Mount Kenya: the logistics of climbing

Briefing on Mount Kenya

The Sirimon route is the gentlest ascent route to Mount Kenya and has lots of wildlife. The route also offers a spectacular view of Batian and Nelion, the highest peaks of Mount Kenya. The route has a steep climb from Shipton camp to Lenana which is a bit strenuous. Descend from Lenana Point which is on the edge of the Lewis Glacier. The descent from Mackinder Camp to the weather station is along the famous vertical swamp.

Porters, Guides and Cooks

We will provide a porter per person to carry all the mountain equipment. 3 cooks, 3 guides: proportion of three clients 01 guides. Clients are expected to bring a backpack with a warm layer, water and camera, waterproof. Make sure your backpack is as light as possible. The porters always walk behind or in front, in that case make sure you have everything you need.

Water

We expect you to drink 3-4 liters of water per day. We have running and piped water in all camps. Take a water purification kit with you, although the mountain water is safe to drink.

food

We provide three meals per day. We have a picnic lunch of sandwiches. The food is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. We always ensure a balanced diet.

The diet consists of vegetables, fruits, cereals and hot drinks; chocolate, coffee and tea are served. Please let us know vegetarians and vegans in advance.

cabin/accommodation

Old Moses, Camp Shipton, Mackinders and Met Station Shed. These houses have bunk beds with bunk beds so you should bring a warm sleeping bag. Inside, they have a shared dining area and a fire is provided for an extra charge for the caretaker.

Tips/Freebies

This is not mandatory, but at the end of the trip, the porters, cook and guide expect a gesture of thanks from you in the form of Gratuities/gratuities. If you are satisfied with their service, please give them a tip. We only recommend it, but again it is not required.

1500 – 200 per carrier

2500 – 3000 for cooks

3500- 4000 for the guides

medical kit

We hope that all of you are medically fit. However, we recommend that you have a small first aid kit with you. The guide will carry your medical kits for you.

Security and Emergencies

Although the Kenya Wildlife Service has a trained rescue team at Mackinders and Austrian Hut with radio communication at the KWS Mount Kenya headquarters, we recommend that all hazard measures be taken to avoid any harm or emergency. The Guide and a main porter have a communication radio and mobile phones that they will use to contact the manned station. A 4×4 vehicle is always ready at the base of the Narumoru park headquarters in case of an emergency.

Porters are also trained in basic first aid and all visitors are required to follow and adhere to the emergency evacuation guidance guide. Please bring your insurance coverage contact. So that they can be contacted by us in case of anything.

Dangers exist on the mountain. They include:

Animals like buffaloes and elephants in the forest zone.

Exposure: warm days can become very cold very quickly

Dehydration: very common at altitude, where people do not realize the amount of water they are losing.

Altitude sickness: very common in the mountains at high altitudes and during periods of dry weather.

Equipment –

Here is a short list of things you will need for the trek.

Equipment and climbing equipment

Pants, to walk and to rest in the afternoons.

Gold short sleeve t-shirts

Long-sleeved shirts, for walks and to rest in the afternoons

long underwear

Fleece jacket or wool sweater

wool pants

Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing plus windy)

Waterproof jacket, necessary in the hot rain forest and cold snow

Waterproof pants, necessary in the hot rain forest and cold snow

Underwear

Sports arms, for women

Cold Heights Accessories

Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)

Wool or fur hat

golden balaclava leggings

Hand and foot warmers (chemically activated)

footwear

Trekking shoes for walking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof and with ankle support, not too light and not too heavy.

Tennis or sandals to rest at night.

Gaiters: to avoid gravel and mud.

Hiking socks for warmer conditions

Wool socks for colder conditions

Sock linings to wick away moisture.

Climbing: sleeping gear

– Sleeping bag (temperature rating of -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder recommended)

– Mattress and repair kit