Kenya is famous for the wildlife that we host and the nature that attracts people from different parts of the world. We cannot fail to mention our beaches that offer more than an ordinary summer experience. So is that all you can enjoy at this beautiful vacay destination? Is Mount Kenya the best destination for hiking near me?
Background Information
People interested in a little more than the usual safari adventure have various hiking area alternatives, but Mount Kenya tops the list. Mount Kenya lies south of the Equator, in the Central Region of the country. It is the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro, measuring 17,074 feet high. The mountain area hosts several cultures, including the Kikuyu, Embu, Ameru, and Maasai. It is also home to Mount Kenya National Park and is the source that feeds two of the longest rivers in the country; River Tana and Ewaso Nyiro River. With a bit of detail on the prestige that the mountain holds, let’s get to the hiking part and know how you can
find your way up there.
Different Routes to Be Used
Mount Kenya is subject to three high peaks; Batian (5,199m), Nelion (5,188m), and Point Lenana (4985m). It is important to note that Point Lenana peak is located on the left side of the mountain compared to the other on the right. You can opt for other peaks, including Krapf Rognon, Thomson’s Flake, and Point Thomson.
Your hiking compass will tell you that you have to use either of the three main routes available to get going. The three main routes used include Naro Moru which stretches to the west, Sirimon that stretches to North West, and Chogoria heading South East. Other alternative routes include Timau to the North, Meru (North East), Burguret (West), Kamweti (South), and Ithanguni (East). However, unlike the former, the alternative routes don’t have official National Park gates, so hiking rangers are required for guidance and protection from wild animals.
Requirements
Your hiking equipment list should be packed with all the essentials that you will need in your quest of getting to the top of any peak. You can load in your truck a lot of stuff, but how about we mention the basics. Your hiking essentials should be things like
- Hiking boots and hiking spikes
- Hiking first aid kit
- Hiking gloves and hats
- Hiking clothes for men and women (jackets, pants, joggers, leggings, socks, and jeans)
- Hiking backpack and hiking pole
- Hiking accessories (compass, clipart, headlamp, knife, umbrella, water filter, watch, and water bottle)
- Hiking tent, ground mat, sleeping bag, blankets, and kitchen accessories
Other than your hiking gear, you will be subject to additional fees charged for other services. Some of these fees include
- Accommodation fee
- Park fee
- Rangers’ fee
- Some of the gears are available for hire.
The Proper Time to Head There
The best months to go hiking on Mount Kenya is in January and February because they are the warmest months of the year. However, unlike how the climate was predictable a few decades ago, you can never follow the regular calendar seasons to determine the perfect time to hike in Mount Kenya. According to the recent climatic patterns, September and December can also be convenient.
What to Expect
Once you have your hiking clothes for men and women in check and the required hiking equipment, you can begin finding your way to the mountain. From Nairobi, you can take a bus, matatu, or private means of transport and drive through Nanyuki or Naru Moru using the main road to Mount Kenya (a four-hour drive). You also can use charter flights to land in the airstrip in Nanyuki (about an hour flight).
Conclusion
Hiking is a different approach of being adventurous and going up to Port Lenana peak and back will take you about five days depending on how fast you’ll catch up with the rangers. It is an experience that challenges you mentally and tests your physique, although you will forever hold hiking memories in Mount Kenya.
Have you hiked in Mount Kenya before? How was your experience? What further would you like to know? Leave a review.
