Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and second highest in the African continent. Although its glory has been hugely overshadowed by the Kilimanjaro over the years, safari goers are increasingly growing fond of it. Its beauteous glacial peak is quite a remarkable attraction that attracts holidaymakers.
In fact, Mount Kenya is popular for its dense bamboo rainforest and Afro-Alpine vegetation at its higher slopes. Mount Kenya is ideal for safari goers, especially for persons with a decent level of physical fitness.
Mount Kenya is conveniently accessible for climbing from several routes by road 200km North of Nairobi. Trekking mountain Kenya requires the guidance of an experienced guide and precaution to ensure that you are safe all through. The ideal approach is to schedule milestone ascend goals and allow yourself ample time to rest after each of them. This will be critical in avoiding exhaustion as you ascend to the summit. However, you do not need to be a fitness master to attempt climbing Mount Kenya. On condition that you are healthy and able to easily walk uphill, you are a qualified candidate for the escapade.
The key to a successful mount climbing adventure lies in knowing the routes and Mount Kenya is no exception. Here are the six major routes to get your way to the summit of Mount Kenya.
Burguret:
This route offers a less crowded encounter of the pristine bamboo rainforest of Mount Kenya and is marked with comfy campsites. However, going up this route is characterized by a muddy ground. It typically takes three nights to complete ascending to the summit for the average climber.
Sirimon:
The sirimon route offers the most popular ascent to the peak of Mount Kenya given its gently slightly slopes. Climbing along this route offers you one of the most beautiful views of the glacier and vegetation cover that grace Mount Kenya.
NaroMoru:
This is the most popular descent route in which one is treated to a scenic view of the waterlogged vegetation. It is both easy to trek and allows for fast movement since it is not as rugged or rough as most slopes of Mount Kenya. In fact, it is the best view of Mount Kenya and will take you just a single day to descend for a seasoned climber, but novice climbers can make it comfortably in two days.
Chogoria:
If you are going to Mount Kenya from NaroMoru the beatific Chogoria route makes climbing mountain Kenya quite an unforgettable thrill. This route is very safe and will take you approximately three days to come down from the summit.
Timau:
This is the last and the least popular route. It is covered by scant vegetation on this mountain side. However, it features accommodation facilities for your enjoyment of the countryside view from the wilderness of Mount Kenya.
Kamweti Route
This is the longest route to climb Mount Kenya. However, it is also the most scenic route characteristic of antique buffalo and elephant pathways. This route is also very convenient for safari goers as it comes with classic rest houses several campsites namely Kamwetu, Sagana, Thego, Mackinder’s and point lenana. Thus, it allows traveling in gradual milestones and resting, rejuvenating and as you carry on your ascent to the summit than any other route.
Timing
Climbing Mount Kenya is not all season affair. It is only smooth and enjoyable when the weather conditions are favorable.
The climate of Mount Kenya is characteristically cold and freezing at night. However, the long rains season during the months of March to June make the Mountain and inaccessible and hard to trek. It is advisable to trek during the dry season in the months of January and February. The skies are clear and the temperature is moderate, but fluctuates relative to the altitude as you ascend.
To conclude, I would suggest fitting Mount Kenya to your holiday activities to explore this part of the magnificent beauty that Kenya has to offer, including glaciers, water streams and scenic peaks.