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The way to Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya


Mount Kenya is like the final word trekking spot in Kenya! Certain, most individuals consider Kenya for its seashores and safaris, however this mountain is a hidden gem for journey seekers.

And sure, most people can identify the best mountain in Africa, however do you know that Mount Kenya is Africa’s second-highest mountain? Standing at 5,199 meters, Batian Peak is only a tad taller than Nelion (5,1888 m) and Level Lenana (4,985 m).

For those who’re up for climbing the primary two peaks whereas on a trek on Mount Kenya, you’ll want some mountaineering expertise. However if you happen to’re aiming for Level Lenana, all you want is an effective pair of mountaineering boots. You possibly can conquer the third-highest peak of Africa’s second-highest mountain with only a few days of mountaineering.

This massif is ideal for many who love a superb problem in a panoramic setting. Though it’s on the equator, the principle peak Batian, is an actual showstopper with its snow-capped glaciers. Guests flock right here year-round for the breathtaking views! It’s a implausible spot for nature lovers and climbers in search of a problem. With three peaks to overcome, you possibly can tailor your climb to your ability stage and make it as robust as you want.

The hike to Level Lenana is achievable for anybody, particularly if you happen to take your time. Going at a leisurely tempo is the key to steering away from altitude illness and making it to your purpose with ease. When you hit 3000 meters, it’s completely nice to take it straightforward. And don’t neglect to drink numerous water to maintain your self nicely hydrated.

Associated learn: Causes to Go to Kenya

Right here’s an outline:

Trekking on Mount Kenya
Trekking on Mount Kenya

Completely different Routes To Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya

Here’s a breakdown of the completely different routes to take in your trek on Mount Kenya.

Naro-Moru Route

This route is the quickest solution to attain Level Lenana. It begins from Naro-Moru Gate, passes by means of Meteorological Station, Mackinder’s Camp, and eventually reaches Level Lenana.

This route was some of the well-liked selections as a result of it’s quick and has handy huts at Met Station (3050m) and MacKinders (4200m). The forest alongside this route continues to be lush, with a dense bamboo zone. Many climbers sometimes begin on the park gate, however driving as much as the Met Station (3050 meters) is feasible.

The trek alongside Naro Moru provides a novel expertise, main you thru a vertical lavatory into the expansive Teleki Valley beneath the Lewis Glacier. Within the Teleki Valley, you’ll encounter iconic Tree and Cabbage Groundsels and Lobelia Telekii and Deckenii.

Sirimon Route

The route is often thought of one of many simpler ones, because it climbs step by step with only a few steeper sections to achieve the highest camp. It’s at present the most well-liked route however not overly crowded.

Start your journey from Nanyuki and head to Sirimon Gate, then make your approach by means of Previous Moses Camp, Shipton’s Camp, and eventually attain Level Lenana.

The forest is sparse alongside this route, and the bamboo zone isn’t very distinguished. Many of the second day is spent within the alpine heath and moorland. If you cross the ridge into the MacKinder Valley, you’ll have an incredible viewpoint if the climate is evident. The method to the peaks alongside the traditional U-shaped MacKinder Valley could be beautiful in good climate. The MacKinder Valley is dwelling to many huge Lobelia and Groundsel, the traditional flora of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, you will probably spot Rock Hyrax at Shipton’s cave or hut.

That is additionally the route that we advocate in additional element beneath.

Hiking Sirimon Route Mount Kenya
Mountain climbing Sirimon Route Mount Kenya

Chogoria Route

For a scenic journey, begin at Chogoria and cross by means of Chogoria Gate, Minto’s Hut, and make your solution to Level Lenana.

The Chogoria route on Mount Kenya is commonly hailed as essentially the most stunning path to take. Whereas there isn’t a excessive camp hut alongside the way in which, the journey could be made shorter by utilizing 4×4 autos to skip the decrease part. It’s frequent observe to drive 4x4s by means of the forest till you attain the Meru Bandas at 3000m.

Simply previous the junction close to “The Temple” at 4300m, you’ll discover an previous, considerably shaky hut the place porters often spend the evening, whereas purchasers need to arrange camp.

