Mt. Kenya's Traverse and High Peaks Circuit
Two Options on Mt. Kenya for Longer Treks and Alpine Adventure
May 28, 2009
Mt. Kenya can be climbed in a long weekend (albeit only by very fit hikers who are able to acclimate easily to high elevations). But this is a mountain of spectacular natural beauty, with an unparalleled combination of dramatic geologic features, unusual and striking vegetation, and wildlife. For those who love alpine adventure, the mountain offers a wealth of trails and routes beyond the quick up and down, and is well worth exploring in more detail.
The Chogoria – Naro Moru Traverse on Mt. Kenya
Perhaps the best way to experience the entire mountain is to climb it via the longer, more scenic Chogoria Route, then descend via the fast, more direct Naro Moru Route. The two routes join near the summit. This five-day itinerary offers several advantages:
- By climbing Mt. Kenya on the longer Chogoria Route, hikers minimize the chances of altitude sickness
- The Chogoria Route is one of the mountain’s most spectacular.
- Descending on the Naro Moru Route allows hikers to see the other side of the mountain, including the infamous vertical bog.
- At the end of the trek, hikers end up at the lovely Naro Moru Rover Lodge, where they can recover from the trek in a tranquil low-key resort complete with swimming pool and sauna.
Note that the "summit" reached by most trekkers on Mt. Kenya is Point Lenana, the mountain's third-highest peak, at 16,350 feet. The twin peaks of Batian and Nelion (elevations 17,053 and 17,017 feet, respectively) are accessible only to rock climbers using technical equipment.
Mt. Kenya’s High Peaks Circuit
The combined forces of volcanism and erosion have sculpted a fantastical landscape at the top of Mt. Kenya. A circuit winds its way around the summit cone, past uncountable smaller peaks, protrusions, outcroppings, and moraines. Averaging between 14,000 and 15,000 feet, the High Peaks Circuit reveals the less-visited side of Mt. Kenya. Hikers are unlikely to run into other trekkers on this route. Do note, however, that the Kenya Mountain Club huts on the Circuit are reserved for members only, unless it is an emergency.
From the Chogoria side, the trail to the High Peaks Circuit begins just after Mintos Tarn, and goes counterclockwise around the summit cone. It joins the Naro Moru Route on the other side of the mountain, and then ascends to Austria Hut, near the summit of Point Lenana (the peak that is the most common goal for trekkers on the mountain).
Hikers on the High Peaks Circuit should have excellent navigation skills, and should check a weather forecast, because storms can obscure the route. Hiking the Circuit adds an extra two or three days to a climb of Mt. Kenya, depending on the pace. For hikers contemplating a subsequent climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro, this route offers excellent acclimatization, because it keeps hikers at 14,000 feet for a few days.
Hikers on the High Peaks Circuit can return the way they came, or can combine the Circuit with the Chogoria – Naro Moru Traverse. And, for those who gain this much experience of the mountain and find themselves hungry for more: not to worry. There are many more trails to explore.
For more information on climbing Mt. Kenya, including routes and gear, see: Resources for Travel in East Africa.
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