Mount Kenya Technical Climb South East Ridge To Nelion & Batian

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.