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Climbing Mount Kenya
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Mount Kenya, a distinctly separate massif from the Aberdares, is
part of the central highlands of
Kenya. Africa’s second highest mountain at
5199m, with a gleaming and eroded snow-capped peaks can be seen for miles
until the late-morning clouds obscure the view. Trekking Mt. Kenya is one of
the great experiences. It is Locally deified by the local Kikuyu community
as home of Ghai (God).
Because of its vastness, it
leaves little doubt why they built their houses with the doors facing the
peak and why it was probably never scaled until the arrival of European
explorer. It is every travelers dream trekking in Kenya to get to the
top and take home with them memories that no money can buy.
Mount Kenya's twin peaks of Batian and Nelion crown one
of the world's highest national parks - 704 kms of forest, moorland,
rock and ice. |
The original name of
Mount Kenya
is Mount
Kirinyaga but the British colonialists could not say it properly and
their 'kirinyaga' ended up sounding ' keenya'. That is what ended up in
the books, and the ultimate spread of the new name. The Kirinyaga
neighborhood remained up to date. It is really interesting to note
that the Kikuyu community built their house facing mount Kenya, 'home of
the god', Ngai.
Located on the central Kenya,
Mount Kenya
is one of the most famous and well known adventure points in Africa and
world at large. With magnificent snow-caped peaks which protrude to the
foggy airs above, it is one of the most visited nature reserves in
Kenya.
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Mount Kenya, also known for its
almost regular afternoon showers is easily accessible from
Nairobi, the central city of Kenya. It is every adventurer's
paradise with fine routes to test each climber.
You do not need to be a professional
climber to enjoy the scenes of Mount Kenya, but You need to be
physically fit, and the climb is well worth it.
Batian and Nelion can only be
reached by professional climbers with technical skill. It is
point Lenana, third highest point that is the target for most
climbers as no technical skill needed. |
The
trekkers need to be accompanied by a trekking guide or someone who have
been there before and with proper knowledge of the tracks. This is not
compulsory, but it is not unknown for ill prepared trekkers to get lost
on the mountain. Sometimes the results are fatal. Though lone trekkers
venture into the mountain, it’s a risk not worth taking.
In addition to the lovely sceneries of
Mount Kenya, adventurers will find themselves face to face with the shy
Sykes monkeys, lots of different plant species or occasional buffalo
crossing the track a couple of meters ahead of you.
You will not miss the chirping of birds in
early morning especially on the lower points, the bronze colored
sunbirds hopper between lobelia and groundsels in search of nectar just
in front of you undisturbed by your presence.
There are several bandas (huts) located in
the different heights which are the recommended locations for spending
the night. They provide shade from the evening rains and the cold night
winds.
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When the evening sets in, the cook
prepares hot vegetable soups or steaming tea to warm you up
while you relax or walk around the camp waiting for the darkness
to turn pitch-black.
As
you leave camp in the morning and proceed with the climb, the
various peaks of Mt Kenya start showing themselves in front of
you. You leave the bamboo forest behind you and the alpine
plants of
Mt Kenya appear gradually. Various species of the
lobelia plants will eventually take over the higher you climb.
While
the urge to proceed fast to get to the
Mount Kenya peaks takes
over, you must refrain from giving in as this will be tantamount
to signing your warrant. This is the time to take a deep breath,
look around and enjoy the beauty of this mountain of the gods,
as the famous Kikuyu tribe calls it. |
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Mt Kenya routes
Naru Moru Route
Sirimoni Track
Chogoria Route
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