November 9, 2024

How difficult is Mount Kenya to climb?

3 min read

Mount Kenya has three main peaks, the two larger peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m) are both technical climbs, but the third peak, Point Lenana (4,985m), is a trekking peak and although it is definitely a challenge and if you’re new to trekking, camping, and altitude then you may well struggle, the vast majority of people will successfully summit with the proper preparation and a good guide team.

If you regularly trek in hills and mountains, you’ll be well equipped to climb Mount Kenya. However, it should not be underestimated because most people who have climbed both Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro will know that the landscape and summit routes are more difficult on Mount Kenya, so you should attempt it with a good guide and support team, ensure that you have the correct equipment, eat well and drink plenty of fluids so that by the time you reach the higher camps, you’ll be well rested.

What is the time required to climb Mount Kenya?

Many organisations offer three-day climbs on Mount Kenya, but this does not provide a safe acclimatisation plan. Our ideal schedule is five days on our Mount Kenya trip and Mount Kenya traverse to allow for a safe ascent and descent. If you want to take the distant Burguret route, expect to stay on the mountain for 6 days; similarly, if you include the Summit Circuit in your plans, expect to be on the mountain for 6 days.

What is the cost of climbing Mount Kenya?

The cost varies depending on the Mount Kenya routes and the accommodation that you plan to use; camping rather than using the huts at the various camps is the less expensive option on a western ascent and descent, either on the Naro Moru route, the Sirimon route, or a combination of both; a west to east traverse is a little more expensive because the Chogoria route requires the use of 4×4’s to get off / on the mountain.

Mount Kenya

What is the cost of climbing Mount Kenya?

The cost varies depending on the Mount Kenya routes and the accommodation that you plan to use; camping rather than using the huts at the various camps is the less expensive option on a western ascent and descent, either on the Naro Moru route, the Sirimon route, or a combination of both; a west to east traverse is a little more expensive because the Chogoria route requires the use of 4×4’s to get off / on the mountain.

What kind of gear do you need to climb Mount Kenya?

We offer a recommended kit list for trekking on Mt Kenya (we provide all the group equipment, particularly tents and cooking equipment, however if you need personal equipment we can rent out kit like sleeping bags, waterproof jackets, trekking poles, etc). When it comes to footwear, our trekking boot guide will steer you in the correct way, as will our sleeping bag advice when it comes to picking which weight / warmth bag is best for you.

When is the greatest time of year to climb Mount Kenya?

When is the ideal time to go mountain climbing? The reality is that Mount Kenya can be climbed all year round, though if you don’t fancy trekking in the rainy seasons it’s better to avoid mid-March to mid-May and October and November but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to predict the rains so if you have no alternative but to climb in these months then don’t let the rains hold you back, the rain tends to fall after lunch on the mountain so we can avoid trekking

How do you go from Nairobi to Mount Kenya?

There are several ways to go to Mount Kenya; most people ascend on the western side, and the cheapest method is to take a public matatu from Nairobi directly to Naro Moru / Nanyuki. There are also matatu buses from Nairobi to Chogoria on the mountain’s eastern flank. Private shuttles from anywhere in Nairobi may be arranged for individuals who do not want to cram into public transportation; read more about our Mount Kenya hike choices for more information.