Mountain Climbing in Kenya

Mountain Climbing in Kenya

Mountain Climbing is among the main attractions in Kenya, there are a couple of mountains and hills in Kenya; this includes Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, Mt Longonot, Mt Suswa, Ngong Hills, Loroghi Hills, Western Highland, Shimba Hills and Taita Chyulu Hills among others. Mount Kenya is the most popular for mountain climbing, its the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa, its located across the equator with a height of 5,199 m and a snow-capped peak.

Mountain Climbing Preparation

Mountain climbing can be exciting and full of lifetime experience. However, one needs proper preparation and the right climbing gear; else it can be very dangerous especially if you are planning to get to the peak.

Once you decide on your Mountain climbing trip, then you need to start the preparation, you need at least three weeks fitness and high altitude training, and If you can afford it, join a mountain climbing school to learn the basic climbing skills, techniques and safety precautions. the fitness could include enrolling in a gym and concentrate on activities that strengthen the legs and your running power or try jogging, squatting, sit-ups and swimming.

Kenyan mountains have straight forward routes that require minimum climbing gear and they are less strenuous with well trained mountain climbing guides and potters that are hired to guide and assist you on the trip. With that in mind being fit is still paramount.

When is the best time for a climb?

January to March and July through to September are said to be the warm and dry seasons, any time in this period could be the ideal time to plan for your mountain climbing holiday in Kenya.

Mountain Sickness

Most people who are not accustomed to mountain climbing get mild altitude sickness; it can get fatal if not treated immediately. Altitude sickness is caused by the body not adapting fast enough to the reduced level of oxygen in the air due to the high altitude, the main symptoms are headache, nausea, decreased appetite, a stinging feeling in the toes and fingers and a slight swelling of ankles and fingers.

The mild altitude sickness are usually not serious and disappears within 48 hours, but it is good to inform the guides who can assess you and give you an appropriate advice. Most of the guides are well trained and can tell how serious is the sickness and what is the best action to take. It is also advised to walk in a group, it is easier to detect if a member is unwell. The best treatment for severe altitude sickness is to descent.

Vaccines

Our best advice is you visit your personal doctor or a traveling clinic, for the necessary vaccination. Make the appointments on time, because some vaccinations are taken in intervals and require some time.

Visa requirements

Please note that if your country is not a member of the east African community, then you require an entry Visa; contact your local Kenyan embassy or consulate for detailed visa information.

Packages

What to carry on a mountain climbing trip in Kenya

Once you are done with the basic training, then it comes the question of what to carry and the requirements; if you are intending to just climb once and don’t wish to do it again, economically it is wise to just hire out the items locally, mountain climbing in Kenya does not require sophisticated equipments, just the basic once.

Packing list

• The packing usually depends on the number of days to spend, the type of mountain and the season; but it is good to carry enough warm cloths especially the socks( try wrapping them in plastic bags to avoid getting wet), also avoid wearing cotton directly to your skin because it absorbs sweat and can reduce your body temperature, a jackets with synthetic and polyester insulates (they protect you from the strong wind and getting wet).
• A proper packing would include cloths that are windproof and waterproof, thermal underwear, good gloves, a cap, a balaclava (ski mask, to shield the face against strong wind), shorts, jersey, T-shirts, good mountain climbing shoes/boats with extra laces, light and watertight mountain shoes (type B), sweaters, rain-wear (poncho, suit or cape), long sleeve T-shirts / blouses (to protect you from the sun), sun glasses, warm sleeping bag and a quick dry towel.
• Other important items would include small backpack with a rain cover for you to carry on the day trips, a large backpack that the porter will carry (up to 15 kilograms, the porters prefer duffel bags), a 2L water bag, a 2L thermos bottle to use when it’s cold freezing, a pocket knife, sun cream, lip balm, head light or flashlight with reserve batteries, a luggage cover, binoculars, camera with reserve batteries, traveling clock with alarm, a few games to play on your free times, a writing and reading book.
• Medication and treatments would include ointment to treat bruises and muscles, paracetamol, betadine cream, sport tape (hand wide), second skin to treat blisters, wet wipes, antibacterial and disinfecting hand gel and mosquito repellent.

Kenya Mountain climbing Tips

It is always good to have some tips on how to make your Kenyan mountain climbing trip successful, a great trip comes as a result of good planning; once you have identified the mountain you intend to climb, you carefully need to find a good tour operator/guide with enough knowledge about the mountain. The tour operator/guide should advise you on the route that allows proper acclimatization, the route with great views and the route with the best chance to reach the summit. So be very selective on the tour operators and don’t be too cheap, below are some of our mountain climbing tips:-

• Be in a Group; it is wise to be in a group, it reduces the cost and in case of anything there are people around you for help.
• Fitness; if you want to reach the summit, you must be physically fit, you need at least three weeks proper training to be able to handle the physical and altitude challenges, also remember to have a basic medical check up and a travel insurance that includes medical cover.
• Dealing with the high altitude; the best advice is don’t hurry, allow enough days to acclimatize, drink a lot of water (4-5 liters), take some medication to prevent altitude sickness, use the Walk high and sleep low technique, make sure your guides are carrying the proper climbing equipment such as oxygen, radios and a re-compression bag to deal with altitude sickness if it arises.
• Pack well; make sure you have all you need to deal with the high altitude and temperatures variation, Don't worry about carrying it, the porters are well trained and can take up to 30lbs (15kg) of weight in a duffel bag to the peak of the mountain, you can rent some equipment and clothing locally.
• Early planning and booking; this will allow you to get an opportunity to climb during the high season (January-March and September-October), it’s the best time to climb when the weather condition is dry.