INTRODUCTION(MOUNT KENYA)
The peak area is formed from the hard core or plug of the volcano, the crater having long since been eroded away, and rises steeply on all sides some 450 m above the glaciers and scree slopes. There is excellent rock and ice climbing of a high standard to the twin summit peaks of Batian (5199 m) and Nelion (5188 m). The third highest peak is Pt. Lenana (4985 m) which can be reached by any fit walker, suitably equipped.
Mt. Kenya is responsible for a large proportion of the world's high altitude pulmonary oedema cases (a potentially fatal form of High Altitude sickness). This can be prevented (and the experience made more enjoyable) if a sensibly slow approach is made.
ACCESS ROUTES
There are three main routes (Naro Moru, Sirimon, or Chogoria) and visitors approaching the mountain other than the major routes must inform the park warden beforehand.
The Naro Moru, Chogoria and Sirimon Routes are the most common routes up the mountain.
A tent is useful if weight allows. Otherwise, the mountain has several huts. Most of the huts are privately owned. If you plan to stay in huts, please contact the appropriate organisations for bookings.
It is recommended to spend at least one night at the roadhead to help acclimatise.
NARO MORU ROUTE
The Naro Moru Route is most popular, being the shortest distance from Nairobi, serviced with huts and offers a quicker access to the apex.
A bunkhouse and self-service accommodation exist at Naro Moru River Lodge which is 1.5 km from the main road. Basic self-service accommodation for 66 people are available at the roadhead at the Met Station, and Mackinder's Camp at 4200m in Teleki Valley. Both are owned by Naro Moru River Lodge; the fees at Met Station for non-residents are 500 Ksh per person per night, and are 600 Ksh at Mackinder's (payable at a booking agent, the park gates, or at the huts).
Austrian Hut is now run by KWS, and costs 1000 KSh per night. One must pay and obtain a key from rangers at the park gate.
CHOGORIA ROUTE
The Chogoria Route is the most picturesque trail and is a tent route which you will be asked to show at the park gates before you will be let in. The Mintos hut is for porters use only. Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge at Chogoria costs US $10 per person.
SIRIMON ROUTE
The Sirimon Route is serviced with huts and offers the least strenuous walking ascent to the mountain from the roadhead.
Self-service accommodation are available in Old Moses Camp and Shipton's Camp that are owned by Mountain Rock .
Old Moses (formally Judmier) at the roadhead, costs 500 Ksh for residents and 600 Ksh for non-residents.
Shipton's Camp at 4250m in Mackinder Valley can hold 40 and costs 600 Ksh for residents and Ksh 800 for non-residents.
Both can be reserved in Nairobi, the Mountain Rock Hotel(Nanyuki) or on site.
There are 6 older unattended huts, owned by KWS scattered around the mountain, holding from 4 to 25 persons, which offer basic shelter but generally lack facilities and are in varying states of desolation.
INTRODUCTION(MOUNT KILIMANJARO)
It usually takes about 5 days to climb Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the largest extinct volcanoes. Any physically fit person can climb it. No climbing experience is necessary. The mountain climb can be in any month except during long rains in April and May. The best months are January to March and August to October usually with cloudless days. There are two peaks: Mawenzi-5149m and Kibo–5895m.
ACCESS ROUTES
There are about five access routes to this mountain. These routes include : Marangu , Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho and Rongai routes.
The MACHAME ROUTE(whiskey route)
offers strictly tents only making it better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on other route.It takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m) on the day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3950m).
MARANGU ROUTE
is by far the most popular route to the summit . This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the vertex in 5 days.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
though unspoilt is remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Mountaineers(hikers) may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other big game animals.It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route.
RONGAI ROUTE
ascents the mountain from the northeastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
UMBWE ROUTE
is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic and quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent.
ENVIRONMENT AND WASTE DISPOSAL
Litter is a problem and you must carry all your rubbish off the mountain. The only proper way of waste disposal is to carry your garbage out again. You are not allowed to burn garbage in the park and garbage that has been buried decomposes slowly (if at all) and might be dug up by animals. Do not leave food or garbage in the huts. If you have extra supplies, give them directly to someone who will use them. Do not leave them in the huts.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AND ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Many people are injured and even killed each year. Do not attempt the mountain if you suffer from any health problems, or if you do not have the appropriate gear. Dehydration predisposes hypothermia and altitude illness. Drink 4 to 6 litres of fluids per day. A diet high in carbohydrates supplemented by other foods will best prepare your body for the challenging alpine environment.
Some of the altitude sickness may include ;Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
We have the following itineries for those who wish to attempt mountain in this part of the country. Point Lenana at 4,985 m can be accessed using the different routes available, and you can enjoy simple high altitude walks.
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