Your mountain climbing experience is incomplete if you have not climbed Mount Kenya. Do not miss this mouth-watering encounter. Yes, the amazing ragged snowy peaks, thick forest beauty, and the fascinating wild animals in Mount Kenya. It is the highest mountain in Kenya and second in Africa. The highest peak measures 5199 metres. It is one of the most frequented tourist sites in Africa. The mountain is a UNESCO recognised world heritage site. Every foot you climb heightens your curiosity. However, to get the best out of your adventure, you need to know more about the mountain and its environs.
Here Is a Brief of What You Should Know
As is with most mountain climbing expeditions, knowledge is very vital. Here are some pointers,
Where you are going and how to get there
What to expect or see
How to plan your climbing
The dos and don’ts
Any other relevant information necessary
Now, let us go through the mind-blowing adventure.
Accessing Mount Kenya
The mountain is located in central Kenya. It is approximately 200 kilometres from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. You can go there by Road or Air. It is part of Mount Kenya National Park and lies along equator. The road network is good from Nairobi to the park gates. However, from the mountain base, the road is rough and dusty. During rainy seasons, it is advisable to use four-wheel-drive vehicles to avoid being stuck. Most trekkers and climbers, approach the mountain via Chogoria.
You should consider the following as you plan your expedition,
Entrance Fee
Kenya Wildlife Services is the body responsible for the collection of the park fees. It is therefore advisable to liaise with them, to know the fees payable. However, the fees are affordable. If you are going through an expedition company, you will be provided with the latest fees applicable.
Routes
There are three main peaks, Nelion, Batian, and Point Lenana. The latter is the most, visited among the three. You can access them through the following routes, Chogoria, Naro Moru, Sirimon, Meru, Kamweti, Timau, Ithanguni, and Burguret. There are camps and huts along these routes. It takes approximately 5 days to climb up and down Point Lenana.
The Timings
The dry season is the best period to visit Mount Kenya. It falls between December and March. However, you can visit the mountain at any time of the year. Visiting the area during rainy season could be restrictive. It will deny you the opportunity to have a spectacular view of the area.
What to Expect or See
You will encounter the exciting and amazing scenery as you climb up. There are different types of wild animals that include the endangered and rare species such as, Mount Kenya Mole Shrew, Sunni Buck, Owls, Albino Zebra, and Skinks. Other animals include Tree hyrax, bushbuck, black rhino, Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Bush Pig, Mole rats, Buffalos, Olive Baboon, different types of Monkeys and many more. If you thought, you had enough, not yet. There are various types of birds, such as sunbirds, Red-fronted Parrots, Lammergeirs, Giant King Fishers, Verreaux’s Eagles, Alpine Chats, Starlings and, Olive Pigeons. The forest hosts over ten endemic species.
Other must-see attractions that will keep you engaged as you climb include Lakes, glaciers, springs, Alpine vegetation, Ragged Peaks and, other geological varieties.
How to Plan and Execute Your Climb
Before you embark on your climbing adventure, strategize and plan well. Failure to plan may lead to a bad experience. Here are some guiding questions,
Am I physically fit?
What should I carry?
Where Will I Camp?
Do I need Guides and Porters?
Is accommodation available?
Fitness
Mountain climbing needs serious preparation both mentally and physically. To keep fit, start exercising before your climb. Sometimes, this can lead to serious health issues. It is very important to consult your physician before going for the trekking.
What to carry
You should choose your gear well to avoid last-minute regrets. Due to unpredictable weather changes, having an all-weather gear is important. Here are some must carry items, Backpack bags, all-weather jackets, umbrellas, heavy socks, trekking boots, sleeping bag, trekking poles, first aid kit, over the counter Medicine, personal effects, Notebooks, all-weather hats, torches, gloves, water bottles, and flasks among others.
Camping
You will find the following camps along the way, Austrian Hut, Old Moses camp, Mackinder’s camp, Liki north camp, Met station, and Shipton’s camp.
Guides and Porters
If you are new to Mount Kenya, you may require the services of registered guides, cooks, and Porters. Your climb becomes better with them because they know the area better. However, be cautious as you pick them because not all are genuine. Insist on having their credentials before hiring them.
Accommodation
There are several hotels near the mountain base where you can get accommodation. Below are some hotels to consider, Serena Mountain Lodge, Mount Kenya Eco camp Villas, Castle Forest Lodge, The Ark Lodge, Sweet waters tented Camp, Rutundu Cabins among others. Charges in these facilities vary depending on the diversity of services.
The Dos and Don’ts
There are some limits to what you can do and not do while camping on the mountain.
Refuse Disposal
Bury the litter or carry it down with you for proper disposal. Do not burn it, because it is illegal to light fires.
Sanitation
Boil or use purification tablets to keep your drinking water pure.
Use the toilet where possible to avoid contaminating water sources. Where there are no toilets, spread your waste for easy exposure to sunlight. Remember, it should be 30 meters from the water source. Alternatively, dig up the waste in shallow holes for faster decomposition. Never leave sanitary pads or tissue papers littering everywhere but carry them along with you. Never use soap near water sources to avoid contamination.
Putting Up Tents
There are designated campsites where you can put up your tent. It should not be near a water source to avoid contaminating the water. Erect the camp on open grounds or rocks to preserve vegetation.
Getting lost
Sometimes, you can easily get lost.
What should you do?
Carry your gear with all the emergency requirements.
What should be in the gear?
You should carry the following, a Torch, a mirror for signal, food, juice, all-weather shelter, a compass, and a lighter.
If you cannot see well, stand still and wait for help.
Try moving to a ridge top to be seen easily.
Falling Sick
Anybody can experience height sickness due to low intake of oxygen.
How to manage the sickness or discomfort
Take a high calorie enriched diet
Exercising well in advance
Take preventive medication before or during the mountain climb
Carry sunglasses and sun cream to manage sunburn.
Taking fluids in plenty is another way of managing height sicknesses. It reduces dehydration.
Benedict is a skilled lifestyle and content writer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been published on the several publications among them Pick the brain, Faith Filled Family Magazine, Mind and soul wholeness, See the Good, and Word for Life.
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