Mt. Kenya - Important Information
Access to the mountain. Tarmac roads lead to towns at the starts of the three principal routes up the mountain; see road map. Dirt roads lead to the park gates and on up to the roadheads; in wet weather these may be impassable, even to 4WD vehicles. National Park fees are payable in Kenyan Shillings at the three main park gates.
Walking routes to the peak area.
Naro Moru Route: The most popular and quickest route to the south side of the mountain. Good access to Naro Moru from Nairobi; from there limited public transport goes part way to the park gate or it is possible to use Naro Moru River Lodge transport to the Met. Station. Just past Naro Moru, turn right and follow signs for the National Park; the dirt road leads in 17km. through farmlands then plantations to the park gate (2450m.). Now forests to the Met. Station (3050m.) and roadhead (3½ h.). Easy forest path then very boggy moorlands to the Picnic Rocks (3750m., 3 h.). (It is important not to get lost in the lower half of the "Vertical Bog" during descent - if in doubt keep right). More soggy moorlands then a ridge lead to good viewpoint over Teleki Valley (4000m., 1 h). The path slants to a stream crossing, then gently up valley (several campsites) to Mackinder's Camp (4200m., 1½ h.). (Fine groundsel forests on a southern, weller variant). 10 mm. beyond Mackinder's Camp and 80m. above the MCK hut is the Ranger Station.
Sirimon Route: This offers some of the best forest walking on Mt. Kenya. Bantu Lodge provides a vehicle service to the roadhead. The track, 13km. from Nanyuki towards Isiolo, is well signposted and leads through farmland for 10km. to the park gate (2650m.). Forest track to Judmeier Camp (3400m., 4 h.). Campsite on edge of moorland by stream 500m. before Judmeier Camp. Now two options: 1. Eastern Variant. The track deteriorates to a boggy path. Traverse then descend into the marshy Liki North Valley; hut and pleasant campsites (3993m., 3½ h.). Climb over a ridge and descend into Mackinder Valley; follow this to Shipton's Cave and slightly higher Shipton's Camp (4236m., 3 h.), good campsites. 2. Western Variant This involves fewer ups and downs but is wetter.
Chogoria Route: From roadhead the fastest and most spectacular route to approach Point Lenana. Driving from Embu two turn-offs are sign-posted "Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge"; the second is better; dirt roads for 9km. to the Forest Gate (1700m.). Now a track for 22km. (high clearance 4WD advised even when dry) through beautiful rain forest, bamboo then parkland to the Park Gate and Meru Mt. Kenya Lodge (3017m., 9 h. on foot). Campsite at 2700m., water in valley to south. There are fine walks in the "Parklands" near the Park Gate. Now two options: 1. Via Urumandi Hut. 5 mm. from the Park Gate turn left and follow an overgrown track to the Kinithi stream, campsite, then on to hut (3063m., 1 h.). Path over natural bridge then through heather moorlands to roadhead, campsites, fine watertall (3300m., 1 h.). 2. Follow the main track, cross the Kinithi stream, pass special campsite, and ignore turn-off right to Lake Ellis and Mugi Hill (2 h.). Dry ridge with views over Gorges Valley to Hall Tarns and Minto's Hut (4297 m., 5 h.); campsite and viewpoint over Lake Michaelson.
Walking round the Peaks. Hall Tarns to Top Hut, Kami Tarn and Shipton's Camp. Easy path to scree slopes (40 mm.). Path divides: 1. Left steeply to Square Tarn, cross ridge then traverse to Top Hut (4790m., 2 h.). 2. flight to head of valley then up steep screes to Simba Tarn (4560m., 40 mm.). From here: either west up screes, traverse base of North Ridge of Pt. Lenana, descend a moraine ridge and traverse again to reach Kami Tarn (4439m., 1½ h.); or over Simba Col to Shipton's Camp (40 min.).
Kami Tarn to Hut Tarn. Steep screes lead to Hausberg Col (4591m., 30 min.). Down scree to a boulderfield and Hausberg Tarn; between this and Oblong Tarn bear off south-west up scree to a col beside the Western Terminal (1 h. 15 mm.); drop down, contour left across rock ledges (avoid descending to Emerald Tarn'), then up slightly to Nanyuki Tarn and Hut Tarn (4480m., 1 h.).
Hut Tarn to Top Hut. From the tarn either descend directly to American Camp, then join the Naro Moru route up the screes; or traverse left, then descend slightly to Tyndall Tarn, continue below Midget Peak to a flat outwash plain below Pt. John and Lewis Tarn. From here either join the Naro Moru route to Pt. Lenana or head for the south-west tip of the Lewis Glacier and climb this till level with Top Hut; either traverse to the hut or continue to Pt. Lenana. Ice axe useful.
Point Lenana. From Top Hut the ascent is straightforward but an ice axe or ski stick is useful (1 h.). From Harris Tarn the North Ridge provides an exposed scramble (grade 1+); the North Face, to the left of the ridge, involves a left to right scramble and is slightly easier (1 h.). In icy conditions these northern routes require proficient use of ice axe and crampons. Harris Tarn can be reached in 40 min. from Simba Tarn or 1½ h. from Kami Hut. Further information on peak area diagrams.
Porters and Guides We have qualified porters who have wealthy of experience with Mt Kenya Trek for more than five years each. They have good communication skills and first aide handling. Friendly and dedicated team. Our porters are participants in Mt Kenya clean up Campaign every year. Porters carry 18kg. of clients' equipment and rarely provide their own rucksacks.
