Climbing Mount Kenya (Everything You Need To Know)
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Loading... - Dennis Nyakundi
- 13 Feb 2023
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Climbing Mount Kenya is an experience scribbled on many hiker’s and adventure seeker’s bucket lists. The thought of standing atop Kenya’s highest point, entranced by the gleaming snow-white peaks, is a dream plenty hope to fulfill.
I live in a small town at the base of Mount Kenya, where on a clear day, I watch the beautiful mountain with longing. It reminds me of my earlier attempt to reach the summit and always calls me to claim the feat of reaching its splendid heights.
If you’re exploring the idea of hiking Mount Kenya, this article is for you. It covers everything you need to know; from climbing routes to the best tour packages. It’s also a personal guide based on my own climbing trip to Point Lenana.
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa. The “heaven-like spectacle,” as Joseph Thomson called it in his book Through Masailand, has been visited by mountaineers, explorers, and scientists since the late 1800s.
In 1848, Dr. Krapf reported its existence, and since then, many expeditions have been organized to explore the glittering jewel.
Joseph Thompson saw it in 1883. Count Sámuel Teleki attempted a hike in 1887. Dr. J.W. Gregory climbed to over 16,000 ft in 1894, and H.J. Mackinder made history by reaching the summit in September 1899.
It’s also worth noting that although there are few written accounts, Mount Kenya (Kirinyaga) was known to local communities even before the arrival of explorers. It was (still is) a sacred abode of their gods and a holy place to make sacrifices.
Where is Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is found in what’s known as Mount Kenya National Park, which lies slightly south of the equator in the central region.
The park is about 150 km (90 mi) from Nairobi and is shared by six counties, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Laikipia.
Mount Kenya Quick Facts
Below are some interesting facts about Mount Kenya to help inspire your future hike.
- Elevation: 5,199 m (17,057 ft)
- Coordinates: 0°9′03″S 37°18′27″E
- Mountain Type: Extinct volcano
- Easiest Route: Sirimon to Sirimon
- Hardest Route: Chogoria to Sirimon (to Point Lenana) and North Face standard route to Batian
- First To Summit: Halford John Mackinder, César Ollier, and Joseph Brocherel (September 13, 1899)
- Youngest to Summit: Elsie Akeyo (December 2020) – Point Lenana
- Famous Kenyan Climber: Kisoi Munyao for hoisting the Kenyan Flag on the eve of independence (December 12, 1963)
- Normal Time To Summit: 4-6 Days
- Cost To Summit: $800 – $1500 per person, depending on group size and route
- Permits Needed: No permits are required – only park entrance fees
- Summit Temperature: Day time 0°C to 14°C, night time below 0°C
