Mount Kenya Technical Climb South East Ridge To Nelion & Batian
Overview
TRIP DETAILS
Climbing Difficulty and Grade- USA 5.6 or a British V.S or a South African 16
Best Time of Year- December-March
Longest Trekking day- 6-7hours
Climbing time for the ascent of Nelion- 4-6hours, extra time to Batian – 4hours
Descent time- 5-7 hrs
Altitude at the Start of the trek- 2700m, 8,860ft
Altitude at the Summit- 5,199m, 17,057ft Summit- Batian
The preferred route on Nelion is the MacKinders route. This is a 5th class rock route to a maximum difficulty of 5.6. There are easier sections where the party can move together, but typically, some 17 plus pitches are belayed. The descent is by the same route, with a few of the rappels taking more direct lines down the cleaner rock. This is a fun route, on generally good rock, sunny. Rock shoes are appropriate. Approach boots can be left at the base of the route. Though still long, this route is considered to be easier than the North Face Standard Route on Batian. With better rock and a sunnier position, it is also more fun.
The climbing season is usually November through March when the southeast face of the Nelion peak is relatively snow-free and climbing conditions are best.
To give you a clearer picture of the trip, kindly see below an itinerary for the entire climb.
Included/Exclude
- Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation.
- Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
- Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
- Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
- Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees to include government taxes
- Services of a professional guide, porters and skilled cook
- Treated water on the trek.
- Start and finish Nairobi
- Training cost and purchase of mountain gear.
- Emergency evacuation cover USD. 24.00 from Amref
- Meals outside the mountain
- Other Items not mentioned above
- Accommodation before/after the trek
- Trekking gears
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
- Airport transfers
- Visa and International flights
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
After pick up in Nairobi drive to the naru moru park gate. From the gate, we trek up thro magnificent montane forest, bamboo and giant heather zone before reaching the high altitude moorland and our first cabins( Met Station) for dinner and overnight.
This is a gentle trek that takes 3 – 4 hrs gaining an elevation of 600m.
A short walk to the end of the forest line from where you hike across the
marshy vertical bog of the lower moorlands. Picnic lunch at the Picnic
Rocks before continuing further to Mackinders camp, gaining 1300m in
altitude in about 5 hours. Dinner and overnight – Mackinders camp (4300m)
Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Today we begin our trek ascending up along the foot of huge rock walls. From the top, we`ll have an excellent view of Mount Kenya. After ascending for a couple of hours. From here you traverse until you reach the Austrian Hut. From this Hut, you make a final short ascent of Point Lenana, 4,985m. Point Lenana is the common trekker’s Mount Kenya Summit. From this summit, you descend back to the Austrian hut.
Dinner and overnight at the Austrian hut.
(CLIMBING DAY) southeast Face of Nelion
Leave shortly after midnight at 2am towards the main peaks of Batian, Nelion and Point Lenana. Divide after an hour, above a flat green area at the head of the valley known as temple fields. Arriving at Point Lenana (the only trekking peak) at 6:30am. After taking photographs and celebration at the summit, descend from the trekking peak via Naro Moru route. Alternatively, it is also, possible to hike down via Sirimon Route and shipton’s camp – shipton camp 4200m to spend the night at Old Moses Camp). Hike down to Mackinders for breakfast. Continue with your trekking down to Camp at Met Station at 3000m for dinner and overnight rest, B,L,D
After breakfast, descend by hiking for approximately 3hrs through the rainforest which is 9km to Naro Moru Gate at 2,600m. From the gate, you will connect with your transport to Naro Moru Town for lunch. Take an onward transfer back to Nairobi, arriving at approximately 3pm, B,L
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