North Face Route – Batian

From

Duration

Tour Type

Adventure

Overview

Mount Kenya’s classic technical mountaineering objective. Seven belayed pitches (Grade 5.7–5.9) on the North Face lead to the true summit of Batian.

Included/Exclude

Tour Amenities

Outdoor Seating

Smoking Allowed

Tour Plan

Sirimon Gate→Old Moses Camp

Drive from Nanyuki to Sirimon Gate (2,460 m), gear check in town, then trek through rainforest and montane heath to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m).

9 km+840 m3–4 hrs Sleep: 3,300 m

Old Moses Camp→Shipton's Camp

Full moorland traverse to Shipton's Camp (4,200 m). Technical guide briefing and climbing gear check on arrival.

15km+900 m6–7 hrsSleep: 4,200 m

Shipton's Camp→Shipton's Camp (acclimatisation)

Acclimatisation ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 m) via the non-technical trekking route. Return to Shipton's. Optional: scramble to Point Peter or Point Dutton.

7 km+695 m-695 m4–5 hrsSleep: 4,200 m

Shipton's Camp→Batian Summit → Shipton's Camp

Full summit day via the North Face Standard Route. Seven or more belayed pitches (5.7–5.9), crux on Firmin's Tower. Possible overnight at Top Hut (4,990 m) if the day extends. Descent by rappel and downclimbing.

Shipton's Camp→Meru Mount Kenya Lodge

Descend east via the Chogoria route — Simba Col, Hall Tarns and Gorges Valley. Wildlife viewing in the lower forest. Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (3,000 m) offers comfortable facilities.

16 km-1200 m6–8 hrs Sleep: 3,000 m

Meru Mount Kenya Lodge→Chogoria Gate

Drive and walk through bamboo forest to Chogoria Gate (2,950 m). Return journey to Nairobi.

8 km-600 m3–4 hrs