As the holidays season kicks in, there is a heightened clamour for adventure. It is a season to try new things and scale new heights of exploration. One of the most adventurous and breathtaking experience is hiking the highest mountain in the country: Mt Kenya.
But before going up the mountain, you need to do basic research and understand what you may need to successfully conquer the second highest mountain in the whole of Africa.
The famous Mt Kenya has become the latest attraction for nature, adventure and trekking lovers. Jutted into the sky, Mt Kenya shouts sumptuous elegance embalmed with tiaras of powdery snow.
As you look into its horizon, the surrounding peaks stand out in sharp relief, it is too perfect, a picture-postcard blown up to the scale of real life. Evident from its buzzing sensation both locally and internationally, it is an ideal destination for holidays and getaways.
But, did you know that the alluring scenery has some things you should consider before setting foot?
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Lawrence Gitonga, the Managing Partner at Expeditions Maasai Safaris, combed through some of the things you should consider before packing your bags for that hike.
Prepare Early enough
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and to climb successfully and reach Lenana peak, one needs physical fitness.
Additionally, you will need a tour company to prepare a package for you and make all the necessary arrangements for the guides, porters, chefs, food, accommodation, and other necessities.
If you want to get the most out of your trip, you will need to plan in advance and extensively.
Routes You Can Use
The official Mt Kenya climbing routes are the Naro Moru Route, Sirimon Route, and Chogoria Route. However, there are a number of other unofficial routes such as Timau, Kamweti, Burguret, and Meru among others, which are also quite unpopular amongst most hikers.
To get things right, you will need considerable navigation skills, stamina, and a permit from Mt Kenya Park Head Quarters to hike using those routes.
What you need to carry
Usually, a Hiking Pack list is shared by the tour company organizing the climb.
The list includes items such as hiking gear, a hiking pole, and snacks such as Dark Chocolate, Energy bars, Fruits, and nuts among others to give you the energy boost you need as you hike.
Apart from that, you will need a Rain Coat or a Poncho to shield yourself in case it rains in addition to that you will need sunglasses to avail snow blindness during the summitting day.
How long it takes
Climbing to the peak takes four to six days depending on the route you choose to use.
What it will cost you.
For a Kenyan citizen or a Kenyan resident, the price ranges between Ksh30,000 and Ksh40,000. This caters for your transport to and fro, your park entry fee, accommodation, three meals per day, chef and porters, and a professional guide.
Other expenses may include tips to the guides and porters.
Safety Measures to consider
Ensure that you are physically and medically fit before deciding to go for the hike. Go through prior preparation hikes before embarking on a Mt Kenya climbing expedition.
Additionally, any healthy individual above the age of 7 years can Climb Mt Kenya.
Means of Transport
Tour Companies provide transport from Nairobi to your hike destination. If you cannot access that, you can also use a private means of transport to Mt Kenya National Park since the roads leading to the park are easily accessible to the designated area.
Other activities you can take part in
If you want to wallow in a blissful escape from your daily worries, you can visit the Ngare Ndare Forest which has a lush indigenous forest at the foothill of Mount Kenya, there are high-end hotels that offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation, and elegance.
There are Camping activities one can take part in, game drives to a number of conservancies that are within Laikipia like Ol Pejeta, Solio Ranch, Borana, and Lewa among other conservancies.
You can also swim at the Azure pools glistening at the bottom of waterfalls. Additionally, you can get to enjoy scenic views as you walk on a suspended bridge raised 30 feet from the ground 450 meters long over a canopy of 200-year-old trees supporting a rich variety of bird and animal life.
