Kenya's trekking summit at 4,985 metres does not need ropes. It does need altitude sense and a head torch.
Mount Kenya has three summits worth naming. Batian and Nelion are technical climbs. Point Lenana at 4,985 metres is the one you can walk to, which is why it is on so many Kenyan bucket lists.
Day one
Drive to the Naro Moru or Sirimon gate then walk in through farmland and forest to the first camp. It is a long day of steady walking rather than a hard one. Drink constantly from the start.
Day two
The famous vertical bog on the Naro Moru route then out onto open moorland with giant groundsel standing around you like something prehistoric. You reach Mackinder's Camp in the afternoon. Most people get their first headache here. That is altitude and it is normal.
Day three
Up between two and three in the morning by head torch, on scree, in the cold. This is the hard part and nobody enjoys it while it is happening. You reach Lenana for sunrise over the glaciers then descend all the way out the same day.
Being honest about altitude
Fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness. Going slowly does. If someone in the group has to turn back, a guide goes down with them. That is not a failure and it is the reason we run two guides on every mountain trip.
Want to walk it with us?
We run these routes most weekends. Pick a date and we will handle transport, entry fees and the guide.
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