How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kenya?
How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kenya? A great option if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that also presents a significant personal challenge is to climb Mount Kenya. This extraordinary mountain is frequently disregarded globally, but its recognition is rising for a good reason.
Getting ready to climb Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, is a serious undertaking. However, because of the variety of trails and knowledgeable guides, you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer. Where else can you find a rainforest, an alpine landscape, and breathtaking views all in one place? It is not an easy hike to the top of this peak.
Joining the approximately 15,000 people who successfully summit Mount Kenya each year is an enormous accomplishment. Don’t undervalue this magnificent African mountain, but by challenging yourself to go on an expedition like this, you’ll come out stronger and more confident. The choice of your route will play a significant role in your preparation for this mountain. To start planning, find out how long it takes to climb Mount Kenya by reading on!
PREPARING TO CLIMB MOUNT KENYA
If you’ve ever taken multi-day hikes up mountains, you know how important proper planning and preparation are. It’s crucial not to undervalue this mountain if it will be your first significant one.
Despite the thousands of hikers who attempt it every year, climbing Mount Kenya is still a difficult task that has challenges. You won’t want to rush this expedition, and you’ll need to take your fitness level and altitude acclimatization into consideration. If you are well prepared and plan ahead, you won’t be one of the thousands who failed to reach the summit.
CHOOSING THE BEST MOUNT KENYA ROUTE FOR YOU
It’s crucial to be practical when choosing a Mount Kenya climbing route. It will be exhausting to walk for several hours each day in both hot and cold weather, and you don’t want fatigue to put an end to your adventure.
Take into account the amount of time you have available for your trip, and keep in mind that you should budget at least one day for acclimatization. After finishing, you’ll probably want a day of rest, so allot some time for that.
Reaching the summit of Mount Kenya is not the only goal of the climb. You can plan your route based on the sights you’ll get to see to make the most of your time in this incredible park. A slower route like Chogoria might be ideal if you want an easier route with more wildlife and scenery. You can always take a quicker detour, like Naro Moru, to descend.
Naro Moru Trail
- Time: three to four days
One of Mount Kenya’s best-known trails is the Naro Moru route. The Naro Moru trail is popular with hikers because it is the quickest route to the summit of Point Lenana. Although it may sound appealing to spend one or two fewer days on the mountain, be cautious of your hiking capabilities. Only hikers with good fitness should use the Naro Moru trail, as it is very steep.
Numerous expeditions use another trail to ascend and the Naro Moru trail to quickly descend. By doing this, you can climb the mountain faster without having to take the difficult Naro Moru route.
Buruget Trail
- Time: three to seven days
The rarely used Buruget Trail is an option if you want to be in the wilderness, but a knowledgeable guide is essential. This trail can be very difficult but rewarding because it isn’t as well marked and spends a lot of time in a dense forest. A different route can be taken to descend the mountain after hiking this route to the summit at Point Lenana. The length of the hike will depend on the route you take; longer trails can require up to seven days in total.
Sirimon Trail
- Time: four to six days
Due to its more gradual ascent than Naro Moru, the Sirimon Trail has grown to be one of the most popular routes to the summit of Point Lenana. You can complete it in as little as four days, and there are dormitory huts for the nights.
Numerous hikers opt to ascend via the Sirimon Trail and descend via a different route. This could be either the slower Chogoria trail or the quicker Naro Moru trail. The hike may take a total of six days, depending on the route you take to return.
Chogoria Trail
- Time: four to six days
Despite being the longest, the Chogoria Trail is still a well-traveled route. Why? Because it is incredibly stunning. The Mount Kenya landscape can best be appreciated on this route, and you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife, from elephants to mongooses. This trail gradually climbs, and you can take a quicker route to descend.
CONCLUSION: TICK MOUNT KENYA OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST
Faster isn’t always better when scheduling time to ascend Mount Kenya. Although it is possible, it is not advised to ascend and descend in three days. Making time for acclimatization is important, but taking your time will frequently result in the best experiences.
It’s a good idea to allow yourself some extra time because you might want to spend a rest day in the park after your hike. Most hikers finish their ascents of Mount Kenya in four to six days. This gives you lots of time to slowly climb and take in the scenery.
It’s crucial that you travel with a knowledgeable guide when you plan your hike up Mount Kenya. Although this mountain is well-known, there are still risks there, so going with a guide will make your experience enjoyable and secure.
Check out our Kenya tours today to choose the right one for you if you can’t wait to see Mount Kenya for yourself. In order for you to concentrate on having an unforgettable experience, we provide expert Mount Kenya hikes using routes that suit your needs.
