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2009 Dates (12 days):September 24-October 5
2010 Dates (12 days):January 7-18
Land cost (includes all park fees): to be determined
Trekking Grade: Easy
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This porter supported trek circumnavigates this amazing peak, in one of the world’s most unique mountain ecosystems. With biological abundance that surpasses Kilimanjaro, you’ll see firsthand why this is one of Africa’s great natural treasures. Bizarre plants, such as the giant groundsel, senesias, and lobelia, are unique to the area and the Mount Kenya National Park is home to such wild and wooly creatures such as the Cape buffalo, elephants, a variety of monkeys, species rich birdlife, and more. For many though, the highlight of the trip will be watching the sunrise from the summit of Point Lenana, an easy scramble to one of Mount Kenya’s three summits. Mount Kenya is, as the phrase goes, “a mountaineer’s mountain.” There are no easy ways up this extinct volcano’s two main peaks, Nelion and Batian. But, Point Lenana offers an obtainable summit for non-climbers.
Set against such a backdrop and with a non-technical ascent, it’s hard to imagine a more intriguing trek. The hike out the Gorges Valley on the Chogoria route is spectacular - from high mountain environment, all the way down to the sub-tropical zone where elephants, Cape buffalo, and much more roam. Participants complete this Africa adventure with a safari to the Sweetwater Reserve and the Samburu National Reserve.
The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through the Samburu Reserve which supports a wide variety of animals; including cheetah, elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, a variety of antelope, zebra, crocodile, and much more. From our tented camp we strike out in vehicles for evening and morning game viewing. We start things off in the Sweetwater Reserve, home to one of Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee rehabilitation sites. This is a great safari overall without a huge expense. |
General Information on Mt. Kenya
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Cost includes:
- Scheduled accommodations while in Nairobi and on the mountain
- Food while on the mountain
- Park fees
- Group climbing and cooking gear
- Scheduled restaurant meals
- Porters
Cost does not include:
- Personal equipment or items of a personal nature
- Staff/guide gratuities
- Trip and medical evacuation insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature; phone calls, laundry, room service, etc.
Trip Highlights:
- Ecological diversity of Mount Kenya National Park
- Sunrise from Point Lenana
- Wildlife sightings and amazing birdlife
- Porter supported trekking
- Big game sightings in Samburu National Reserve
- Souvenir shopping
- Combined with an ascent of Kilimanjaro - the complete Africa experience
Trip Oddities:
- Herds of hyrax - a small, furry marmot-like creature that are the closest living relative of the elephant - go figure!
- Cape Buffalo dung - by itself harmless, but if the perpetrator is nearby consider that this beast is the second most dangerous animal in Africa behind the unassuming, perceived docility of the hippopotamus.
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Itinerary for Mt. Kenya
Day 1-2: Depart home and arrive in Nairobi late on day 2. Overnight in Nairobi.
Day 3: Drive from Nairobi to the Mount Kenya National Park where we begin our trek on the Sirimon route. Our hike from the gate (2700m) to Old Moses camp (3200m) starts in lush forests and ends in moorland. About 9 kilometers of walking in 3-4 hours.
Day 4: Continue hiking to Shipton’s camp at 4200 meters. Today’s trek up Mackinder’s Valley introduces you the diverse plant life found in the upper reaches of the park, in what people often refer to as a Dr. Seuss-like landscape. About 12 kilometers of walking today in 5-7 hours.
Day 5: Rest day and acclimatization. Hike around the Shipton’s camp area - possible walk to Lower Simba Tarn or to the pass near the impressive peaks of Sendeyo and Terere where the remains of “Icy Mike,” a deceased elephant that has been theorized to have been driven up the mountain by fire in the lowlands can be found. It is Kenya’s equivalent to the leopard on top of Kilimanjaro.
