Everything there is to know about Mount Kenya Africa’s Second Highest Mountain

Where is Mount Kenya?

Mount Kenya is situated in the former Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya and is famous worldwide as a UNESCO World Heritage site as the second-highest peak in all of Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro.

A brief history of Mount Kenya

Sacred to the Kikuyu people, Mount Kenya is believed to have been created by the god of the Kikuyu people, Ngai, as his home on earth. First discovered by the Western world in 1849, when European Johann Ludwig Krapf set his sights on the stratovolcano. Years later the first attempt to climb Mount Kenya began when Count Samuel Teleki and Ludwig von Höhnel made their ascent attempt, however, both were unsuccessful. In 1889, Sir Halford John Mackiner and his guides César Ollier and Joseph Brocherel successfully climbed the highest peak of Batian, making them the first people to do so. To protect Mount Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949.

What wildlife can be seen on Mount Kenya and in Mount Kenya National Park?

Home to a variety of wildlife, Mount Kenya is an ever-popular landmark for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide, offering the chance for visitors to see elephants, lions, zebras, and leopards. In addition, to the wildlife there are many types of plants growing on different parts of the mountain. Grasslands cover the lower parts. Higher up, beginning at about 5,900 feet (1,800 meters), dense forests with cedar and yellowwood trees cover the mountain. Bamboo forests grow at an altitude of more than 7,900 feet (2,400 meters).

Higher up on the mountain are giant heather species. Mosses and lichens can be found at about 15,000 feet (4,600 meters). Above that are only bare rock, glaciers, and regions of ice and snow. The mountain is undeniably diverse, and it is this diversity, paired with the challenge of climbing one of the world’s most famous peaks, that draws much of the tourist attention.

Hiking Mount Kenya

Popular not just for wildlife enthusiasts, but for mountaineers and hikers alike, the highest peaks of the impressive Mount Kenya are Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana, all of which stand at over 16,000ft, with Batian the tallest of the three, sitting at 17,057ft above sea level.

Depending on your hiking experience level, there are a mix of peaks and tracks to follow on the journey to the summit. For a relatively easy hike, we would recommend the Point Lenana, but for those looking for a challenge and with more hiking experience, the challenging Baitain and Nelion peaks are definitely ones to tackle for a momentous Mount Kenya hike.

Preparing to climb Mount Kenya

If you’re preparing to take on the challenge of climbing any one of Mount Kenya’s impressive summits, there are a few things that you will need to know before doing so. It’s no easy feat, and we’ve collated a number of top tips to consider, in order to make your climb a successful one.

1. Make sure to obtain your permit

Before you begin, you must have a permit to climb the mountain which Pollman’s Tours & Safaris will be able to assist and arrange according to your travel dates.

2. Start your climb early in the season

It is widely advised that the best time to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry season, which is from June to September. The lack of rain during this season means that conditions are much easier to navigate, with a lack of rainfall meaning the ground is firm and better for ascent.

3. Make sure to acclimatise to the height slowly

Whilst climbing Mount Kenya is an exciting endeavour, ensure not to set off too quickly. Don’t climb too quickly and acclimatise by spending a few days at the lower altitudes of the mountain before beginning the trip to ensure your body is ready. This can be a few days in the lower highlands of Mount Kenya at the base hotel with some light walking around the region.

4. Watch the weather forecast

Whilst climbing in dry season is best practice, the weather on Mount Kenya can be highly unpredictable, so whenever you decide to climb, it is extremely important to be prepared to encounter all types of conditions and weather. Equipment lists can be provided as a guidance for what may be required during the climb.
 

5. Listen to your body and stop if necessary

Whether you begin to tire or begin to feel nauseous; a clear sign of altitude sickness, ensure to rest or descend to a lower altitude immediately. Porters and guides are with you throughout the climb to support your adventure. They will help guide and assist should you feel any concerns or any physical challenges.

6. Prepare your equipment

Make sure to be prepared when it comes to your equipment. From hiking boots to walking poles to varying weather clothing, the variety of equipment needed is somewhat surprising to some. Comfort is key, so ensure to invest in a good quality pair of hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, and plenty of warm clothing, as the temperature on Mount Kenya is known to plummet during the night.

7. Be aware of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is not to be underestimated. A very serious medical condition, altitude sickness occurs faster than some may think, when altitudes are ascended too quickly for the body to acclimatise to. Watch out for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

Explore Mount Kenya with ARP Africa Travel

If you are interested in visiting Kenya, be it for a safari and visiting or even climbing Mount Kenya, make sure to get in touch. We work with a range of properties in Kenya including Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Salt Lick Safari Lodge and Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa, which offer fantastic accommodation for your Kenyan adventure.