Mount Kenya A Beginner’s Guide & Trekking Expeditions

After Africa’s tallest peak, Kilimanjaro, this mountain ranks second in Kenya in terms of elevation. Point Lenana (4,985m/16,355ft), Batian (5,199m/17,057ft), and Nelion (5188m/17,021ft) are its tallest points. In the middle of Kenya, not far from the Equator and 150 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, the country’s capital, lies this mountain. Another moniker that the Republic of Kenya takes from this mountain is Mount Kenya. Additionally, it is a stratovolcano that formed three million years ago. Over its many years of existence, the mountain’s ice cap has kept it at an altitude of more than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet) above sea level. A significant source of water for many regions of Kenya, its eleven tiny glaciers and wooded slopes play an essential role. Lobelias, rock hyrax, and senecious are among the numerous plant species that blanket the mountainside. In 1997, a portion of its area—715 km—was established as a national park and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This park is known as Mount Kenya National Park.

Climbing the mountain’s several peaks is no easy task. Although some require walking, the majority of these peaks have been conquered via rock climbing, which is thought to be the easiest route. Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet), is one of the highest peaks that can be reached without climbing; most park visitors choose to climb this peak. Since they are the highest summits, very few people climb the other peaks of Batian and Nelion. Hicks and Firmin were the first to ascend the Batian on July 31, 1944. In just two days, you can climb this route. Good ice routes, such as Diamond Couloir and the Ice Window route, are another reason the mountain is famous. The mountain’s snow and ice have been melting at a rapid pace in recent years, making ascents extremely risky and challenging. In addition to the main peaks, this mountain offers eight different walking routes. The routes that are most often used have staffed gates; the others require special clearance from Kenya Wildlife Services. The routes that are not usually used include: Burguret, Timau, Naro, Naro, Moro, Chogoria, Sirimon, Moru, and Naro.