Day 6: After ascending to Hausberg Col at 4591 meters, we descend to the Oblong and Hausberg Tarns (lakes). Before reaching the American camp, our camp for the night on the south side of the mountain, we pass the tarns of Emerald, Nanyki, and Two. From the ridge crest and Arthur’s Seat we have incredible views of the mountain. About 10 kilometers of walking today in 4-6 hours.
Day 7: From our camp it is a reasonable half day walk up to the Austrian Hut where we have grand views of the surrounding peaks and all the way down to the central highlands. Today is a relatively easy one and allows us to acclimate to the higher elevations of the night’s camp (4800 meters). About 5 kilometers of walking in 2-4 hours.
Day 8: Climb Point Lenana (4986m). After enjoying the views, it’s time to pack up and begin the hike out via the Chogoria route. Our goal of the trek today is to reach the bandas, small cabins where we stay the night and enjoy the simple pleasure of a shower before our last night in the park. Today’s hike is about 20 kilometers in 5-8 hours.
Day 9: Hike to the Chogoria gate and drive to the Naro Moru River Lodge where we enjoy hot showers, warm beds, and have a chance for some excellent bird watching.
Day 10: We start off early today with our first stop at the Sweetwater Reserve where we game view until lunch. After lunch we drive to Samburu National Reserve for afternoon and early evening game viewing. After dinner we can sit comfortably in our camp and enjoy the night sounds of Africa.
Day 11: After a morning safari we enjoy lunch before returning to Nairobi. Today there will be opportunities for souvenir shopping. Night flight for home.
Day 12: Arrive home.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: Although we do our best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
THE CLASSIC READ: No Picnic on Mount Kenya by Felice Benuzzi. Chronicles the ascent of Point Lenana by three escaped Italian POWs during WWII.
TRAINING PROGRAM: In addition to getting out and rock climbing as much as possible before your trip you should train for endurance. It is also suggested that you climb occasionally with a pack containing 20-30 pounds. Begin your training program at least two months prior to departure. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. In addition to rock climbing, walking up hills and stair climbing are both excellent ways to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long hike (4-6 hours) several times with a weighted pack (40-60 lbs.) up and down hills or on small mountains (weight your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimize knee stress). Supplement this activity with running, cycling, swimming, racquet sports, basketball, etc. for additional aerobic conditioning. If possible try to take at least two longer hikes of 6-10 hours with at least 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Several days before your departure you should rest and drink plenty of water.
WEATHER: Like all big mountains, Mount Kenya generates its own weather, making conditions impossible to predict. However, trekking is good throughout most of the year. Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, from freezing nights and snowy, windy conditions, to bright sunshine intensified by high altitude. A typical day will begin clear and is usually followed by afternoon cloud build-up and possible thunder storms with some precipitation. The wide fluctuation in temperatures makes it important to bring everything on the equipment list.
FOOD: Mountain Madness is renowned for providing some of the finest mountain cuisine available. All of the meals from the trailhead and back will be provided, including pastas, rice, soups, dehydrated and fresh foods. Bring along your favorite snack foods, energy bars and after dinner treats. Trip members will help prepare meals and clean up in order to become comfortable with expedition cooking.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE: We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and travel insurance. This comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delays, medical expenses, and emergency assistance.
MEDICAL AND EVACUATION INSURANCE: If your personal insurance policy does not cover international travel and mountaineering we strongly recommend you consider purchasing a policy.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This trip is subject to the booking information on the Mountain Madness Trip Application. We urge you to read this information carefully and to call us if you have any questions.
QUESTIONS: Call our office any time at 1-800-328-5925 if you have more specific questions.
HOW DO I SIGN UP? Please call our office if you do not already have an application, or you can download it off our website. We require an application and a $500 deposit for international trips. Please mail your application or fax it to 206-937-1772 to reserve your spot.
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Climb Equipment List for Mt. Kenya
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Proper equipment is extremely important to the success, enjoyment, comfort and safety of your trip. Please bring the following items for your climb. Porters will carry up to 22 lbs (10K) of your personal gear, no more! If you pack by this list, you will meet the weight limit. If you wish to have additional porter support, we can accommodate you. If you have any questions, or would like the extra support, please call us.