Our guides are qualified with long experience in treks and climbs graduating from outdoor leadership school and Kenya wildlife Service and have participated in Mountain rescue operations and are members to Mt Kenya Guides.
Special Hazards Other than the Normal Mountain walking and climbing hazards the following should be taken note of on Mt. Kenya.
ANIMALS The forest zone contains large numbers of buffalo and elephant. These animals can be very dangerous, avoid walking at night through this zone and avoid straying off the main tracks.
GETTING LOST It is easy to stray off the Naro Moru and Sirimon Routes during descent. If lost avoid descending any further, particularly into the forest zone. Either wait for better visibility - if necessary spend the night where you are, or retrace your steps back uphill. Remember smoke attracts rescuers.
EXPOSURE A warm day can rapidly turn very cold as the clouds build up and rain or snow start to tall. Exhaustion and damp, sweaty clothes can cause a rapid body cooling and finally hypothermia. Have warm clothes handy and eat energy snacks regularly.
DEHYDRATION Fluid loss occurs rapidly at high altitudes accentuating altitude sickness. Drink copious amounts of fluids.
ACCIDENTS In the event of an accident help can be summoned at the permanently manned Ranger Post in Teleki Valley, at the Met. Station and at any of the three main Park Gates; all of these locations are in radio contact with each other and with Park Headquarters where the Rescue Team is based.
Weather, Climate and Seasons. Lying on the equator Mount Kenya is affected by the passage of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which brings with it the main rainy periods. The highest rainfall occurs between late March and the middle of May, and slightly less between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain where it reaches 2500mm. per year at 3000m. Precipitation decreases with altitude and is about 700mm. per year at 4500m. Rain and, higher up, snow can however be encountered at any time of year - even in the driest periods (January and February). Normally the drier seasons are associated with clear, dry weather which can last for many days on end. The best weather is generally in the mornings, and convectional rainfall, if any, tends to come in the mid-afternoon.
Temperatures vary considerably with height and with time of day. On the plains surrounding Mount Kenya the average day temperature is about 25°C. At 3000m. frosts can be encountered at night while day temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit are well below freezing. The south-facing side of Mount Kenya receives more sunshine in the December to March period. During this time rock climbs are "in-condition" and snow and ice climbs gradually deteriorate. In the June to October period the north-facing rock climbs and south-facing ice climbs are best.
Medical Aspects
of high altitude mountaineering
You should carry your own first aid kit and be familiar with its use. Problems peculiar to the tropics and high altitudes need special attention.
Altitude Sickness: Problems result from the inability of the human body to adjust to a rapid gain in altitude and range from mild cases of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), experienced to some extent by most climbers, to the often fatal Pulmonary and Cerebral Oedemas, the latter being far less common. A slow pace and copious fluid intake (unless oedema is suspected) reduce the severity of Altitude Sickness. Dehydration, even mild, leads to thickening of the blood with increased possibility of pulmonary embolism or a thrombosis. Urine colour should be pale and the output copious. (Oedemas are the accumulation of liquid in a part of the body).
Symptoms of AMS include loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, lassitude, weakness, a rapid pulse even at rest, insomnia, swelling of hands and/or face and reduced urine output. Climbers with severe symptoms must stop ascending and seriously consider descending to a lower altitude, since often a drop of as little as 500m. and a stay of a couple of days at that level will allow recovery. The drug DIAMOX can sometimes help or prevent or reduce the severity of AMS. With Pulmonary Oedema, additional symptoms may be noticed - shortness of breath, even at rest, gurgling, bubbly sounds in the chest and sometimes watery blood-tinged sputum. Skin may be cold and clammy, lips and finger nails bluish. With Cerebral Oedema, severe headache, hallucination and lack of co-ordination are additional symptoms. Treatment: IMMEDIATE DESCENT.
Pneumonia: This can kill, in some cases very rapidly. Symptoms include rise in temperature, pain in chest, shivering, rapid breath and dry cough sometimes with red mucus. Cure involves keeping the patient warm, getting him to lower altitudes, providing warm drinks and antibiotics, and by beating chest to encourage coughing.
Sun: At an altitude of 4,000m, only about 60% of the harmful UV sunlight is filtered out by the atmosphere. This can result in very rapid burning of exposed skin; lips are particularly badly affected. Good suncreams are recommended. Dark glasses with side panels should be worn when crossing snow to prevent snow blindness, even in misty conditions. Snow blindness is painful and feels like sand in the eyes; rest and eye drops help; great care is required to avoid rubbing eyes (bandaging?).
Hygiene: Do not pollute streams by washing yourself or catering-utensils in them. These are water supplies for you and other people. If there is no latrine dig a private hole for your excrement as far as possible from camps or paths, using an ice axe or stick, then refill it neatly. Do not leave rubbish lying around. Some, such as food and paper can be buried in well-vegetated zones, but tins, bottles, metal foil and plastics must be carried out.
Basic First Aid Kit: Aspirin or Paracetamol for headaches and fevers. Throat lozenges for dry throats. Lip salve. Crepe bandages, tape and gauze. Eye drops, e.g. Optrex. Soap for washing wounds. Mild disinfectant wash. Anti-Diarrhoea medicine, e.g. Imodium. A laxative. Diamox for mountain sickness; a side effect of this drug is a tingling sensation in the extremities. Stronger pain killer, e.g. Fortral or Sosogen. Antibiotics for pneumonia or other major infections. Water purifiers.
Information and recommendations contained in this section should be regarded as a guide only.
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