Mountaineering in kenya
Discover the best mountain climbing and mountaineering routes in kenya.
Why climb in Kenya
Kenya might be more famous for its wildlife and savannahs, but it’s also home to Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet). For mountaineers, climbing Mount Kenya offers a unique mix of rugged alpine terrain and scenic views over Africa's plains. Unlike Kilimanjaro, which is a trek, Mount Kenya features technical climbing sections for those aiming to reach the summit of its main peaks, Batian and Nelion. Climbing Mount Kenya allows adventurers to experience a rarely crowded, yet challenging high-altitude climb with a strong sense of wilderness and adventure, far removed from the typical safari experience.
When to climb in Kenya
The best time to go climbing in Kenya is:
- January and February
- September
The best time to climb Mount Kenya is during Kenya’s two dry seasons: January to February and July to September. During these months, the weather is generally stable, with less rainfall and clearer skies, which are essential for safe and successful summit attempts. Even in the dry seasons, temperatures can drop significantly at high altitudes, and climbers should be prepared for sudden weather changes, including high winds and cold nights. Climbing Mount Kenya outside these months is possible, but conditions become more challenging due to increased rainfall, making the terrain slippery and increasing the risk of dangerous rockfall on technical routes.
Where to climb in Kenya
While Mount Kenya is the primary focus for high-altitude climbing in Kenya, the mountain itself offers multiple routes and peaks to explore:
- Mount Kenya National Park: The park encompasses the entirety of Mount Kenya, providing climbers with access to its three main peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. Batian and Nelion, at 5,199m and 5,188m respectively, are technical climbs, requiring rock climbing skills. Point Lenana, at 4,985m, is a non-technical peak and popular among trekkers and mountaineers alike.
- Routes on Mount Kenya: The most popular routes include the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes, which offer trekkers and climbers access to Point Lenana. For those aiming for the true summit, Batian, the North Face Standard Route is commonly used. The southern approach, leading to Nelion, is also challenging and recommended for experienced climbers.
Climbs in Kenya
Other climbs in Kenya:
Climb difficulties in Kenya
How many of each difficulty grade can you find a route for.
French Alpine | Difficulty description | Quantity |
---|---|---|
F | Easy. Suitable for beginners, minimal technical skills required. | 0 |
PD | Not very difficult. Some technical skills required, with moderate exposure. | 0 |
AD | Fairly difficult. Requires good technical skills and experience, with significant exposure. | 0 |
D | Difficult. Requires advanced technical skills and experience, with high exposure. | 1 |
TD | Very difficult. Requires very advanced technical skills, experience, and serious commitment. | 0 |
ED | Extremely difficult. Requires exceptional technical skills, experience, and high commitment. | 0 |
Pictures from climbing in Kenya
Guides with trips in Kenya
Guide costs for climbing in Kenya
There are 10 guided trips listed for Kenya. Trips range from $1,600 to $20,550, and average $6,494 per expedition.