Mt. Kenya

Mount Kenya is located on the equator. Magnificent cliffs and glaciers protect the highest peaks of Nelion (5188m) and Batian (5199m). The third highest summit - Point Lenana, (4985m) - is also glaciated but accessible to walkers. Tarns and alpine meadows; exotic, equatorial, high-altitude vegetation; sunbirds, hyrax and soaring eagles make the walk around the peaks one of the most beautiful expeditions in the East African mountains Mt Kenya routes are Sirimon route,Naromoru route and chogoria routes.

Equipment check list

• Headlamp
• Walking pole(s)/
• Sleeping Bag,
• Gaiters: To keep mud, rocks, and snow out of your boots.
• Water purification: This is essential as water for drinking is taken directly from mountain streams.
• Hiking Boots: This is the most important item on the list. You'll need a comfortable/waterproof pair of hiking boots which offer plenty of support. Make sure they are broken in before you get to Kilimanjaro/Mt. Kenya!

Other Check list (limit yourself)

• 1 set of thermal underwear (top & bottom)
• 1 sleeping bag (rating 0 C or four seasons)
• 1 warm jersey/sweater (wool)
• 1 sleeping pad/mat
• 1 pair of track suit top & bottom
• 1 light towel
• 1 polar fleece/down vest
• 1 pair of light loose fitting cotton trousers
• 1 waterproof jacket (with a hood) & pants
• 1 to 2 long sleeves shirts (cotton/wool)
• 4 pairs of thermal hiking socks
• 2 to 3 T-shirts/shirts
• 2 pairs of thermal socks liner
• 2 to 3 pairs of shorts (with pockets)
• 1 pair of hiking boots
• 1 wide brimmed hat / baseball cap
• 1 pair of sneakers/trainers/takkies
• 1 pair of warm heavy weight gloves/mittens
• 1 pair of gaiters
• 1 pair of light weight gloves (inner gloves)
• 1 bandana
• 1 pair of sunglasses/mountaineering glasses
• 1 balaclava
• 1 wool hat
• 1 warm scarf

NB: Make sure that your boots are waterproof

USEFUL EQUIPMENT:

• 2 x 2 litres water bottles (camel bags preferably)
• 1 head lamp (plus spare batteries & bulb)
• 1 pair of walking/ski poles
• 1 pocket swiss army knife
• 2 - 3 packets of moist towelettes.
• 1 travel pillow (optional)

Personal Items & Toiletries:

US $ Travellers cheques, toothpaste & tooth brush, body lotion, toilet paper and other personal hygiene items. (Ladies, please carry some sanitary toiletries as being at high altitude may alter your cycle).

Photographic (optional):

• 1 camera (plus spare batteries),film & tripod stand,different lenses,
• 1 pair of binoculars,video camera,video tapes, battery packs.

Miscellaneous (Optional):
notebook, pencil, sketchbook, masking tape, zip loc plastic bags, ear plugs, address list for post cards, map of Kilimanjaro (the trip leader will have one).

HEALTH:

• Yellow Fever: This is compulsory and a certificate might be requested on arrival at the airport. Please make sure that you have the shot in time.
• Malaria: There are various types of medicine on the market today used for prevention and treatment of malaria. We recommend that you consult your doctor on which prophylactics to take.
• Water purification tablets: On the mountain, we use water from the streams. Although drinking water will be boiled first, it is advisable to add a tablet or two - to be on the safe side.
• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This is a condition commonly experienced at high altitude. In most cases, this can be avoided by following guidelines on hiking pace, eating, resting and fluid intake. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the various affects that altitude can cause.
• (Please consult your doctor on use of Diamox - tablets used by some mountaineers to help them cope with the effects of altitude).
• Personal medical supplies (optional): As your tour leaders, we will carry a group medical kit.
• Some items that you might want to carry would include; aspirin, imodium, laxatives, antibiotics, bandages, malaria tablets, gauze, adhesives, betadine, throat lozenges, eye drops, sun block, lip balm, moleskin antihistamine tablets and cream.

OUR PORTERS

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 portes are participants in Mt kenya clean up Campaign every year .
OUR MOUNTAIN GUIDES
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
Our Mt Kenya Guides and Porters will help you in sorting the gears.

ABOUT MT KENYA

Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain. Straddling the equator, it's icy summit reaches to 5,199 m. The National Park consists of all areas above 3,200 m. The mountain actually consists of three distinct zones: the volcanic peak zone, with its endless glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone, with its distinctive giant vegetation such as groundsels; and the lower slopes, with their thick forest and bamboo vegetation.
Mount Kenya has always attracted curious hikers and adventurers, including the turn of the century British geographer/explorer Halford Mackinder. To most modern day adventurers, climbing to the peak of Mount Kenya is still a challenge requiring extensive mountain climbing skills. Nevertheless, most visitors are able to reach the more accessible Point Lenana at 4,985 m and many visitors enjoy simple high altitude walks.
Wildlife below the Park boundary include elephant, buffalo, antelope, and the rare bongo, also found in the nearby Aberdares. Most wildlife can be viewed from Mountain Lodge on the south side of the mountain. Mount Kenya can be climbed anytime of the year. However, the best times for visiting Mount Kenya and the National Park are December to February and July, August through to early October, when there are no rains.