An exotic technical african climb

Mt Kenya

Mt Kenya is an extinct volcano with jagged peaks rising to 5,199m/17,057ft. It has three main peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana Peak. Batian and Nelion are permanently iced with snow and small glaciers, and home to an array of technical alpine climbs.

We offer technical guided ascents on the high peaks of Batian or Nelion as well as an accompanying trek for non-climbing friends and family on Lenana Peak.

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Difficulty Level Very High ?
Fitness Level Medium ?
Duration 10 days
Elevation 5,199M / 17,057FT
Large view

Stunning ridgelines - Guy Cotter

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Contemplating the interesting and technical climb ahead - Jon Bracey

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Working our way up past Austria Hut - Jon Bracey

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Picking the trail downwards with the African continent stretching out below - Jon Bracey

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Mount Kenya - Guy Cotter

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MacKinders Camp - Suze Kelly

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The trail takes trekkers and climbers through spectacular landscapes - Suze Kelly

From January to December
Departs from Nairobi, Kenya
RATIOS 10 DAYS
Nelion or Batian Peak 1:1 Ratio POA
Nelion or Batian Peak 1:2 Ratio POA
Lenana Peak Support Trekker POA
  • Overview

    • Second highest peak in Africa
    • An exciting pre-climb to Mount Kilimanjaro or an adventure on its own
    • Features a smorgasbord of African culture and scenery


    Located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around 150km/95 miles north-northeast of Nairobi, Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano with jagged peaks rising to 5,199m/17,057ft.

    The peaks deliver lively contrast to the equatorial terrain on the approach. To take advantage of conditions, the suggest climbing Batian in June and Nelion in December or January, with departures being arranged to suit your itinerary. An accompanying trek is available for non-climbing friends and family to the neighbouring Lenana Peak as part of your departures.

    The journey through the forest and moorland is for many the highlight of our Mount Kenya Private Expeditions. Here you will be intrigued by the exotic equatorial flora and transition zones from wetland to heather and alpine zones. We intentionally traverse the National Park on our trek to and away from the mountain, to ensure new terrain each day with the ascent of Mount Kenya being the geographical highlight in the middle of the journey.

    This expedition features a smorgasbord of African culture and scenery, providing a fabulous excuse to visit this wild continent.

  • Why AC?

    Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.

    We employ strong and specialised Expedition Leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.

    Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.

  • Payment Conditions

    Inclusions

    The Mount Kenya Expedition fee, ex Nairobi, is inclusive and covers the following:

    • Adventure Consultants mountain guide
    • All expedition organisational requirements
    • Airport transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the hotel, when arriving/departing on scheduled arrival date
    • Hotel in Nairobi within expedition dates, based on shared rooms (single room supplement available for extra fee) including dinner and breakfast
    • All lodging and food while on the trek/climb
    • Group climbing equipment, food, tents and fuel in Kenya region
    • Transport to and from the National Park
    • Porters, drivers, park fees and climbing permits


    Exclusions

    • Personal clothing and equipment
    • Entry visa for Kenya
    • Airport transfers not on scheduled arrival/departure dates
    • Travel/trip cancellation/medical evacuation insurance or any rescue costs
    • Extra hotel costs if the team descend early from the mountain
    • Any costs associated with early departure from the expedition
    • International round-trip travel costs to and from Kenya
    • Spending on personal items such as gifts etc.                                                                      
    • International vaccinations
    • Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
    • Bottled beverages
    • Laundry
    • Tips and gratuity (tipping contribution approximately US$550 in total for the local staff)
    • Transport to Arusha, entry visa for Tanzania and meals on transit day between Nairobi and Arusha if continuing on to Kilimanjaro

    Account Information

    All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:

    Bank of New Zealand
    Offshore Branch
    42 Willis Street
    Spark Central
    Wellington
    New Zealand

    for the account of

    Adventure Consultants Limited

    Account # 1000-594771-0000
    Account type: US Dollars

    We can accept your deposit and balance payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex) plus a 3% credit card transaction charge.

    Deposit

    A non-refundable deposit of US$2,000 is payable to secure a place on the Batian Peak or Nelion Peak climbing expedition.

    Balance

    The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy

    Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition trek member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:

    • Cancellations outside of 90 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit.
    • For cancellations made within 90 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment.
    • For cancellations within 60 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.
  • Trip Notes

    Mount Kenya Undated Trip Notes CoverThe Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Mount Kenya Private Expeditions.

    You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:

    Mount Kenya Private Expeditions Trip Notes

    Team Membership

    Batian Peak and Nelion Peak are guided at a 1:1 or 2:2 ratio (two climbers joining together) with qualified Adventure Consultants mountain guides.

