The Adventure Junkie of The Adventure Blog keeps close tabs on what’s happening in Africa (and the rest of the world).
His recent post Adventure On Mount Kenya caught my eye. It links to Matthew Power’s project to re-enact the Mt Kenya climb of British prisoners of war in 1943. (That “escape” was documented in the classic No Picnic on Mount Kenya: A Daring Escape, A Perilous Climb by Felice Benuzzi).
This got me thinking …
I’m interested in how to trek Mount Kenya independently. Or with a minimum of local support.
Of the eight standard walking routes, Naro Moru sounds appealing. It’s possible to ascend in only 3 days (unless the altitude gets you) and has bunkhouses at each camp so a tent is not required.
Africa’s “other Kilimanjaro,” 17,058-foot (5,199-meter) Mount Kenya, boasts all the virtues of its slightly loftier cousin—glaciers, surreal landscapes, and cloud-carpeted vistas—but with about half the hikers. Plus, it sits at the heart of the Kenyan Highlands, a patchwork of jungle and savanna where visitors can mingle with local tribes and track Africa’s Big Five on their own two feet.
Climbing:
While scaling the twin peaks of Batian and Nelion requires technical mountaineering skills and equipment, Point Lenana (16,354 feet or 4,985 meters), Mount Kenya’s third highest summit, can be reached with no specialized skills. The most popular trek is the 23-mile (37-kilometer) Naro Moru Route, which begins above Mount Kenya National Park headquarters. Plan to spend at least five days on the mountain. Porters are not required but are customary; they can be hired through Mount Kenya Guides & Porters ($10 a day; 011 254 062 62015).
Adventure Guide: Mount Kenya – National Geographic Adventure Magazine
Mt Kenya lies 150km (95mi) NE of Nairobi.
Bernd Reinkemeier posted a trip report and photos of his 3-day ascent on the Naro Moru route.
Mountain Club of Kenya – Hiking & Trekking
besthike.com 