What are the summits of Mount Kenya?
What are the summits of Mount Kenya? There are certain essential things you should know before climbing Mount Kenya if you’re planning to do so. If scaling the second-tallest mountain in Africa and the highest peak in Kenya isn’t already on your list of things to do, it very certainly should be. Mount Kenya is considered a sacred site by the Kenyan people. Because of its uniqueness, the nation is named after it! Naturally, Kilimanjaro, its somewhat taller, and it frequently comes to mind when people think of climbing mountains in Africa. Mount Kenya is a significant endeavour unto itself. Only marginally lower than mount Kilimanjaro, rising to 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) in elevation, it offers a more affordable and off-the-beaten-path experience.
How to get there
Mount Kenya is located around 125 miles (200 kilometres) northeast of Nairobi. You will have to arrive by plane at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), in Nairobi. It is simple to go from the airport to the hike’s starting location by bus or private vehicle. However, most tour operators prefer to pick you up at the airport . Although the peak is easily reachable, it is crucial to approach the ascent correctly and with the assistance of an expert guide.
While ascending Mount Kenya, you may still take in the quiet and secluded safari tours. Because of the enormous numbers it draws, you won’t necessarily discover this when climbing mount Kilimanjaro. You can enjoy breathtaking sweeping views of the neighbouring mountain ranges and the plains of Kenya from the summit. On summit day, you must start before dawn, so you can take in the view of the savannah at sunrise. You might even catch a distant peak of Kilimanjaro if you’re extremely fortunate.
The three peaks of Mount Kenya
Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana are the three summits that make up Mount Kenya. The ascent varies from an intermediate-level trekking experience to a highly technical rock climb, depending on which one you choose to climb. Although numerous guides provide ascents to all three summits, it is also possible to walk exclusively to Point Lenana.
Batian
The highest point of Mount Kenya, Batian, is 5,199 meters (17,057 ft) above sea level. As the primary peak of Mount Kenya, it is a highly sought-after objective for experienced rock climbers and mountaineers. Those wishing to reach the highest point of Mount Kenya will need to wear technical climbing gear and ascend either the conventional route on the north face, which is classed IV+ . It is important to note that this route is best taken from July to September, or the mountain’s eastern slope. Climbers can also use the slightly easier southwest ridge route. December through March is the best months to go climbing.
The technical climb, which consists of up to 21 pitches, is finished in a single, exhausting day following the ascent and acclimatisation. There is a detailed equipment list for climbing Mount Kenya, and prior outdoor multi-pitch rock climbing expertise is required for this expedition. Although the route is lengthy and demanding, participants must be accustomed to leading long run outs, long abseils/rappels, and setting up safe protection. We offer a technically trained and experienced guide for the course. We cannot completely eliminate the risks connected to the hazards on this climb through our planning or the guide’s decision-making. Your ability to manage these dangers depends on both your own abilities and the guide’s experience.
The best time to Climb
Summer in the northern hemisphere (June to August, though September and early October are also possible) is when most people climb Mount Kenya’s North Face routes. In these months, the sun will be somewhat to the north of the peak due to the mountain’s location on the equator. Since there will be more sun and warmer rock and less snow and ice, climbing will be easier. April, May, and October/November are typically Kenya’s rainy seasons. In the months of December through March, you can summit both Batian through the Gates of Mist and Nelion via the South East Face, which is covered in our page dedicated to climbing Nelion.
Nelion
The summit of Nelion (5188m), which is only around 10 meters lower than the highest peak of Batian and the second highest point on Mount Kenya. The technical climb, which consists of 18–20 pitches, is typically finished in a single long day following the hike in and acclimation on the Naro Moru or Sirimon route. However, it is possible to bivouac on the summit at the Howell Hut and descend the following day. Although it’s good to constantly plan for and prepare for rain, snow, and wind, the ideal months to summit Nelion are often December through March when the sun will be on the route and it will be rather dry. Always carry a bivi bag with refreshments and a lightweight, warm sleeping bag in case something happens.
Route finding might be challenging in low visibility due to the route’s non-linear layout and around 400 vertical meters. A significant portion of the route consists of running belays on steep rock and roped-up steep scrambling, with the longest pitches being between 50 and 60 meters. An acclimatised climber who is strong and efficient can make quick progress and reach the peak in roughly eight hours. Even though the guide will lead, it’s crucial to be knowledgeable about all kinds of belay gear and possess strong belay techniques when seconding. Utilising bolted rings set into the rock, the descent consists of a sequence of abseils that follow a somewhat different route than the ascent. It is critical to be proficient in both using descenders and abseiling unaided (without a top line).
Point Lenana
Point Lenana is the third peak and lowest summit of the Mount Kenya range, rising to a height of 4,985 meters (16,354 feet). Because it can be reached without the need for advanced climbing skills, this mountain is the most popular among hikers. It is still a difficult climb, though, and getting there needs a lot of physical stamina. To view as much as possible on and around the mountain, a variety of guides will mix and match the numerous paths and trails that go to its summit, depending on how much time you have.
Lenana is a side summit of Mount Kenya, also known as Point Lenana. After Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m), it is the massif’s third-highest peak. Most hikers who claim to have “climbed Mt Kenya” have typically simply ascended Lenana’s top. The two common routes go to the peak of Mount Kenya has a simple ascent on scree, rocks, and occasionally snow. This offers some pretty easy climbing in a couple sections. the most climbed peak in Kenya is the point Lenana which offers great views of the rolling terrain of Mount Kenya National Park, glacial lakes, and the striking rock towers of Batian and Nelion from its summit.
The journey here is well worth it for the approach alone. Beginning in the lowlands used for agriculture, you pass through thick semi-tropical rain forests before reaching rocky terrain with glaciers and snow, untamed grasslands, and high altitude meadows.