What units this route aside is its beautiful bodily panorama. Not like different routes that observe a U-shaped glacial valley, the Chogoria winds across the spectacular ‘Temple’ with Corridor Tarns above it and Lake Michaelson on the base of the amphitheater. Extra highlights like Lake Ellis, the Large’s Billiard Desk, and the Nithi Falls make this route much more fascinating.

Many climbers select to descend through the Chogoria after ascending different routes.

Burguret Route

Don’t neglect concerning the Burguret Route (recognized for its ruggedness and less-traveled paths).

The Burguret route is probably not as well-liked on account of its difficult navigation and lack of facilities. Nonetheless, the rugged, undeveloped nature of the path and the potential for having all of it to your self is usually a draw for some adventurers.

Not like different routes, Burguret doesn’t have a clearly marked path or any amenities like huts. You’ll want to rearrange with the rangers upfront and make funds at a special gate since there’s no Park Gate on this route.

Navigating by means of the bamboo forest within the decrease part would possibly require some steering from the guides, particularly if there haven’t been current hikers. The route can range till you attain the primary tenting spot at Kampi Ya Machengeni (3000m) within the moorlands.

The following stretch is extra open and simpler to navigate, however you’ll nonetheless have to carve out your individual path moderately than observe a set path.

Timau Route

The Timau Route, situated on the north facet, can be hardly ever traveled.

It was once a well-liked route for driving up in a 4×4, because it winds its approach by means of the milder northern slopes earlier than getting steeper at round 4200m.

From there, it descends sharply into and throughout the Hinde Valley and the Nithi North River earlier than ascending to fulfill the Chogoria Route at Corridor Tarns.

The route’s circumstances range, however autos sometimes don’t exceed round 3400m.

Whereas it’s nonetheless technically doable to climb through this route, it’s really useful to seek the advice of with the Rangers for present circumstances.

Our Suggestion: Sirimon Route

Match journey trekkers will discover the Sirimon Route on Mount Kenya to be a enjoyable and simply accessible trekking route. There’s better surroundings than Naromoru, and among the greatest strolling is out there on the dry facet of the mountain.

Ascend by means of the woodland and onto a broad slope to achieve the summit location. The route begins near Nanyuki on the northwest face of the mountain.

The bunkhouse facilities are the best on this facet of the mountain, and entry is ample.

Ranging from the underside and mountaineering your approach up, you’ll be handled to a very numerous panorama. The path takes you thru a mixture of deciduous forest, gallery forests, and the plush Afroalpine rainforest on the base of the massif. As you proceed, you’ll cross by means of mountain cloud forests, bamboo groves and distinctive vegetation like big heaths and coso timber, bogs, and grasslands.

As you ascend, you’ll encounter spectacular senzenzias and lobelias earlier than reaching the highest with its beautiful rock and ice formations. There are 800 plant species on this space, with 81 discovered nowhere else – a colourful show of uncommon and tropical nature that’s really a sight to behold.

For those who hang around on the decrease slopes among the many lush forests and bamboo thickets, you would possibly catch a glimpse of elephants, bushbucks, big forest hogs, and even buffalo. Alternatively, the Afroalpine heights are dwelling to large tree heaths, quirky big senecias and big lobelias, with rock hyraxes preserving hikers and climbers firm.

The way to Trek to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya
Climbing one of many summits of Mount Kenya at dawn.

4 Days Up and Down Sirimon Route

Right here’s a breakdown of the 4 days of trekking to Level Lenana on Mount Kenya.

Day 1: Nairobi / Nanyuki / Previous Moses

Departure from Nairobi at 0700 hrs out of your lodge and switch to Nanyuki, arriving after 3 hours. Later switch to Sirimon gate and hike to Previous Moses camp for in a single day (3300m), 3 to 4 hour hike (9kms).
Previous Moses camp is the place you acclimatize as you additionally come throughout completely different vegetation.

Previous Moses Camp is not only a resting spot; it’s the place the magic of acclimatization begins.

As you traverse by means of varied vegetation zones, from lush forests to open moorlands, preserve a watch out for distinctive wildlife. This preliminary leg of the journey acquaints trekkers with the various ecosystems that characterize Mount Kenya.

