Scaling Mount Kenya, the country’s highest and the continent’s second-highest mountain, is on the bucket list of many adventurers. The jagged summit peaks, sharp cliffs, and snowcapped crags can be seen on the northern road from Nairobi when the mountain is not shrouded in clouds. Hiking this monster usually takes from three to seven days, depending on fitness levels. Of the different possible routes up, the popular Chogoria route passes through lush green pastures and by icy blue lakes, crossing dusty martian landscapes along the way. The highest point hikers can reach without specialized climbing equipment is Lenana, more than 16,000 feet above sea level.
The peaks of Mt. Kenya, seen from the Teleki Valley, with ranger station in foreground, Kenya, East Africa, Africa
Jack Jackson/age fotostock
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I recently took a 4-day hike up Mount Kenya, the 2nd largest mountain in Africa. It was a wonderful experience, but not for the faint-hearted and you have to be fit. We hiked over 50 kilometers at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level. We took the eastern Chogoria Route which was incredibly beautiful and offers the opportunity to cross 3 temperate zones: forest, moorlands, and alpine. We had a guide and 6 porters to set up camp, fix meals, and carry everything except a day pack. For less than $1,000 USD per person, it was a great experience that I will never forget!
Climbing Mt kenya
Great experience climbing Mt. Kenya.
