Climb Mount Kenya (Mt. Kenya)

The First post on our last trip to Kenya is the climb to Mount Kenya (o Mt. Kenya as it is known there).

I will go up the post of the rest of the trip in chronological order, so the following will be the safari in Masai Mara and our days on the coast of Diani Beach.

Mount Kenya

TheMount Kenya He gave its name to the Republic of Kenya. Located in the center of the country, in the protected area of ​​the National Park of Mount Kenya , about 150 km to the north-northeast of the capital Nairobi and just south of the Ecuador.

It is theKenya's highest mountain, and the second highest in Africa (after Kilimanjaro). The highest mountain peaks are Batian (5.199 m), Nelion (5.188 m) Y Punta Lenana (4.985 m). The ascent to its two major summits requires the use of techniques and knowledge climbing alpinísticas. However the route Lenana Peak, which it is what we did, It is mostly trekking in height and is the only route that can be done on foot.

Mount Kenya is an ancient volcano (It last erupted between them 2,6 Y 3,1 millions of years) , created about ago 3 million years and is currently inactive. It was covered by an ice cap for thousands of years, which originated as a result a very eroded slopes and numerous valleys radiating from the center. Its slopes cover eight biomes, from base to summit, with different types of vegetation at different heights.

Routes

There are eight hiking trails to the main peaks. Beginning in the clockwise direction of the clock from the north are: rutas Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon Teams.

The most popular routes from subia to Mount Kenya are: Chogoria, Naro Moru and Sirimon. The other routes require a special permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service to use.

• Ruta Chogoria: leads from the city of Chogoria to the trail surrounding peaks. Through the forest to the southeast of the mountain moor, overlooking areas like Ithanguni and Giant's Billiards Table before following the Gorges Valley of the Temple and passing to Simba, below the tip Lenana. This route is known as one of the best views offering, although it is slightly longer than the other.
  
• Ruta Naro Moru: is the route chosen by many adventurers trying to reach Point Lenana. Begins in the town of Naro Moru to the west of the mountain and climbs towards Mackinder camp. The terrain is usually good and can be climbed in just 3 days.
  
• route Sirimon: He approaches Mount Kenya from northwest. The path forks on the moors, the most widely used is following the Mackinder Valley and the quieter route through the Liki North Valley. The trails are reattached Shipton's Cave just below Shipton's Camp.

What you should know before traveling?

• The will climb to Mount Kenya is not easy. If you are used to make tops uploaded this insurance type will not have any problems. Nevertheless, If you tend not hiking or sport you practice assiduously, It may rise to the point Lenana ye resist or do something hard. We believe we are in good shape and we usually play sports, but I will not lie, some sections made us hard.
  
• Be aware that the altitude is quite high from day one, so some travelers may suffer altitude sickness at any point of the journey. We agree with some people who failed to reach the top of Lenana because of it and my gave me on the last leg down from the top (I'll tell you later). Do not let this fear this take you back!, the experience is equally great.
  
• Which brings me to the next important point: DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!, Our guide was very insistent with it and forced us to stop every hour or so to bebiésemos. It is very important you do it but do not be thirsty, to keep you hydrated during long hours of physical exertion.
  
• If you have Vertigo this trip is not for you. Or at the least not climb to the top Lenana. You can perhaps to pose as an alternative to a shorter route to cover only less expensive camps.
  
• It is not cheap. It is a route you can do for free if you know the trails, but I personally recommend that contratéis a guide for do not be no fear and enjoy the experience to the maximum. Especially if you want to reach the top of Lenana, because surely you do with visibility conditions very small so it's easy to get lost. We contacted several specialized for a quote and talk with the guides and companies to the end we decided on a family business with just quite happy (If you are interested to know what haunted send me an email and I share contact details). The tour included Fi / Nairobi, entrances to the natural park, guide, porters carrying large backpacks we, chef, accommodation in mountain camps and all meals and drinking water during the trip.
  There are several companies dedicated exclusively to it and perform various routes to climb Mount Kenya. Expect to pay for this around 600 euros per person.
  
• At the price of the tour you have to add what it will cost to buy the necessary material for the trip (which I detail below). Perhaps some of the things and have at home, but certainly you need to invest some money to make other.
  
• Carries suitable footwear. Since a pasareis 4-10 hours a day walking through different types of terrain, up and down slopes, and sometimes crossing small streams. It is therefore very important that you aseguréis that your hiking boots are fully waterproof and comfortable.
  
• Take two types of gloves. Typical wool will come great for the first few days, but I do not forget to put waterproof glove (as I spend my), since they are indispensable for the last stretch of climb to the top of the top Lenana, when all you will see is snow around.
  
• Long ago cold in the camps at night, so even if you say that with a sleeping bag 2/3 stations you go well, I personally recommend you to take the most warm that you may find (3/4 seasons).
  
• expect to be solitary confinement during several days, because only network will have telephone Old Moses camp.
  
• You lie down in camps or mountain lodges with several rooms with bunk beds. The Rooms are shared with other travelers (Privacy goodbye!) and in each room fit a 10-18 people as the camp. If you are a light sleeper like me, I recommend you take earplugs and eye mask to rest. One night without rest takes its toll on the following day route.
  
• Be aware that There is no hot water nor showers as we know them in any of the camps so most likely will not for a few days duchéis. The wipes are your best friends, do not forget to carry in your backpack.
  
• It will be one of the best experiences you will remember. Will allow you to walk through unique environments, meet great people during your travel and your experience both physical and mental limits (Who does not like a challenge?). In the event that you do with your partner or group insurance is a great opportunity to strengthen your ties (or kill…Hahaha).
  
