Don’t leak out Go to a Mount Kenya
Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa. It has an area of about 150,000 square kilometers. It is a very popular tourist destination and also a hot spot for climbing and hiking. In the central highlands a couple of hundred kilometers north of the equator lays Mt. Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya , and the second-highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m) and Lenana (4,985 m). Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the Ecuador, over 100 miles northeast of Nairobi. The mountain is an extinct (dead) volcano standing alone, which last erupted between 2.6 and 3.1 million years ago. Its slopes include several different bio mes; the lowest parts are dry upland forest, changing to mountain forest of juniper and podocarpus at about 2,000 m, with a belt of bamboo.
Mount Kenya stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of it’s taller neighbour Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Kili may see much more traffic – due to the possibility of summit-ting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honour of being one of the Seven Summits – but Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice. During the months of December-early March climbers ascend the Shipton Route to the summit of Nelion, while during the months early June- September the route of choice will be the North Face Standard directly to Batian.
Volcanic activity at Mt. Kenya was concentrated in Pleistocene times. Much of this activity took place through the many vents on the slopes of the volcano. Most visitors are content to marvel at the mountain’s beauty but some will want to attempt to reach the peaks; a feat requiring considerable rock climbing skill. But the mountain’s lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by the fit and the adventurous. Point Lenana, 4985m, can be easily reached. Climbing on Mount Kenya is serious and it is important to acclimatise well before tackling the main summits. It is advisable to do a training climb on a minor peak before going up Nelion or Batian.
On expedition to Mt Kenya, you will find the scenic snow-capped peaks, magnificent cliffs and glaciers, spectacular waterfalls and valleys, and rolling slopes with thick forests cover. Mount Kenya has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding ecology. It’s located 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and just 20 km from the equator.
