Mount Kenya Trip By Victorious Fit Adventures

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the
second-highest in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a
stratovolcano that has been dormant for millions of years.
Located in the central part of Kenya, Mount Kenya is a
popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature
enthusiasts.
Elevation: Mount Kenya’s highest peak, Batian, reaches an
elevation of 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level, while
the second-highest peak, Nelion, stands at 5,188 meters
(17,021 feet). Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet), is the
third-highest peak and is often used as a trekking goal for
those who don’t have technical climbing skills.

Origin of the names given to the three peaks.

1. Batian: This is the highest peak of Mount Kenya and is named after Chief Batian, a Kikuyu
   the chief who resisted British colonial rule in the late 1800s.
2. Nelion: The second-highest peak, Nelion, is named after the Maasai warrior Nelieng, who was
   one of the first guides to assist European explorers in ascending the mountain.
3. Point Lenana: This peak is named after Lord Lenana, a Maasai chief who granted permission
   for early European explorers to climb the mountain.

There are other peaks that are rarely
mentioned which include; Pt Piggot (4,957 m) Pt
Dutton (4,885 m), Pt John (4,883 m), Pt John
Minor (4,875 m) to mention a few. Other notable
peaks include The Hat (4,639 m), Delamare
peak, Macmillan Peak, and Rotundu.

The main routes leading to the summit are;

1. Naro Moru Route: Known for its direct and relatively quick ascent, suitable for experienced
   trekkers. One would cover a distance of 23km to the peak.
2. Sirimon Route: Known for its scenic beauty and relatively gradual ascent, making it a good
   the choice for acclimatization covering 28,5km to the peak.
3. Chogoria Route: Begins with a 4×4 ride through the dense forest and offers stunning views
   during the climb covering 26km to the peak.
   Other routes include; Kamweti, Timau, and Burguret, these routes are rarely used as some have no
   KWS gates and no well-marked trail leading to the summit.
   Sirimon route is considered to be the easiest and the choice for the majority, the presence of
   mountain huts in old Moses and Shipton Camp gives it a higher ranking. The terrain is also
   friendly as there is no steep ascent apart from a small section from Shipton to the peak.

Chogoria is also a common route to the peak, those
who love camping life, this is their best route as
there are no mountain huts in Lake Ellis and Mintos
camp. The route is more challenging as compared to
Sirimon. The route offers breathtaking views on the
way, the beautiful sceneries take away the struggle
and leaves you with memories of; Mugi hills, Nithi
falls, Lake Ellis, Rotundu peak, Lake Michaelson,
gorges or the temple at Mintos camp, Delemare,
Macmillan peaks, beautiful valleys and pods (small
dams).

Naromoro is the shortest route but is considered to be the most challenging route. The 5km from
Mackinder’s camp to the summit isn’t a walk in the park. The route has mountain huts in
Mackinder’s camp and Met Station hence making it the perfect choice for many hikers.

Hiking Mount Kenya offers you an opportunity to disconnect from
the digital world as there is no network and connect with nature as well as
friends. At night during bonfire hikers shares stories as there is no one
busy with his/her phone, the connection is real. Being in the cold at night
and during the day teaches you numerous life lessons, appreciate life.
Being in the mountains is therapeutic, gazing at water flows, the sound of
waterfalls, trees dancing, and the serenity of nature. Get time off from
your busy schedule and experience life in the mountain, you will never
be the same.

served while hot? Such
opportunities are always
there as there are always
people climbing Mt Kenya
from January to December.

For you to enjoy mountain life, you need warm clothes dressed in layers and keep your body
hydrated. The aspect of hydration also reduces altitude sickness which results in goals achievement.
People hike for different reasons some do it for fun, self-realization, disconnect from digital world,
vacations, to challenge oneself and other to celebrate their birthdays. Never compete in the mountain
and always listen to your guide.
Always invite a friend, you need a good soul to accompany, some mountains do need good boots
they need a warm company.

Expect the
unexpected in the
mountain, heavy
rain as well as bad
weather.

Mental Health Therapeutic Benefits

• Being in nature boosts your mood and improve mental
  health.
• Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms
  anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.
• Being outdoors opens up your senses to your surroundings and
  improves your sensory perception.
• The sights, smells, and feelings of nature has so many more health
  benefits that can be prescribed between four boringly white walls by a
  doctor in a day…

Mount Kenya has several altitudinal ecological zones, from the savanna surrounding the
mountain to the nival zone by the glaciers. Each zone has a dominant species of vegetation. Many
of the species found higher up the mountain are endemic, either to Mount Kenya or East Africa
Below are the main two plants found in high altitude

Season Three

Journey to Mount Kenya