Climbing Nelion peak, the Second highest summit on Mount Kenya at 5,188m (17021ft). Tackling the peak it is in condition from December – Mid March. The climb usually starts from Austrian Hut base camp at 4,790m above sea level.
The climb involves one long day with 18 solo pitches in about 8 hours for well acclamatized and swift climbers. From the base of the start which is at an altitude of 4,850 meters, the vertical length is about 400m with most of the climb not exceeding grade III.
After summiting Nelion, one can cross along Gate of Mists [Grade IV] to Batian peak at 5,199m in another 3 hours, though sometimes is difficult because of snow or ice while on transverse. If darkness reaches you whilst on way back, making a bivouac at Howell’s hut is highly possible and decent next day. Equipping with you, sleeping bag, ice axe and crampons are recommended.
Though our our technical guide leads, it is important to be completely familiar with rope work, abseiling, belaying and all associated rock climbing skills and right gear.
Hiking up via Naromoru route is one of the most less popular Mt Kenya hiking climbing route though the shortest approaching the peaks. The route offers trekkers with the chance to see wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks etc. Trekking trail is graded as difficult to non seasoned hikers from its incline reaching base camp.
At Spiky Tours, we provide technically qualified and experienced technical guides, porters service support, transports to hotel bookings. Discuss with us for a comfortable solution and itineraries that will suit you on this real life adventure.
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Leave your hotel hotel or residence on an early morning and drive via the great northern highway passing towards the central Kenya arriving at Naromoru town for lunch. It is from this place you will meet the rest of your climbing crew(porters) and continue to Entrance point. Check in the entry formalities and start your hike to Met station. The hike takes 3 hours on a tarmac road through tropical rain forest with high chances of spotting wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Altitude gain from Nairobi; 1,500m.
Hiking Distance; 10km.
After having breakfast, leave your camp at around 7.30 am trekking up hill in the forest to alpine moorland vegetation along the wide Teleki valley filled with vertical bogs, gaiters are recommended. Arrive Mackinders Camp in 5-6 hours. Lunch will have been packed for you.
Altitude gain;1000 m. Dinner and Overnight at the Camp.
Hiking Distance; 10km
After late breakfast and packing, leave camp trekking on an inclined sandy hill arriving to Austrian Hut in 2.5 hours. Along the walk the mountain showcases it’s beauty and magnificent point John, Nelion and Batian peaks. After lunch, make an acclimatization to point Lenana and back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Have an early breakfast at around 0430 hours, pack you gears and head out in the dark crossing Lewis Glacier up to the base of Nelion, which normally takes 2 hours walk. Start your climb at 7:00 am, arriving Nelion peak (5,188m) at around 1:00 pm. Traverse the Gate of Mist if possible to Batian summit. At this point, you are now at the highest summit in Kenya and second highest in African continent. After photos and celebrating, start the abseil back to Austrian Hut. Have something hot, meals and tea and make a descent to Mackinders camp for overnight.
After breakfast, leave the camp hiking down reaching Met station in about 4 hours. Meet our awaiting vehicle transfering you back to Nairobi or onward destination.
END OF THE TRIP
