Mount Kenya is the highest peak in Kenya and second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania. Reaching heights of 17,057 ft (5198 metres) it has three peaks, Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana, which are the remnants of an ancient volcano and take their names from the paramount Maasai chiefs.
Reaching the highest of the three peaks on Mount Kenya requires a lot of technical expertise, but the third highest peak Point Lenana, offers arguably the finest five or six day trek on the continent. Trek through dense rainforest on the lower slopes where you may encounter elephant, or even leopard, before traversing vast moorlands and past deep rocky gorges. From the summit of Lenana you will be rewarded with views across East Africa, the experience heightened by the fact that there are few other trekkers to share the mountain with – Mt Kenya has +/- 4000 trekkers per year, vs. Mt Kilimanjaro which has 50,000+ per year.
The summits of Batian and Nelion are surrounded by glaciers and often covered in snow where the night time temperature can drop to below -10 degrees Celsius. At any time of the year harsh, cold, wet and windy weather can come from anywhere so it’s essential to be prepared.
You will stay in a combination of campsites and park bandas – both are simple but comfortable and your climb crew are there to ensure every need is catered for, including a cook to prepare fresh meals throughout your climb. All tents and camping equipment is carried up the mountain by the porters and we use high quality Mountain Hardware tents which we consider to be the best. The tents themselves are officially 2-man tents.
The campsites themselves are some of the most impressive in Kenya – next to lakes and gorges, mountain streams and glacial moraines
This is a fully serviced trek – so your tents are set up by the team, all meals are cooked, and your overnight gear is carried by porters – so all you need to do is carry your day pack.
Seasons
The trek to Pt Lenana can climbed at any time of the year – the optimum months are Jan, Feb to mid March, July, August, September, October & December; November, April, May and June can be wet – as can any time of year
Length: 12km Time: 6 hours Ascent: 700m Accommodation: West Marania campsite (3000m)
Today we walk leisurely through Hagenia forests and stunning giant Heather woodland to the West Marania roadhead. We walk slowly to acclimatise to the altitude. The route is open heathland and we have the chance of seeing some unique mountain wildlife. One thing we are unlikely to see is another group as we are now definitely off the main track. We arrive at our stunning mountain stream campsite and relax in the beauty of the mountain.
Length: 8km Time: 6-8 hours Ascent: 500m Accommodation: Majors camp (3800m)
A long day’s easy walk to explore this pristine mountain area, we trek through open moorland with views of the main peaks. We have a picnic enroute, arriving into camp around tea time.
Length: 12km Time: 6 hours Ascent: 800m Accommodation: Simba Tarn (4600m)
A great day that sees us finish at the base of the old volcanic plug that makes up the rocky peaks of Batian, Nelion and Pt. Lenana. On the trek up, the vegetation changes to moorland grass with small flowering plants and the amazing giant lobelias and senecios. If the weather permits and the group is feeling strong, we sometimes summit Pt Lenana this afternoon, returning to Simba Tarn Camp for the night. This makes for a long day today but an easier final couple of days, and is decided upon by the guide and the group on the day.
Length: 18km Time: 15 hours Ascent: 385m Descent: 2135m
An early 5.00am start sees us on the Summit Circuit Path. Stunning views, tarns, glaciers, ice carved rock formations and precipitous valleys and the views… We are in search of Pt. Lenana for a sunrise celebration with spectacular views to the Aberdare Ranges and even Mt. Kilimanjaro. After a celebratory cup of tea or coffee we start our descent via the Summit Circuit to Old Moses camp for a well-earned rest.
Gate Length: 9km Time: 2 hours Descent: 675m
A gentle walk to the park gate where you are collected by your vehicles at around 11.00am and say our goodbyes to the climb crew and porters.
