Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro

East Africa Expedition 2002 / 2003

An adventure extravaganza offering trekking or technical climbing on Africa's two most famous peaks

In addition to all these attractions, the main focus of this expedition will be ascents of Africa's two highest peaks. Batian (5199m) is the highest summit of Mt Kenya, located in the Kenyan highlands 100 miles north of Nairobi. Kibo (5895m), the main summit of Kilimanjaro, lies to the south just inside the Tanzanian border. These two majestic extinct volcanoes, 225 miles apart, rise spectacularly from the surrounding flat grasslands. Our unique itinerary offers a choice of climbing or trekking options on each peak. Climbers will be able to attempt challenging technical routes on both mountains, while trekking members of the group will enjoy the walking options.

After leaving the Kenyan capital Nairobi our first destination is the twin summited volcanic peak of Mt Kenya. We will spend seven days trekking across the Mt Kenya massif ascending by the attractive Chogoria route and descending by the Naro Moru route. While approaching the peak from its eastern side we will camp at Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. During the walk in we will have good views of the north face climbs on Nelion and Batian. The ascent to Tooth Col is steep and is followed by a mist shrouded traverse on the summit circuit path to 'Austrian Hut' We follow this path down to 'American Camp' on the south side of the mountain. From this spot the mountain's most celebrated climb is an obvious feature; the Diamond Couloir rises up to the hanging Diamond Glacier leading to the Gate Of Mists which separates the two summits.

The walkers in the group will ascend Pt Lenana (4983m). This is a wonderful vantage point affording excellent views. The climb to the top is not technically difficult and is achievable by fit walkers. The ascent involves an early start, for although the climb is straightforward the effects of altitude are noticeable. At dawn the sun's rays spread slowly across the great Rift Valley gradually illuminating Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit in the far distance. After the ascent of Pt Lenana, the walkers in the group will have a chance to spend a relaxing rest day in the area of 'American Camp' overlooked by the steep southern faces of Nelion & Batian (the main peaks of Mt Kenya). The climbers in the party will use this day to attempt an ascent of the main peaks by one of its more straightforward rock climbs, the Southeast face (Shipton) route. The whole group then meet up for the descent to a pleasant hotel for a huge celebratory meal and a welcome beer!

After a short rest in the luxury of the Lodge it is time to cross the border into Tanzania. Avoiding the busy "tourist" path, we will climb Kilimanjaro by the more attractive Umbwe route following the Western Breach to the summit. This interesting variant is achievable by anyone who is reasonably fit and has experience of strenuous mountain walking, trekking or scrambling. It is slightly more difficult than the 'tourist' route, but vastly more rewarding. Four days of steady ascent are rewarded when we reach the summit cairn on Uhuru Top. At 5895m this is the highest point on the African continent and a worthy culmination of our visit to East Africa. A speedy descent by the Marangu route takes us to the roadhead where the park authorities issue a certificate to all successful summiteers!

Dates

Land Price £1845

Flights approx £450 - £500 (from UK)

Leader David Hamilton or Michael Wagner

Booking details Complete the High Adventure Booking Form

Day 1
Evening flight departure from London Heathrow airport.

Day 2
Morning arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta airport and transfer to hotel. Time to relax and look around Nairobi during the afternoon.

Day 3
After breakfast we board a minibus for the four hour drive to Mt Kenya. We are met by Land Rovers at Chogoria which take us for a one hour drive up the muddy track through the 'forest zone' to the Park Gates. A short walk leads us to open moorland and our campsite on the shore of Lake Ellis 3450m. (3hrs)

Day 4
We will climb gently through the 'moorland zone' passing spectacular examples of East Africa's unique vegetation. After crossing the regular Chogoria track we make a steep descent on our way to camp on the shores of Lake Michaelson 4000m at the head of the Gorges valley. (5-6hrs)

Day 5
A steep track leads from the lakeside along the foot of the impressive cliffs of the rock outcrop known as 'the Temple'. We then cross a large flat area before ascending a steep scree slope to Tooth col 4725m. From here the path contours beneath the south face of Pt Lenana towards the Austrian Hut 4790m. A short scree descent leads to American camp 4300m. (7-8 hrs)

Day 6
A rest day for everyone at American camp, overlooked by the south face of Mt Kenya & the Diamond Couloir. Both trekking and climbing parties will have a chance to check and prepare equipment for the next day.

Day 7
Trekking option An early morning start is required on the trek to the summit of Pt Lenana 4983m. But the exertion is made worthwhile by the stunning spectacle of dawn breaking over the Rift Valley, illuminating Kilimanjaro over 200 miles away. Descend to American Camp. (5hrs)

Day 7
Climbing option Those with sufficient climbing experience will have the chance to ascend the main summits of Mt Kenya (Nelion 5188m and Batian 5199m) by one of the rock routes on the southern side. The south east face of Nelion is a UIAA grade IV climb, taking about 8-10 hours to the summit, and a further 4-6 hours to get down.

