In The High Dwellings of the God: Climbing Mt. Kenya

In The High Dwellings of the God: Climbing Mt. Kenya

Lying unjustly in the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro is Mt Kenya, the second on the list of Africa’s tallest mountains. The mountain, once recorded to scale 600 meters above sea level has seen dramatic changes through the years to its current imposing jagged massif. These are the weathered remnants of a large extinct volcano whose last activity was recorded millions of years ago. The mountain is circled with glacier and capped with snow, despite having straddled the equator on its rise.

Trekkers and climbers can look forward to dramatic vegetation; from bamboo stretches, afro-alpine moorland, tropical forests, grassland, rare giant lobelias and shrubs.  There are five known routes to the peaks, twin peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5,188m) and the no less dramatic Peak Lenana (4,985m), each calling for tough fitness as well as altitude experience.

Jovago’s Top 3 Routes:

The Naromoru Route

This is the fastest, thus most popular of the routes. Climbers will take between 3-5 days to complete the ascent, mostly having scaled the Lenana Peak. The climb is quite rapid with sharp uphill climbs, which makes it unsuitable for climbers who wish to gain extra time for acclimatization.

Although it’s a recommended route for climbers without pressed for time, it’s not as scenic as the other two. There are several camp sites on the route as well as bandas and huts that should be booked ahead of the climb with the guide’s assistance. Worth of note is the legendary vertical bog, a 9 km stretch of muddy moorland that can get quite unpleasant after the rains.

Chogoria Route

Laying to the East of the mountain, Chogoria route has long been considered the most scenic and dramatic of all the three routes. Among other notable features along the route include Lake Michaelson and the spectacular Gorges Valley. The gradient is less sharp, making it more of a hike than an arduous climb.

The route is also not as popular, thus a great option for trekkers keen on avoiding the crowds. You may choose to camp along the route, remember the temperatures will go down to -20 or even below, be ready to counter this. The last night just before you scale the summit will most likely be spent at Shipton summit hurt before taking a different route – Sirimon route – on descent to maximize on the experience. Note that Chogoria is the longest route and may take up to 7 days depending on your fitness and time allowance, you will however enjoy the benefits!

Sirimon Route

Sirimon route is the least trekked path of the popular three, but offers the best acclimatization opportunity. The route can be anything between 54-60 kilometers with very picturesque lining of yellowwood forest.

The very gradual trail then leads through moorland patches, beautiful and rare high altitude flowers and lots of wildlife including buffaloes and elephants.

TIPS

Getting Ready

If travelling into the country, you may need an extra day in your itinerary for arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi and a two-hour drive to the starting point of your climb. Effect this on your departure schedule as well.

Regardless of your preferred route, ensure that you are fit and healthy enough for the challenge. There are numerous reported cases of pulmonary oedema and related ailments by climbers. In case your body says otherwise along the climb, it would be prudent to not take the risk above the clouds.

Your Gear

You can get sleeping gear, camping wear and other odds and ends around the townships. Your guide should also be able to link you up with reliable porters, cooks and any other service staff you may need.

Hotels

Book your hotels on Jovago, and enjoy Book enjoy the township as well as other activities such as the Mount Kenya National Park. Check available hotels on  www.jovago.com

Fun Fact

The Agikuyu tribe of Kenya, who live around the mountain have a firm believe that God – commonly referred to as Ngai leaves on the mountain. Thus, they traditionally built their huts facing the hallowed mountain.

Safety: It’s important that you get an experienced guide as recommended by your booking company. Lone climbers must be very experienced, although part of the park rules insists on never climbing alone. You may also not get very popular with the locals for denying them their source of income!

Money: Kenya Shillings, All International Credit Card (Visa; MasterCard) are accepted in the ATM.

Exchange Rate:  Xe.com/Currency Converter

Country Code: +254

Main Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi

About Jovago.com

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