Weather on Mount Kenya
The climate and seasons on Mount Kenya are further described in some of the links. Generally, the nights and mornings are clear, whereas afternoons may be cloudy. Precipitation during the wet seasons normally comes in short, heavy showers. If awake during the night, don’t miss the opportunity to spend some time in the darkness outside and experience the clear sky.
Camps and Huts
Generally, the camps have bunk-beds with good matresses, placed in rooms with 10-20 beds in each. There is no heating in the camps and, at higher altitudes, it may be freezing temperatures inside. So – warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag are essentials. Some camps have actual toilets, and some have an annex with a ‘hole in the ground’. All camps have a supply of water (from the mountain).
Physical requirements
Before attempting to climb Mount Kenya, consider that days:
- Involve 8-12km of walking along rough paths.
- Include a lot of uphill and downhill hiking.
- May be in rain and wet conditions.
Therefore, you have to be in decent shape for a trip to Mount Kenya. Having said that, it should be noted that the trek to Point Lenana is not a technically difficult trek and scrambling is only needed in a few places. If you have not been at high altitudes before (Point Lenana is at 4985meters above sea level), expect your body to react in strange ways. If you react strongly to high altitudes, we may abort the attempt to reach Point Lenana. However, our suggested itineraries always attempt to allow enough days to ensure a reasonable acclimatization to the conditions.
What to bring on Mount Kenya
- Clothing: It may be hot at the base of Mount Kenya and freezing temperatures when you reach 4000meters above sea level. In windy conditions, the chill-factor makes it extremely cold at the top of Point Lenana and plenty of clothing is needed to enjoy the time at the top. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear layers that can be added and removed as the temperature varies. Also, remember warm gloves and cap (or balaclava), as well as a sun-hat to protect against the sun.
- Footwear: Preferably trekking boots with room for thick socks. It is absolutely essential that you break them in prior to the trek.
- Socks: Bring two pairs of thermal socks.
- Thermal underwear: Transports moisture and keep you warm (during the day and during the night).
- Fleeces: Make sure they are large enough to fit on top of each other.
- Trekking trousers: Not jeans, which are heavy and dries slowly.
- Rain wear: Light showers are frequent on Mount Kenya.
- Backpack/duffel bag: For the porter to carry most of your gear.
- Day-pack: A small backpack for you to carry, to hold water, rain wear, extra layer of clothing, camera, and valuables.
- Head torch: Essential if you plan to peak Point Lenana at sun-rise. Also convenient in the camps, to find your way around during the night (and for reading, etc).
- Sleeping bag: It is COLD during the nights – also in the camps. Depending on the amount of clothing you will be sleeping in, a three-season (comfort temperature around -5 -> 0 degC) may be a good choice.
- Sleeping mat: Is not needed. The camps have good matresses and if we have agreed on nights in tent, we will provide a sleeping mat.
- Sunglasses: May be nice, especially if the ground is covered with snow.
- Sunscreen: A high factor (30-50) to protect the face and neck.
- Toiletries: Tooth brush/paste, toilet paper, towelettes, tampons, …
- Towel: A small one – there are no showers available on the mountain
- Water: There is plenty of water sources on Mount Kenya and a single one-litre (or two) container should be adequate. Some clients drink the water as it is and some clients bring purification tablets or similar.
Pricing
A fixed price cannot be provided here, as it depends on the choices we make for your specific trip. Please send me an email with your thoughts on the trip and I will get back to you with a suggested itinerary and price. To give you a price estimate, please provide information about:
- The number of people participating in the trek.
- The number of days you have available.
- Where the trip should start and end (pick-up and drop-off at Nairobi airport, Nairobi downtown, or another place).
- On the mountain, the conditions are alike for all, but before and after, consider whether your trip should be low-budget (less convenient transportation and hotels), or if you are prepared to pay more for better hotels and faster transportation.
- As a minimum, the crew comprises the guide, a cook and a porter, and this is not negotiable. For larger parties, a larger crew will be arranged for.
- Please be aware that the tips you present to the crew members at the end of the trek are a large part of their salary and must therefore be considered mandatory. The amount to tip depends on the length of the trip and the size of your group and, to some extent, on the size of your wallet. Suggested tipping are: 15-25$/day for guides and 10-15$/day for cooks and porters.