Day 2: Previous Moses – Shiptons

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic hike to Shipton’s Camp, located at an elevation of 4200 meters. The path meanders by means of Liki and Makinders valleys, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of rugged landscapes and towering peaks. This portion of the journey sometimes spans 6 to eight hours, protecting a distance that varies based mostly on the tempo and stops alongside the way in which.

Shipton’s Camp serves as a high-altitude base for trekkers, providing important facilities amidst the uncooked fantastic thing about Mount Kenya.

Maintain your digital camera useful to seize glimpses of wildlife, akin to rock hyraxes, duikers, and varied hen species that inhabit these high-altitude areas.

Day 3: Shipton Camp / Level Lenana / Judmaier Camp (Previous Moses Camp)

That is the top of your Mount Kenya journey as you set out for the summit bid within the early morning hours. Departing from Shipton’s Camp at 3 am, the ascent begins with a difficult climb up a steep stony quarry, which finally results in Decrease Corridor Tarns.

The path provides awe-inspiring views as you ascend in direction of Level Lenana, Mount Kenya’s third-highest peak, standing at roughly 4985 meters above sea stage.

Reaching Level Lenana round dawn rewards trekkers with a spectacular panorama of the encircling peaks and the huge expanse beneath. After soaking within the majestic dawn, the descent again to Shipton’s Camp takes round 2 hours, the place a well-deserved breakfast awaits.

The journey continues as you descend additional to Previous Moses Camp, retracing your steps by means of acquainted terrain for about 4 hours.

Day 4: Judamaier Camp (Previous Moses) / Sirimon / Nairobi

On the ultimate day of your trek, after a satisfying breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the mountain and start the descent by means of the plush rainforest. The path winds its approach down for about 2 hours, providing trekkers an opportunity to replicate on their journey amidst the tranquility of the forest.

As you emerge from the dense vegetation, you’ll reunite along with your transport car, marking the tip of your Mount Kenya journey.

The return journey to Nairobi is full of reminiscences of exhilarating challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and the camaraderie cast through the trek.

Contact the Alpine Holidays workforce by means of the shape beneath, get extra information or ebook your trekking journey of a lifetime.
They are going to often reply to your message inside 24 hours.

When Is the Finest Time To Climb Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya is a implausible climb any time of the yr!

In April and Could, you would possibly encounter an extended wet season, whereas November brings a shorter one.

For those who’re in search of optimum circumstances, plan your journey from January to March or June to October. This fashion, you possibly can keep away from the wet season and benefit from the best climate and views.

Take into account that mountain climate could be unpredictable, so all seasons would possibly make an look at any time. However sticking to these prime seasons provides you with essentially the most bang in your buck.

Being close to the equator, it could actually get fairly chilly at evening and the summit, so be sure that to pack heat garments or a comfortable sleeping bag. On the decrease and center slopes, prepare for tropical warmth and excessive humidity.

Dressing for large temperature swings is vital for a profitable trek!

Weather when climbing Mount Kenya.
Climate when climbing Mount Kenya.

Journey Preparations for Mount Kenya

In your journey, ensure you have comfortable footwear, cozy rain-resistant gear, a cool hat, and gloves.

For those who’re tackling these peaks, don’t neglect your climbing gear! Carry maps, water, snacks, tenting gear, and a trusty compass.

And, after all, pack a primary help equipment simply in case.

Don’t miss out on capturing the views with a digital camera and binoculars, and defend your self from the solar with a solar hat, sunscreen, and trendy sun shades!

Associated learn: Trekking Necessities to Carry Whereas Mountain climbing

The view from the highest searching over the limitless deserts, savannas, and rainforests completely makes all that onerous work price it ultimately.

Plus, come on, how many individuals can say they’ve seen snow on the equator?

Tents when hiking Mount Kenya.
Tents when mountaineering Mount Kenya.

  • Alpine Holidays Kenya

    Alpine Holidays is your primary selection for traditional treks akin to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in Tanzania, Mount Kenya in Kenya, the Rwenzori ranges in Uganda. We’ve a deserved repute for innovation, for high quality of service and for offering once-in-a-lifetime holidays.



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