subject: Tips On Climbing Mt. Kenya [print this page] Mt. Kenya which is believed to be the sacred home of the Kikuyu ancestors is the highest free standing mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Mt Kilimanjaro and also a UNESCO world heritage site. Mt Kenya which is a dormant volcano is said to have erupted many million years ago. Johann Ludwig Krapf was the first European Missionary to report a sighting of Mt Kenya back in 1849. Eric Shipton was the first person to climb the Nelion (5188m) peak which is the second highest after Batian (5199m) in 1929. The best time to climb Mt Kenya is between the month of January to February and August to September.
Mountain climbing is accompanied by some altitude sickness such as acute mountain sickness and edema. Acute mountain sickness is the most common and the symptoms include vomiting, headache and nausea which fades after a short while. However, if the symptoms persist you will be required to remain behind and wait for the rest. This sickness can be avoided by taking a lot of water, well balanced diet, walk slowly and wear warm clothes. Edema is cause by building up of fluid in the body which eventually collects in the lungs and the brain. With these serious conditions you require to descend to lower altitudes where recovery is fast. In all cases you are informed of all altitude sickness before you begin your journey.
Regarding medicine and toiletries, you should carry headache pills, mosquito sprays, creams and sun screen. You should also remember to carry a tooth brush, tooth paste and tissue paper. You should also carry some cash for tips which will be shared among the tour guides, drivers, porters and cooks. Cooking is done using modern kerosene stoves which are very efficient and reliable. It is recommended for all climbers to carry their own personal first aid kit for emergency use and personal medication.
You can climb Mt Kenya through Chogoria route, Sirimon route or Naro Moru route. Sirimon route is the popular and easy route to use. For game viewing I would advise you to first visit another game park/reserve like the Masai Mara where you are guaranteed to see many different wildlife. Mt Kenya has a thick forest and you might not see all the animals. This big mountain is located in central Kenya just south of the equator. Whereas Lenana peak can be reached by any trekker, Batian and Nelion are only reached by experienced climbers.
