Mount Kenya Climb - the true summit

Planned itinerary - Mount Kenya Climb

Day 1 - 2 • Arrival in Kenya 
Arrival by flight and transfer to hotel in Nairobi, bed & breakfast. Full day to relax, sightseeing in Nairobi (National Park, Bomas), last shopping (snacks, etc.) and climbing training in Lukenya, approx. 1 hour drive outside of Nairobi. In the evening dinner together with tour briefing and meeting of all group participants.

Day 3 - 5 • Trekking and acclimatization 
Together with the SummitClimb Mount Kenya Trekking Group, we will hike along the trekking route. On the way, mountain guides and participants of the climbing trip will discuss the ascent and practice the theoretical basics (belay techniques, commands).

Day 6 • Climbing on Mount Kenya
Winter: We hike up to Austrian Hut and from there we can climb Point Lenana (4985m). 
Summer: From Shipton's Camp we can do a training tour or try the ascent of Batian.

Day 7 • Mount Kenya ascent
today we plan to climb Batian (5199m). We get up early in the morning to be at the start of the route by the first sunlight. 
Winter: The ascent along the Nelion Normal Route begins easily, so we gain altitude quickly. Past MacKinder's Gendarme the key rope length is waiting for us, then we follow block terrain with two spots of UIAA 3rd degree of difficulty to the summit of Nelion (5189m). Before we traverse to Batian, we have to abseil into the Gate of the Mists and then climb up a third ridge to Batian (5199m). For the descent from Nelion we abseil over the Austrian rescue line.
Summer: The very first rope length offers a key passage (UIAA 4) and is the first challenge with numb fingers. After that it is easier to go through a couloir to the amphitheater (until then there is a significant risk of falling rocks), over Firmin's Tower to the west ridge. The ridge runs long past Shipton's Notch to the main summit of Batian (5199m). The descent is along the ascent route by abseiling and climbing down.

Day 8-9 • Descent
We plan to descend together with the trekking group, flight back home.

Preparation - Mount Kenya Climb

Requirements (Normal routes): Experience in belaying techniques, independent abseiling, and climbing skills up to UIAA grade IV (as a second) should be brought along for the ascent of Nelion / Batian. The routes are multi-pitch climbs at high altitudes around 5,000 m / 16,500 ft. The appropriate fitness is required.

Other climbs: For ascents of more demanding routes, we will be happy to advise you individually.

Endurance: An average physical condition and a strong will are sufficient to reach the summit of Point Lenana, and you will hike for a maximum of 6 hours a day (longer excursions optional) during the trekking. The summit day for Nelion / Batian involves an evaluation gain of approx. 1,000 meters / 3,300 feet, of which 400-500 meters (depending on route) climbing alpine rock. Generally, we pan with 2 hours for the approach to the base of the climb, 8 hours for the ascent, 6 hours for descent (total 16h summit day).

Kenya travel & Covid-19

• Test: You need a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before their travel to Kenya (children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement, as are airline crew on a layover)
• Vaccination / Certificate: Passengers who are aged 18 or over must have a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are considered valid by public health officials in Kenya.
  Travellers who are exempt from vaccination or who have recovered from COVID-19 in the preceding 90 days are exempt from this requirement; however, such persons must provide a letter from a medical practitioner confirming their exemption or recovery from COVID-19.
• Upload Documents: Travellers must upload their certificate of vaccination and negative PCR test certificate to https://globalhaven.org/ before boarding their flight
• All passengers irrespective of nationality and residency status shall be expected to fill in the travellers’ form (link) before travel.

• A random antigen test may be taken by port health officers on entry, depending on risk evaluation of the country of origin. Any person who tests positive will be directed to isolate at home (for Kenyan residents) or in a Ministry of Health designated facility (for non-Kenyan residents) for 10 days, at their own cost
• All passengers displaying flu-like symptoms on arrival, or who develop symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of arrival, may be placed into quarantine at home or at a government facility, at their own cost
• Any passengers testing positive will be required to take a PCR test and isolated awaiting results. If the PCR is positive, passengers will need to isolate for 10 days at Government of Kenya approved isolation facilities at their own cost, with a repeat PCR test on day 7

• All passengers departing Kenya will be required to show a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, unless they have a certificate of exemption from a medical practitioner. COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) are considered valid by public health officials in Kenya. You must have received a full dose of a WHO-approved vaccination. Under 18s are exempt from this requirement.
• Test: For the flight/rules of your home country we may have to take another PCR-test / antigen test before departure.
• Most countries require you to fill out an online arrival form before travel or entry.