    For Lenana Peak the team will have a minimum size of 4 members and 1 guide and a maximum size of 12 members and 1 guide. Local Kenyan trekking guides also accompany the expedition along with cooks and porters.

    Our Guides

    The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders have extensive experience and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.

    Head Office Support Team

    Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.

    Hayley Furze Profile April 17Hayley Furze, Client Liaison

    Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.

     

    Staff Photo

    Your Health

    Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you ensure you're fit and ready for your ascent.

    Difficulty Rating

    Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.

    History

    The missionary Johann Ludwig Krapf was the first European to report a sighting of Mount Kenya, in 1849. The first recorded ascent of Mount Kenya was made by Halford Mackinder, C. Ollier and J. Brocherel in 1899. The lower summit, Nelion was first climbed by Eric Shipton in 1929, and Shipton and Bill Tilman completed the traverse of the ridge between the two highest peaks. Point Lenana can be reached by an easy hiking trail.

    Food

    Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirement.

    Clothing & Equipment

    Adventure Consultants will supply all group gear (e.g. tents, stoves, utensils etc) whilst expedition members are to provide their own personal clothing, day pack, duffel bag, footwear, climbing harness and sleeping bag. An equipment list will be provided to expedition members upon confirmation of your participation.

    Climbing Season

    Kenya enjoys an equatorial climate with average annual temperatures of about 26 C. There are two rainy seasons on the mountain from April-June and October-December. The mountain is an important water catchment area and many rivers such as the Naro Moru emerge from the melting glaciers.

    Communication & Messages

    To safeguard members of the expedition we will be carrying a satellite telephone. We require expedition members to carry additional insurance for evacuation and repatriation as well as normal travel medical expenses. We will provide you with expedition insurance advice.

    Safari

    After climbing Mt Kenya, we highly recommend making the most of your Kenyan visit by adding on an unforgettable safari. There are numerous options including the infamous Masai Mara National Park that borders with the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Amboseli National Park located at the foot of Kilimanjaro and Samburu National Park and Lake Nakuru. We can easily arrange anything from a day safari through to a longer itinerary, if you are lucky enough to have time up your sleeve.

  • Itinerary

    Day  
    1 Arrive Nairobi, transfer to hotel.
    2 Drive to Naro Moru, overnight hotel.
    3 Drive through Chogoria National Park Gate, 2-hour trek to Meru Bandas (2,950m/9,680ft).
    4 Trek to Lake Ellis (3,600m/11,880ft), camp.
    5 Trek to Mintos Camp (4,200m/13,860ft).
    6 Lenana Peak Summit Day (4,985m/16,355ft), overnight Shiptons Camp (4,200m/13,800ft).
    7 Batian Peak Summit Day (5,188m/17,020m), overnight Shiptons Camp.
    8 Contingency day, overnight Shiptons Camp.
    9 Descend to Old Moses Camp (3,300m/10,800ft).
    10 Descend to Sirimon Gate, return to Nairobi. Mount Kenya expedition ends.
    (11) Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

    Detailed Itinerary

    Day  
    1

    Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and transfer to hotel. We have an evening team meeting, meal and gear checks.

    2

    We leave Nairobi mid-morning, passing through the Kikuyu countryside to the Naro Moru Township. Here we will meet the team of porters and cooks and later do some shopping before being transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

    3

    Today we drive to the Chogoria National Park Gate for registration formalities before continuing further along a 4WD track through bamboo forest. Leaving the vehicle, we hike the last couple of hours to reach Meru Bandas (2,950m/9,680ft), where we eat dinner and spend our first night on the trail.

    4

    A hearty breakfast sets us up for another day’s trekking as we set off up the mountain again. Today we enjoy picturesque views of the peaks of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table as we make our way to our secluded campsite at Lake Ellis (3,600m/11,880ft). Here we set up camp, dinner and overnight.

    5

    Another early start as we begin climbing upwards, accompanied by breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and the Northern Moorlands. We follow a broad ridge to today’s objective of Mintos Camp (4,200m/13,860ft), where we stage ourselves for our climb of Lenana Peak (4,985m/16,355ft).

    6

    From Mintos Camp, we continue west to a flat area known as Temple Fields. Here we climb a steep scree slope, passing interesting rock towers on our way to climb Lenana Peak (4,985m/16,355ft). We reach the summit for sunrise before descending to Shiptons Camp (4,200m/13,800ft) for the night.

