Reasons why you should Climb Mount Kenya : Mount Kenya, the tallest of all Kenya Mountains, rises to slightly over 3,800 meters (17,000 feet) and is Africa’s second highest peak just after its neighbor brother Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana are the three main peaks of the Mount Kenya. The tallest peaks, Batian and Nelion, require advanced rock climbing and mountaineering expertise to reach. The top of Point Lenana is 4,985 meters (16,355 feet) above sea level and can be reached by foot.
Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Mount Kenya National Park protecting the majority of it. It provides hikers with breathtaking mountain scenery, including glaciers, lakes, mineral springs, and alpine forests, as well as opportunities to see wildlife. Mount Kenya is considered a more scenic trip than Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite the fact that Mount Kenya is relatively easy accessible (it’s around 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Nairobi – it doesn’t attract the big crowds of tourists compared to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The following are the reasons of why you should never miss hiking/ climbing Mount Kenya in your hiking safari to Africa
Less crowded
This is the first reason of why you should never miss visiting and climbing Mount Kenya in your wildlife/ cultural/ hiking safari to Africa. Mount Kenya despite being the second largest mountain in Africa it does not attracts much numbers of tourists and hence not over crowded compared to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. There will be fewer trekkers if you come to climb Mount Kenya. At the campgrounds, this means less noise, litter, and competition for bunks. This is ideal for those who want to take in the views sans the crowds.
It’s preferable to visit during the off-season months if you really want to get away from the throng which are September to December and march to June. It’s possible to feel as if you’re the only one around at those times. It’s ideal for people who enjoy the tranquility of seclusion.
Cost-effective
When on safari, conserving money is always a priority, especially if climbing Mount Kenya won’t cost you anything else. The majority of guided excursions to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro cost around $1,000 USD while Climbing Mount Kenya costs around a half of that. Because of Mount Kenya park fees, currency exchange rates, and local incomes, it is less expensive.
In addition, unlike climbing Kilimanjaro, you will not be obligated to pay a guide or porter. You are welcome to enter Mount Kenya for free at your own risk. Although there is an additional danger, you will save hundreds of dollars. Finally, if you simply want to spend time in Kenya, you will save money by not having to pay for an additional visa. It is the best mountain to hike if you’re on the budget safari and especially if you can’t afford the cost of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. In a simple way we may say Mount Kenya is the alternative for Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Magnificent Views/scenery
Mount Kenya is a volcanic crater on the African continent. It rises from the savannah and was carved thousands of years ago by glaciers. The U-shaped valley below can be seen from the twin peaks of Batian and Nelion. The remnants of glaciers, as well as a diverse range of habitats, can be found on the mountain.
Take in the scenery of craggy volcanic boulders and crystal-clear lakes. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also pass through lush bamboo and tropical rainforests, as well as heather-covered slopes. Don’t miss out on the gorgeous native flora along the road, such as enormous lobelias and terrestrial orchids.
Possibilities for Technical Climbing
The ascent of Mount Kenya is difficult for the faint of heart. It’s also not a good idea for newcomers. That’s because Batian is Mount Kenya’s genuine summit. It stands at 5,199 meters and presents a challenge to even experienced hikers with its rock and ice climbing. To get to Batian, you must first climb to the top of Nelion Peak. Standing atop that pinnacle takes a lot of talent and work.
It is located on the equator.
Although the equator is an imaginary line, it is nonetheless incredible to be able to climb Mount Kenya and stand at the intersection of two hemispheres. The Equator is crossed by many of the routes. Along the journey, there are modest signs and rock cairns that denote Latitude Zero. If you hire a guide, they will make certain to point it out to you.
The Equator is even marked by a renowned symbol. It’s on the highway just south of Nanyuki, which is nestled on the slopes of the mountain. Locals enjoy showing tourists how the water swirls differently when one foot is in the northern hemisphere and the other is in the southern hemisphere, Reasons why you should Climb Mount Kenya.
It’s a Faster Ascent
One disadvantage of ascending is the height, the higher you go, the more trouble you’re likely to encounter. Because Mount Kenya isn’t as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro, the hike is quicker and there are fewer acclimatization concerns. The expedition lasts anything from one to two days less than the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.
It’s Easier to Get To/ easy accessible
Fly into Nairobi if you wish to climb Mount Kenya. With Kenya’s simple visa requirements, most foreign visitors have little difficulty visiting the country. Following that, it’s only a 125-mile (200-kilometer) journey down asphalt roadways. By staying in Kenya, you’ll avoid a lot of the stress, delays, and costs associated with crossing the border into Tanzania.
Wildlife Diversity
Kenya’s rich wildlife is one of the things that makes it a unique destination. In this aspect, Mount Kenya does not disappoint. A National Park that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounds the top. The park is filled with elephants, birds, reptiles, and other animals due to a severe ban on hunting, logging, and building property. While there are fewer odds of seeing wildlife than on a safari, the chances are better than on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Conclusion, A hiking safari to Mount Kenya won’t be complete without a day trip or visit to one of the Kenya safari parks. Kenya is best known for its wildlife safaris, which can be experienced by game drives, walking safaris, or hot air balloon safaris. Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most well-known wildlife safari parks in Africa, not just in Kenya or East Africa. more alternatives and to increase your enjoyment and safari experience, go to Amboseli national park, where you will not only see larger herds of elephants but also the stunning scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kenya is only a few kilometers from Tanzania, making it simple to combine your tour safari package/itinerary with a visit to the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, or the white and beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. If your budget and time allow, head to Uganda and Rwanda for mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Combining hiking safaris in Kenya and Tanzania plus wildlife safaris, beach safaris, and gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda is one of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you will have and enjoy.