Day 8
Reserve day for walking, climbing, or exploring the area. The climbing group may need this day to complete the ascent of Nelion & Batian.

Day 9
We descend the Naro Moru route passing yet more impressive vegetation and wild flowers on our way to the roadhead by the 'Met Station' 3050m (6-7hrs). After the rigours of our trek, our pleasant hotel is a welcome sight. We stay here for the night relaxing in a beautiful setting.

Day 10
Reluctantly we leave the tranquillity of Naro Moru and make the long drive to Kilimanjaro. The journey will take about ten hours and we will stop for lunch in Nairobi. Numerous wild animals can be seen as we drive towards the Tanzanian border, where we have to run the gauntlet of the persistent Masai hawkers. When we finally arrive at Kilimanjaro we will have exclusive use of a conveniently situated hotel close to the park administration centre.

Day 11
Early in the morning, we complete the formalities at the Marangu gate at the start of the 'tourist' route up Kilimanjaro and then drive around the mountain by Land Rover to Umbwe village 1500m. Here we team up with our Tanzanian porters and start the trek to the foot of Kilimanjaro. We walk for 7-8 hours through jungle and forest and emerge to a marvellous view of the tumbling summit glaciers. We camp by some caves, the largest of which is used as our kitchen 2850m.

Day 12
The route continues in the forest until it rears up onto a steep narrow ridge leading to a high moorland at 3000m where 'giant heather' grows. As we emerge from the trees there are good views over the surrounding forests to the neighbouring peak of Mt Meru. Camp outside Barranco hut 3950m. (5-6 hrs)

Day 13
We edge up to the ruined Arrow hut at the side of the Arrow Glacier beneath the enormous Breach Wall 4850m. (4-5 hrs) Afternoon spent resting and preparing for the next day.

Day 14
Summit Day for everyone!
A very early start is needed to reach the summit before the mid morning mists envelop the mountain. A steep scree scramble up a solid lava flow takes us to the only breach in the huge west wall and onto the crater rim. The Furtwangler Glacier and the summit snows lead to Uhuru Top 5,895m, the highest point in Africa. From the summit we will descend to the Horombo hut complex 3720m where we spend the night. A long day ! (12-16 hrs)

Day 15
A gentle trek down through the forest to the Marangu Gate where we are met by Land Rovers which take us back to our Hotel. (4-5 hrs)

Day 16
Drive to Kilimanjaro International airport. Fly to the UK.

This programme has been designed to offer maximum flexibility for both trekkers and climbers who want to visit Africa's two most famous mountains.
For trekkers we have selected the most interesting routes on both peaks. This enables us to enjoy the varied landscape while staying away from the busy tourist trails. Our programme also allows plenty of time for acclimatisation, ensuring that almost all of our clients reach the summit of both peaks. On Mt Kenya we approach the mountain via the Chogoria route from the east and descend by the Naro Moru route on the western side. On Kilimanjaro we ascend by the Umbwe route on the south side of the mountain and descend by the long gentle slope of the Marangu route on the eastern side.
Climbers and mountaineers with sufficient experience will be able to attempt technical routes on both mountains if conditions permit. On Mt Kenya the Diamond Couloir and Ice Window routes have been in poor condition in recent years. Therefore the best route to the summits of Nelion and Batian will almost certainly be the Shipton route on the southeast face of Nelion.

Additional options

It is possible to extend a visit to East Africa by the addition of either a safari or a visit to a beach resort. We are happy to make all the necessary arrangements for any of our clients who wish to pursue these options. However such changes to the programme must be made well in advance as it can be very difficult to obtain alternative international flight dates during the busy Christamas holiday period. For groups flying to East Africa with Ethiopian Airways there is also the possibility of breaking the return journey in Addis Ababa. The opens up the possibility of a short visit to this fascinating country or a trekking trip to the Simien highlands.

Outstanding value

We believe that this programme offers great value for money. Cheaper treks are available on both peaks but they usually ascend the less expensive 'ordinary' routes. A significant portion of the costs involved in leading an expedition in East Africa is spent on 'permits' from the national park authorities in Kenya and Tanzania. The permits and porter costs for the ordinary routes are significantly cheaper than those for the more adventurous routes. But we feel that the quality of experience offered by the less popular routes justifies the extra expense incurred.

Equipment & Services provided by High Adventure

All tents, kitchen equipment, climbing equipment (if necessary), all hotels, all meals during the trek, all permit fees, all costs of porters, guides, cooks etc. Plus the services of a UK leader.

Not Included in the price

Visas, insurance, airport taxes, spending money, meals in Nairobi, porter tips.

Recommended Reading

Kenya Travel Survival Kit - Lonely Planet
Trekking in East Africa - David Else / Lonely Planet
Guide to Mt Kenya & Kilimanjaro - Mountain Club of Kenya
East Africa Mountain Guide - Andrew Wielochowski
No Picnic on Mt Kenya - Felice Benuzzi
Upon That Mountain (Ch. 4) - Eric Shipton
Maps of Mt Kenya & Kilimanjaro are also available