Mountain Madness believes that all mountain travel equipment should follow two simple tenets: Lightweight and Functional. Functional equipment determines how warm, dry, and safe you will be, so always choose equipment that is of good quality, is dependable, and is adaptable to a variety of extreme conditions.
Clothing impacts not only your comfort but also your safety. Always be critical of the quality and the proper fit of your clothing. Cotton clothing must be avoided because it dries very slowly and is a poor insulator when wet. Instead, choose wool or synthetic fabrics that "wick" the sweat and moisture away from your skin.
Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
- Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (Polypro, capilene, driclime)
- Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well. The main Softshell fabrics are Polartec Wind Pro, Gore Windstopper N2S, Schoeller; each clothing manufacturer has their own. 200 weight fleece can be substituted for our Softshell recommendations but is not as versatile with how it may be used when layering.
- Hardshell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
- Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard) These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Sleeping Gear
__ 10-20 degree sleeping bag and stuff sack: night-time temperatures can be as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag
__ Sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalent.
Head and Face
__ Fleece or wool hat: it must cover the ears
__ Shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun
__ Bandanas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.
__ Sunglasses or Glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water.
Upper Body
__ T-shirts: two t-shirts that will get dirty; Patagonia capilene is best. No cotton.
__ Long underwear top: one medium weight and one heavyweight long sleeve Patagonia capilene, pull-over is best.
__ Fleece or soft shell Jacket: This is what you will be wearing while hiking at higher altitudes or while around at camps at lower altitude. These jackets should be full-zip and accessible. Call for more details on “Soft-shell”.
__ Gore-Tex Parka: a good parka made of Gortex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa.
__ Down or Synthetic Jacket: This layer is to keep you warm, especially at those higher altitudes. the Patagonia Puffball Jacket is perfect for this trek.
__ Fleece Glove: a lightweight glove to use while trekking and hanging around camp
__ Shell Gloves: A shell system of a fleece liner and waterproof shell that handles cold. Brands such as “OR” make a shell system that can be bought together.
Lower Body
__ Undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb
__ Hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
__ Long underwear or tights: These can be worn under heavier layers on colder days or worn by themselves on warmer days, which are why tights are good.
__ Soft Shell Pants: soft-shell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights. Patagonia guide pants are a great brand.
__ Gore-Tex Pants: a lightweight pair of pants to keep you dry when raining or snowing hard. Full-zips are convenient.
Feet
__ Thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry
__ Thick socks: two pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks, medium to heavyweight.
__ Hiking boots: one pair light to medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock
__ Gaiters: one pair of gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and mud out of boots. OR Crocs are great.
__Tennis shoes or sandals: to wear in camp after a day of hiking-light weight
Personal Health and Comfort
__ Toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, tampons, biodegradable soap (small amt.), etc.
__ Sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.
__ Lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more
__ Ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep __ Flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries
__ Adjustable ski poles
__ Personal first aid and drug kit
__ Towel: for wash up in camp
__Towelettes: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene
__ Spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set
__ Umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; compact and light weight __Portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs.
__ Snacks: (optional): if there is something you particularly like to eat while hiking, bring some along. You will be fed well throughout the trip, so this is just something extra.
__ Plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry
Water
__ Water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag. (example: Nalgene)
__ Water treatment tablets: one small bottle of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the trek.
__ Water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler's lemonade make treated water taste better.
Carrying Gear
__ Day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 10 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) serves most people needs well. __ Large duffel bag: gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel cannot exceed 22 lbs. Approx: 28”x16”x16” No wheels or hard sides, please.
__ Medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.
__ Baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels
__ Plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.
__ Bathing suit: for after the climb
For Game Viewing
__ Binoculars: essential for game-viewing; 7x20 to 10x40 recommended (magnification x field of view)
__ Camera and film: bring plenty of film as it is not available at all locales
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