Tambua Africa Vacations

i) GENERAL INFORMATION
Mt Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Mt Kenya is a broad volcanic cone whose base is around 120 km in diameter.
The mountain was formed by volcanic eruption during the Great Rift Valley creation and geologists believe that it was over 1500m higher than its present height of 5199m (17,057ft). At this stage it would have had a summit crater, however intensive erosion has worn away the original upper parts of the cone leaving arêtes, pyramidal peaks, U-shaped valleys and rock basins containing glacial lakes. The peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m) are the remains of a huge volcanic plug that has slowly eroded to create the distinctive silhouette.
Only 16 kms south of the Equator, the peaks are permanently iced with snow and glaciers. However, in the last 20 years, the glaciers have been retreating and it is estimated that if the present trend continues there may be no permanent ice left on the mountain. Since records were established in 1893, eight of the eighteen glaciers then recorded have disappeared.
On the lower slopes below 4000m, trekkers encounter a variety of alpine vegetation ranging from rain forest, bamboo, hagena and hypericum woodland, giant heather, tussock, and the fascinating giant lobelia. The forests are rich in wildlife and elephant, buffalo, zebra, antelope and monkeys are often seen. Bird life everywhere is plentiful and varied.
Mt Kenya (or Kirinyaga) was revered by the Gikuyu who settled in the Central Highlands and believed their god, Ngai, lived on top of the mountain. The first European to lay eyes on the mountain was Ludwig Krapf, a Swiss missionary in 1849, but his stories of snow on the Equator were ridiculed by the Geographic Society in England. It was only in 1883 when a Scottish explorer, Joseph Thomson, confirmed its existence that Krapf’s findings were accepted. Other explorers followed and several attempts to scale the mountain were made. In 1899, Halford MacKinder and two Alpine guides made the first successful ascent of the mountain and named the two highest peaks after Maasai leaders.
Mt Kenya is unexpectedly different, attracting trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. The mountains unique landscape and vegetation have been declared as International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Its range of walking and climbing routes offers something for everyone and, unless your time is limited, is too good to miss.
ii) MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING SEASON:

The mountain can be climbed all year round but for a more comfortable trek it is best to avoid the rainy seasons. The best times for reasonable weather are January – February and August – October. It should be noted that the weather patterns on Mt Kenya are notoriously unpredictable, and even during ‘dry’ seasons rain can fall and the weather can be unpleasant for two or three days at a time. The highest peaks, Bation and Nelion, can only be reached by fully equipped mountaineers with technical skills. The goal for most trekkers is to reach Pt. Lenana (4985m), the third highest peak on the mountain, where superb views of the surrounding countryside are possible.
Special Note: Mt Kenya is not easy climb. People who underestimate this mountain and set off unprepared for the conditions usually have a miserable time due to the cold and altitude. Trekkers who do not spend enough time acclimatizing will often suffer from some form of altitude sickness, and this is one of the main reasons why over 25% of attempts fail. By allowing an extra day on the mountain you stand a better chance of reaching Pt Lenana, and have a more enjoyable climb.
iii) MOUNT KENYA CLIMBING ROUTES:
There are three main routes up to the peaks area – Naro Moru, Sirimon, and Chogoria.
Naro Moru Route: The most popular and fastest route to Pt Lenana. It is the least scenic of the main routes but has easy access from the main road and reasonable facilities in the form of bunkhouses and camping. Being the most direct route it is easy to follow but can be steep and boggy in places.
Sirimon Route: The least used of the main routes of ascent. Because it is on the drier side of the mountain, this route offers superb forest walking, open scenery with wonderful alpine vegetation, and the chance of spotting wildlife on the lower slopes.
Chogoria Route: This route is the longest but also the most beautiful and spectacular way by which to ascend the mountain. Wonderful views for most of the climb, particularly in the upper sections with its glacial lakes, giant groundsel, lobelia and weird volcanic formations inhabited by rock hyrax.
These routes can be combined to traverse the mountain by going up one side and down the other, the most popular being the Sirimon – Chogoria route. For most routes, a minimum 3-4 days should be allowed from the road heads or 5-6 days if departing from Nairobi. If you plan on trekking around the peaks, allow an extra 1 or 2 days to really enjoy the mountain.
Climb rates included: Return transport from Nairobi, Park entry fees, Camping/Hut fees, Meals, Guide/Porters
Not Included: Personal climbing gear, drinking water, items of a personal nature, tips.

Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro stands on featureless part of the East African plateau, on the Tanzanian side of the Kenya border near Moshi, side by side with the smaller Mount Meru. These mountains are extinct volcanoes, with Kilimanjaro actually being the agglomeration of three distinct volcanoes, Kibo (5896m/ 19,340 ft), Mwenzi (5,149 / 16,896 ft) and Shira (3,962m / 13,000 ft). whose violent creation is geologically associated with the creation of the Great Rift Valley, 100km to the West.

The vehicles take the climbers to the Marangu Gate, from where the climber enters the rain forest. It is a 3 hour walk through verdant scenery to Mandara Hut at 2743m. The forest teems with bird life, and colobus and other monkeys may be seen.

Today's trek to Horombo Hut at 3760m is about 10 miles and takes 6-7 hours. About half an hour after leaving Mandara, the climber emerges from the rain forest into alpine meadow. This is a very scenic day with splendid views possible of the peaks and of the plains below the mountain. The vegetation is also quite spectacular, where giant lobelia and senecios may be seen.

The climb continues to Kibo Hut at 4730m which is at the foot of Kibo Peak. The route takes the climber up to the saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and then across the high altitude desert to the hut. The climb takes about 6 hours.

Leave the hut at about 1am to attempt the summit. The rim of the crater at Gillman's Point (5680m), recognised as the top, is reached after a stiff climb up a very steep, loose scree slope. On average this takes six hours. Those who feel strong enough can then continue for 2 hours along the crater rim to attain the true summit at Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Commence the descent to Horombo Hut.

Accommodation in mountain huts, guides and porters, bedding and equipment, catering on the mountain and applicable park fees.

All climbers should bring anorak, mittens, balaclava, snow goggles or sun glasses, scarf, 3 pairs warm trousers, sweaters, 6 pairs of warm socks, thermal underwear, water-proof layer, sun-proof hat, comfortable boots, sun cream, small first-aid kit, lip salve, personal toiletries.

Mount Meru is Mount Kilimanjaro's little sister, standing at 4,566m compared to 5,895m, but is still an impressive freestanding volcano, which makes a superb four day climb to the top. It last erupted in 1910 therefore can be classified as an active volcano. The first Mount Meru ascent was made by Dr. Fritz Jaeger, 1904. The town of Arusha lies at the base of Mount Meru Trekking, loads of trek companies do this trek. Wild animals are frequently found on this mountain therefore an armed ranger usually accompanies the trekkers.

Mountain Climbing