Mount Kenya Technical Climb 2023

Mt-Kenya-climber-technical

Mount Kenya Technical Climb 2023

The North Face itinerary is suitable for the summer to fall (June – Sept) climbing season when the North Face of the peak is relatively snow-free and climbing conditions are best.

Rock Climbing in Kenya

Mount Kenya TechnicalClimb 2023

The three summits of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya actually has three peaks: Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. Depending on which one you choose to climb, the ascent ranges from a intermediate-level trekking experience to a highly technical rock climb.

While many guides offer ascent of all three summits, there are also options to only hike to Point Lenana.

Batian

Batian is Mount Kenya’s highest peak and rises to 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) in elevation.

It is the main summit of Mount Kenya and is a highly coveted goal for advanced rock climbing and mountaineering enthusiast.

After trekking up toward the peak, those planning to summit Mount Kenya’s highest point will need to get out the technical climbing gear and ascend either the standard route on the north face, which is rated IV+ (note, this route is best taken from July to September).

The southwest ridge route, which is slightly easier is another option for climbers, with the best time to climb running from December to March.

Nelion

Slightly lower on the massif you’ll find Batian’s slightly smaller twin peak of Nelion, at 5,188 meters (17,021 feet).

There is one main route that leads to the summit, which is known as the normal route. Rated as IV-, it serves as a good warm up for those attempting to summit Batian later in the morning.

This again is a challenging climb that requires experience with multi-pitch rock climbing to reach.

Point Lenana

The third peak and lowest summit on the Mount Kenya massif is Point Lenana, which rises up 4,985 meters (16,354 feet) in elevation.

This is the most popular peak for hikers as it does not require any technical climbing skills to reach. However, it is still a challenging ascent and requires a great deal of physical fitness to reach.

Many different routes and trails lead to this peak, many guides will mix and match them, depending on how much time you have, in order to see as much as possible on and around the mountain.

Mount Kenya TechnicalClimb 2023

Overview

Itinerary

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)

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Nairobi- Mt Kenya Bandas (2,900m)

Depart from Nairobi at 0800hrs, driving through agricultural country up to Chogoria town for lunch. After lunch, we take 4x4 and drive up to the edge of the bamboo forest where we start our trekking through the dense bamboo forest for a distance of 10 km up to the Mt Kenya Bandas. Dinner and overnight at the Mount Kenya Bandas.

Day 2 :
Mt Kenya Bandas - Lake Ellis Campsite ( 3,600m)

After breakfast and sorting of porter loads we set off up the mountain at a nice and easy pace A slightly longer walk via Lake Ellis gives scenic views of Mugi, Ithanguni, and the Giants Billiards Table, whilst if we follow the river near road head, upstream for about 3 km, the foreground scenery and flora is particularly beautiful.
Lunch on the banks of a stream, then it`s time to cut up the left-hand hillside to our camp at about 3,600m, well away from any of the more touristy areas.

Day 3 :
Lake Ellis- Minto`s Camp. ( 4,200m)

Similar early start. Again well off the beaten track to follow a ridge up the mountain for about 3 hours to eventually join the tourist track on the normal Chogoria route at an altitude of about 4,100m. Breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and back over towards Ithanguni and the Northern Moorland

Lunch is served at a small stream crossing, before continuing for a further hour to the Mintos Hut area at 4200m and our night rest. Mount Kenya technical climbing

Afternoon is spent relaxing at camp, though a 10-minute walk to the Temple is well worth the effort. This is a 150 meters vertical cliff that gets its name from the position visitors often adopt when peering over the edge they look as if they are praying

Day 4 :
Minto`s -Shipton Camp (4,200m)

You rise early and continue your trek up to Top Hut (Austrian Hut) 4800m. From this Hut you make a final short ascent of Point Lenana, 4985m,. Point Lenana is the common trekkers Mount Kenya Summit. From this summit you then go straight down the Northwest side to Shipton`s Camp, passing Harris Tarn.

Day 5 :
Shipton - Batian (5199m) - Shipton (Climbing Day)

Ascent of Batian by the North Face Standard Route. Starting in the early morning dark, usually between 4 and 5 am, you may climb the first couple of pitches by headlamp.
The route initially follows a wide couloir which you ascend for some 7 pitches, never harder than 5.7. A bit of easy scrambling brings us to the Amphitheater, a small basin of easy rock partway up the route. Ideally we arrive here by about 7:30 or so, enjoying a short break. Above this is the crux of the route, Firmin's Tower. There are about 3 difficult pitches, all fairly short, but all in the V grade. Above this, easier terrain leads to a few more pitches and, finally, the west ridge. From this point, we continue on easy, but still exposed, rock to Shipton's Notch, a prominent gash in the summit ridge. Another pitch, then mixed 4th and easy 5th class rock leads to the airy summit of Batian. Mount Kenya technical climbing
You'll then descend via the same route hopefully hitting Shipton's Camp before evening dusk for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 :
Shipton camp.

Spare day in case of bad weather.

Day 7 :
Shiptons - Nairobi: 

After breakfast begins a 5-hour descent via Mackinder`s valley to the Old Moses camp for lunch. After lunch transfer back to Nairobi arriving late afternoon. The descent is gentle and it offers ample time to enjoy fascinating scenery which includes the moorlands before reaching the camp.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Mount Kenya Technical Climb 2023