• If the sky is wrap up warm and come out to see the stars clear after dark. It is amazing all that you can see!

our route: Sirimon route -> Naro Moru

This is the path to climb Mount Kenya we did. We climbed to the top Lenana on Route Sirimon and we made the descent from Lenana by Naro Moru route.

Usually done in 3-5 days depending on the availability that you have and your physical condition. The guidelines recommend acclimatization day to avoid altitude sickness, especially if you are not accustomed to such routes. We choose option 4 days a matter of time, and got complete!

Then I tell you all the details on this route and our experience.

Day 1. Nairobi – Nanyuki – Sirimon Gate – Old Moses Camp

They came to pick us drive to our accommodation in Nairobi. The journey from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate is about 3 hour drive, making a stop in Nanyuki for tea or coffee.

To reach Sirimon the Gate we met our team and we ate there before starting the ascent route to Mount Kenya.

This day is the simplest, since the route from Sirimon Gate (2.600 m) a Old Moses Camp (3.300 m) it is paved, no great difficulty and is only 3 – 4 hours. Even so, but you look easy, I recommend you do it slowly, due to the height at which you are.

On arrival at the camp you will have some prepared snacks that you recuperéis energy and hot drinks. After choosing litter you have free time to talk to other travelers, sit to observe the views, Play cards, take pictures, read or just relax.

Day 2. Old Moses – Shipton’s Camp

We got up early for breakfast. Preparing breakfasts are abundant, oats, omelets or eggs, Pancakes, toasts, fruit, etc. We got a bag with our packed lunches, as the route of this day is quite long, and to eat at midway.

After breakfast we start walking, Mackinders across the valley and a couple of creeks.

In total we walk a 7 – 8 hours, stopping several times to eat, drink and enjoy the views as the route is very nice.

We arrived at the camp Shipton (4.200 m) in the afternoon, to rest after a long day, chat with people, prepare our bunks and dinner.

I recommend you go to sleep prontito the next day is the hardest!

Day 3. Shipton’s Camp – Cima Lenana – Mackinder’s Camp – Met Station

We got up on 2:30 – 3:00 am for tea or coffee with a cookie fast. At the end he touched begin the ascent to the summit Lenana, for which we need to use your rainwear (pants, jacket, boots and gloves) because it was snowing, and light head.

The climb is the hardest stretch since ye all night, the ground is covered with snow, the temperature is very low and usually you will find snow, rain or wind (or a mixture of several). The journey is about 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and your rate of rise. Be aware that in some places the climb is steep and somewhat slippery, so I emphasize the importance of good shoes and not be afraid of heights.

Once you reach the top Lenana to 4.985 m, ENJOY! and be proud to have succeeded in making the climb to the top of Mount Kenya.

If you are lucky with the weather and clear skies are able to see beautiful views in addition to the output of the sun. When we arrived began to cloud over and the weather was very bad, because it was extremely windy and it was snowing, I still charm us. Although we could not stay up as much as expected, It was enough to release adrenaline, take a picture and sit a few minutes to enjoy the achievement (and deserved rest) before starting the descent.

The did decline following the Naro Moru route, to the camp Mackinders, where after a couple of hours route we expected our deserved hot breakfast and could rest, change clothes and get warm.

After a deserved rest and pleasant, played start with the last part of the descent of the day, to the camp of the weather station. This stretch was in my opinion the most boring, because the landscapes were not as impressive as we had seen previously. further, Due to the rains of previous days was all quite muddy field.

We did the first part of the descent from the top Lenana too fast, forgetting perhaps make enough breaks to drink water and slow down. Do not make the same mistake and force you to stop.

A peak time and leave camp Mackinders I began to feel very dizzy and have a very severe headache (that had begun shortly after starting the descent from point Lenana), but we had to continue the march as the weather worsened. As a result of sickness I ended up stumbling and putting my paw into a hole buffalo, spraining the ankle as a result. The rest of the descent to the weather station was very hard for me because of the pain in the ankle and altitude sickness, and much slower than it would have been under normal conditions.

However, without incident, Mackinders the stretch of the weather station will take you a 3 – 4 hours. A arriving hot dinner will be waiting to regain strength.

The cabins of this camp are definitely the most welcoming. All have fireplaces that you turn on can ask for a small tip.

Day 4. Meteorological Station – Naro Moru Gate – Nairobi

After breakfast your way remove from Naro Moru Gate. This path 9 km is again tarmac is quite simple, so you can do it easily in about two hours.

In arriving at the door of Naro Moru you will be waiting for your entire team to say farewell and give your big backpacks. The car will take you back to Nairobi.

Since I really was impossible to walk through the pain of ankle, we paid extra to enter the car to pick us up camp Mackinders.

What to put in your backpack?

• Sleeping Bag 3/4 seasons
• Trench-coat (suitable for temperatures up to the least -10 degrees)
• waterproof pants
• Waterproof boots
• Shoes for camp
• Thick socks montan
• Head torch
• Woolen gloves
• Waterproof gloves
• hat calentito
• Hat or sun hat
• Flask or bottle for water
• Hiking sticks
• Sunscreen
• Thermal clothing (shirts and leggings)
• several sweatshirts
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Hand Warmers
• Tablets for water
• Small kit with serum, paracetamol, Ibuprofen and other medication may believe that you can need
• Cosmetic bag with hygiene products
• Plugs and eye mask
• Sunglasses
• Photo camera
• outer Banks (no plugs in any of the camps!)
• Small backpack to put your water bottle, snacks, etc.

You repeat the climb to Mount Kenya?

Without a doubt! Despite the incidents we had thoroughly enjoyed the climb to Mount Kenya and is an experience glad I have been enjoying.

If you have the opportunity to visit Kenya and I like adventure, nature, Sport and challenges, You can not help but put this destination on your itinerary.

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