    7

    Very early in the morning, we will set off on our summit attempt of Batian Peak, Mount Kenya’s highest peak. The North Face standard route takes about 10 hours of interesting climbing, never too difficult, and after summiting Batian (5,199m/17,057ft), we descend back down to Shiptons Camp for the night.

    8

    A spare day for weather contingency or climbing/hiking day in the local environs. Overnight at Shiptons Camp.

    9

    We descend down through Mackinders Valley, passing the magnificent ‘Picnic Rocks’ and enjoying panoramic views back up to the peaks we have just climbed. The track crosses Liki North and descends through moorland before crossing the Ontulili River to Old Moses Camp (formally known as Judmier Camp, 3,300m/10,800ft).

    10

    We are now on the home stretch, leaving Old Moses Camp and descending through heathland and then forest to the Sirimon Gate park entrance at 2,440m/8,000ft. From here we will connect with our vehicle to transfer back to Nairobi. Mount Kenya expedition ends. 

    (11) Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…
    Day  
    1 Arrive Nairobi. Transfer to hotel.
    2 Drive to Naro Moru, overnight hotel.
    3 Drive through Chogoria National Park Gate, 2-hour trek to Meru Bandas (2,950m/9,680ft).
    4 Trek to Lake Ellis (3,600m/11,880ft), camp.
    5 Trek to Mintos Camp (4,200m/13,860ft).
    6 Lenana Peak Summit Day (4,985m/16,355ft), overnight Austrian Hut (4,700m/15,400ft).
    7 Nelion Peak Summit Day (5,188m/17,020m), descend to Austrian Hut.
    8 Contingency day, overnight Austrian Hut.
    9 Descend to Met Station Hut (3,000m/9,850ft).
    10 Descend to Naru Moru Gate, return to Nairobi. Mount Kenya expedition ends.
    (11) Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

    Detailed Itinerary

     Day  

    Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and transfer to hotel. We have an evening team meeting, meal and gear checks.

    We leave Nairobi mid-morning, passing through the Kikuyu countryside to the Naro Moru Township. Here we will meet the team of porters and cooks and later do some shopping before being transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

    Today we drive to the Chogoria National Park Gate for registration formalities before continuing further along a 4WD track through bamboo forest. Leaving the vehicle, we hike the last couple of hours to reach Meru Bandas (2,950m/9,680ft), where we eat dinner and spend our first night on the trail.

    A hearty breakfast sets us up for another day’s trekking as we set off up the mountain again. Today we enjoy picturesque views of the peaks of Mugi, Ithanguni and the Giants Billiards Table as we make our way to our secluded campsite at Lake Ellis (3,600m/11,880ft). Here we set up camp, dinner and overnight.

    Another early start as we begin climbing upwards, accompanied by breathtaking views over the Gorges Valley and the Northern Moorlands. We follow a broad ridge to today’s objective of Mintos Camp (4,200m/13,860ft), where we stage ourselves for our climb of Lenana Peak (4,985m/16,355ft).

    From Mintos Camp, we continue west to a flat area known as Temple Fields. Here we climb a steep scree slope to Tooth Col, passing between several rock towers to Austrian Hut (4,700m/15,400ft). We continue on to climb Lenana Peak for sunrise before descending again to Austrian Hut.

    Early in the morning, we will start the climb of Nelion Peak with the intention of reaching the crux of the climb at dawn. The ascent involves multi-pitch climbing up to American 5.9 grade with long scrambling sections between the harder pitches. At the end of the day, we rappel and scramble back down the route to Austrian Hut.

    A spare day for weather contingency or climbing/hiking in the local environs. Overnight at Austrian Hut.

    We begin our descent, passing Mackinders Camp and the marshy bog of the lower moorlands. Reaching the edge of the forest indicates we are nearly at Met Station Hut (3,000m/9,850ft) for our final night on the mountain.

    10 We descend through the forest and bamboo to Naru Moru Gate, from where we catch a 4x4 transfer back to Nairobi. Mount Kenya expedition ends.
    (11) Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…
  • Add Ons

    Summit TeamOur Mount Kenya and Lenana Peak Trek departures can be timed to work as a perfect pre-acclimatisation trip for a private Kilimanjaro expedition. Either trip being an ideal preparation before moving directly on to summit the highest peak on the African continent.

    Please contact our office for more information about combining the two trips.

     

    Kenya aqs cheetah 2After your trip we highly recommend making the most of your Kenyan visit by adding on an unforgettable safari. There are numerous options including the infamous Masai Mara National Park that borders with the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Amboseli National Park located at the foot of Kilimanjaro and Samburu National Park and Lake Nakuru. We can easily arrange anything from a day safari through to a longer itinerary if you are lucky enough to have time up your sleeve.

