. Complications You May Encounter

For most hikers, the most common complications they encounter is altitude sickness. The thin air close to one of its peaks causes many people to leave the mountain earlier than expected.

To avoid this, it’s best to make sure you’re fit enough to complete the climb. You can undergo climbing programs to help you get used to higher altitudes. Doing so can allow your body to adapt and help you on your trek on Mount Kenya.

While on the trail, it’s also best that you take in as many fluids as you can. Doing this will help you avoid the headaches associated with altitude sickness.

Book a Trip and Climb Mount Kenya Today

Climbing Mount Kenya isn’t an easy feat. However, with the proper know-how and preparation, you’ll be successful in doing so. Don’t wait another minute and book your trip to Kenya today!

Looking to explore more of Kenya after climbing the mountain? Contact us here and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can! We specialize in safari tours and we’ll love to show you around local wildlife hotspots.