Astoundingly, just 16 km from the equator, 12 glaciers continue to shape the jagged roots of what was once Africas tallest mountain. After seeing the 5199 worth of dramatic remnants that comprise e Mt Kenya (now Africas second-highest mountain) its easy to understand why the Kikuyu people deified it and believe its a seat of their supreme god Ngai.

Fortunately for the many travelers who try this ascent every year, Ngai doesnt seem to be concerned by the trekkers .however you would be wise not to tempt fate, so treat mount Kenya with the utmost respect. Besides being venerated by the kikuyu, Mt Kenya has the rare honor of being both a UNESCO World heritage Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Mt Kenya Climbing peaks

Mt Kenyas highest peaks, Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m), can only be reached by mountaineers with technical skills. However, point Lenana (4985m), the third highest peak, can be reached by trekkers and is the usual for most mortals, offering a fantastic experience without the risks of technical climbing. As you might imagine, there are superb views over the surrounding country from point Lenana, although the summit is often cloaked in mist from the late morning until the late afternoon. Above 3000m is mountain moorland, characterized by remarkable flora.

As marvelous as the summit is, a common complaint from trekkers is that they didnt allow enough time to enjoy the entire mountain. Walks through the foothills, particularly those close to the east and north east of the main peaks and the Summit Circuit around Batian and Nelion are dramatic and tremendously rewarding. You wont regret setting aside a week or days rather than four days for a summit rush.

If time is short or you dont want to do all the planning yourself.

Mt Kenya Information

The daily fees for the national park (P.o. box 253, Nyeri; adult/child US$ 15/8) are charged upon entry, so you must estimate the length of your stay. If you overstay, you must pay the difference when leaving. You will have to pay an additional Ksh 50 per day for each guide and porter you take with you. Always ask for a receipt.

Before you leave Nairobi buy a copy of Mt Kenya 1:5000 Map & Guide (1993) by Mark Savage & Andrew Wielchowski. It has detailed topographical map and detailed descriptions of the routes, mountains medicine, flora, fauna, and accommodation. It is stocked by the main bookshops in Nairobi and by some shops abroad, like Stanfords in London.

Technical climbers and mountaineers should get a copy of mountain Club of Kenyas (MCK; Nairobi (Tel 020602330;www.mck.or.ke)guide to Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro, edited by Iain Allan .this substantial and comprehensive guide is available in bookshops or from the MCK offices .MCK has reasonably up to date mountain information.

Safety on Mt Kenya Climb

Mt Kenyas accessibility and the technical ease with which Point Lenana can be reached create their own problems for the enthusiastic trekkers. Many people ascend too much quickly and end up suffering from headaches, nausea as well as other (sometimes more serious) effects of altitude sickness. By spending at least three nights on the ascent you will enjoy yourself more.

Another problem can be unpredictable, harsh, cold, wet and windy weather. The trek to Point Lenana isnt an easy hike and people die on the mountain every year. With proper clothes and equipment, you stand a much better chance of making it back down. The best time to go is from mid January to late February or from late august to September.

Unless you are a seasoned trekker with high altitude experience and a good knowledge of reading maps and using a compass, youd be flirting with death by not taking a guide or hiking with someone who isnt qualified. Even those with ample experience should take a guide if attempting the Summit Circuit.

Robert is a tour consultant with landmark safaris in Kenya. Click here to plan high altitude bliss
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