Overview

Mount Kenya Technical Climbing – Mount Kenya Rock Climbing Batian 2023 Far from being a just single peak Mount Kenya is in fact a massif consisting of a multitude of imposing spires, cliffs, complex ridges and peaks. These are the weathered remnants of a large extinct volcano that was active several million years ago. Mount Kenya straddles the equator but is sufficiently high to receive significant snowfall and to be circled with several glaciers. The main summits are the twins Batian and Nelion, and these can only be reached by means of technical climbing via a variety of rock or ice routes. The third highest peak, Point Lenana, is a popular destination for trekking parties. Point John and some of the other subsidiary peaks also offer good rock climbing routes. Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa and stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of it’s taller neighbour Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Kili may see much more traffic – due to the possibility of summitting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honour of being one of the Seven Summits – but Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice. The rock on Mount Kenya can be of variable quality but is at it’s best high on the mountain where the syenite rock is similar to granite – rough, hard and well endowed with features. Apart from the superb climbing potential on Mount Kenya, its tarns and alpine meadows; exotic, equatorial, high-altitude vegetation; sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains.

The main Mount Kenya climbing routes?

There are five main routes to reach point Lenana on Mount Kenya. It’s pretty common to combine these and to choose different trails for the ascent and descent. This helps you control the time of your trip and it also means you get to see different scenery and experience the diverse landscapes surrounding the mountain. If you wish to take on one of the two more technical summits, you will still first need to reach Point Lenana before carrying on.

Sirimon

The Sirimon route allows you to ascend more steadily and gives you a stunning approach to the final peak. For this route, you’ll need a minimum of two days but it’s better to take an extra day to really adjust to the altitude. This is one of the most popular routes to the summit and there are a few good things about this route: one is that it’s somewhat protected from the rainfall so the track stays drier. The other is that there are two camps along the way, Old Moses at 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) and Shipton’s camp 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). This allows you to recharge on your way up and take the walk at your own pace.

So what are you waiting for? Make your next incredible outdoor adventure an incredible 5-day ascent of Mount Kenya via the Sirimon route!

Burguret

This route is excellent if you want to really feel alone on the mountain. Plus, you get to hike through some tropical rainforest at the start of the hike. You’ll spend your night in wilderness huts. This is a challenging route as it’s used less often than others and there are times when you’ll have to hack your way through wild vegetation. It can also get pretty muddy. On the upside, it’s a pretty special experience feeling alone as you hike up this majestic mountain. This trail takes a minimum of three nights and it’s ideal to combine it with a different trail for the descent.

Naro Moru

This trail is the shortest and most direct route. As such it is the most popular and tends to get quite busy. The route is best suited for the descent (but also makes for a great ascent as well) as it’s relatively quick and easy. The plant life on offer on the way is also spectacular. However, it has sections, such as the notorious Vertical Bog, which can get waterlogged. This trail can be done in a long day but it’s better across two days and one night.

Looking for your next off-the-beaten-path adventure? Look no further than this incredible 5-day ascent of Mount Kenya via the Naro Moru route!

Chogoria

The Chogoria route is another awesome option for your ascent and/or descent of Mount Kenya. It takes a bit longer, so you’ll need more time, but is well worth it. The scenery is spectacular and you’ll be able to take in views of waterfalls and an amazing gorge. This descent takes around three days.

Hesitate no longer! Take a more scenic approach to climbing Mount Kenya and book a 6-day traverse via the Chogoria route today!

Timau

This is an older track and is really not used much these days. It’s not the best route as there is nowhere to stay overnight along the way nor are there any facilities.

South Ridge route to Nelion

If you want to go beyond Point Lenana, Nelion is the next highest peak. The route to this summit takes you along the south face of the mountain and the views along the way are breathtaking. This route requires around eight hours of climbing with around 18 pitches. It’s a heavily technical climb that requires previous experience. The descent is then done in three hours the next day. If you want, you can also extend your climb by crossing over to Batian, the highest peak via what is known as the “Gates of Mist”.

North face route to Batian

If you’ve not approached Batian already from Nelion, you can reach it via a climb on the north face of the mountain. This is a more challenging climb and is for advanced climbers. It takes around 12 hours to ascend and then five to descend, which is done after a nights sleep on the mountain. Technical Clothing – Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood – Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down – Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell – 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric – Short Sleeve Shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric – Waterproof Pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended) – 2 Hiking Pants (convertible to shorts recommended) – Fleece Pants – Shorts (optional) – Long Underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) – 3 Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) – 2 Sport Bra (women) Headwear – Brimmed Hat, for sun protection – Knit Hat, for warmth – Balaclava, for face coverage (optional) – Bandana (optional) Handwear – Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended) – Glove Liners, thin, synthetic, worn under gloves for added warmth (optional) Footwear – Hiking Boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in, with spare laces – Gym Shoes, to wear at camp (optional) – 3 Socks, thick, wool or synthetic – 3 Sock Liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional) – Gaiters, waterproof (optional) Accessories – Sunglasses or Goggles – Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional) – Poncho, during rainy season (optional) – Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz. recommended – Water Bladder, Camelback type (recommended) – Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional) – Stuff Sacks or Plastic Bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate Equipment – Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons – Sleeping Bag Liner, for added warmth (optional) – Trekking Poles (recommended) – Head lamp, with extra batteries – Duffel bag, (waterproof recommended) for porters to carry your equipment. – Daypack, for you to carry your personal gear Other – Toiletries (Option) – Prescriptions – Sunscreen – Lip Balm – Insect Repellent, containing DEET – First Aid Kit – Hand Sanitizer – Toilet Paper (To be provided) – Wet Wipes (recommended) – Snacks, light-weight, high calorie, high energy (optional) – Pencil and Notebook, miniature, for trip log (optional) – Camera, with extra batteries (optional)