    Please contact our office for more information.

    Uganda Hayley Furze 2Experience the exhilaration, the excitement and the poignancy of an encounter with gorillas in their natural habitat. Our three-day Add-On to your African adventure takes you to the slopes of the Rwandan mountains, home to one of the few remaining troops of the endangered mountain gorilla. 

    Check out our Rwanda Gorilla Trek page for more information and contact us to book this once-in-a-lifetime experience today!

  • Travel & Rescue Insurance

    Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:

    • Travel insurance including trip interruption and cancellation cover
    • Medical Evacuation and Rescue Insurance


    For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.

  • FAQ

    • Expedition Documentation

      The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our Mount Kenya trips. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!

      info@adventure.co.nz
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

      Please note you will be emailed a set of Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.

    • The Route

      What is the difference between the various routes on the mountain?
      Mount Kenya has three main peaks. The highest and most difficult is Batian at 5,199m/17,058ft, followed by Nelion at 5,188m/17,020m and lastly Lenana Peak (4,985m/16,354ft). Both Batian and Nelion are technical multipitch ascents, whereas Lenana is a straightforward trekking route.

      What is the best time of the year to go?
      As the peak is equatorial, the two technical routes have opposite seasons; Batian is climbed in June and Nelion in December/January. Lenana Peak can be trekked at any time of year, however the best months are June–September or December-February to avoid the rainy seasons.

      What are the skills/prior experience required for Mount Kenya?
      The peaks of Batian and Nelion are challenging multi-pitch climbs (Grade 5.9/AU17) that require competence in rope-management, belay techniques, rappelling/abseiling etc. Summit day can be long and cold, but very rewarding, especially when the sun comes up! Lenana Peak is a non-technical climb suitable for trekking groups.

      How long is a typical day on the mountain?
      Most days are between 4–6 hours longer, with summit day in the region of 10–12 hours.

    • Safari

      There are so many safari options to choose from after my climb, can you offer me some recommendations?
      You are right, there is A LOT to choose from, and seeing as your trip may be a once in a lifetime experience we want to make sure you see everything you want to. Visit the world-renowned Masai Mara, be astounded by the sight of millions of flamingoes at the Lake Nakuru bird sanctuary or spot Zebra in the Samburu Park. There are plenty of lodges and remote tented camps to choose from and the ones we visit come from extensive research. We feel that our selections are top quality and offer the best from the variety to choose from. Contact our office for specific details about the safari accommodation options.

      Where are the best locations to enjoy a safari in Kenya?
      Kenya offers an extensive array of safari locations from the magnificent Masai Mara National Park and Hell's Gate National Park, to the little known Crescent Island Game Sanctuary located on Lake Naivasha. Consider the Amboseli National Park on the Kenyan/Tanzanian border, from where you can take in views of Kilimanjaro.

      What are the accommodations like on the safari?
      World class. Walled tents with actual running water, outdoor showers and when we stay in lodges, huge sitting rooms with windows to watch the sunsets from. Food is second to none with the lodges serving 5 course meals and excellent service!

      What are the days like on safari?
      Typically an early start and you can expect 4-7 hours in a Landcruiser, stopping frequently for photos and to watch the amazing wildlife in their daily routine. You will arrive at your tented camp lodge where a welcome drink is usually served, followed by free time in which to freshen up before sundowner drinks and dinner. After a sumptuous breakfast the next day, you start all over again!

    • Food, Accommodation & Facilities

      What sort of hotels do we stay at in the city?
      Typically we stay at a 4-star hotel in Nairobi. Each year we strive to make sure that the hotels we choose maintain their level of customer service and quality. Please contact our office for further details.

      Will I be sharing a tent or room with other climbers? Is there a single room option on this trip?
      On our Lenana Peak Treks, the Nairobi hotel nights are on a twin share basis. There is the option for a single hotel room and/or mountain tent supplement, please contact our office for details. As our Nelion and Batian Peak expeditions are run on 1:1 guide to client ratio, you will enjoy a single room. On the mountain, you will generally either be sharing a tent with one other member or be in hut sharing a dormitory.

      Would you let us know what food will be available?
      If you have any special treat you like, we encourage you to bring some along. You’ll get breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks, and ample hot and cold drinks. We can cater for vegetarians as well as many other special diets as long as we are informed of this prior to the trip. All of our expeditions provide excellent local and western food! Our food is rated so highly that our guides are frequently seen chasing guides and clients from other expeditions out of our mess tents!

      What is the food like?
      Our well-trained cooks prepare high quality ‘Western’ food as well as popular local dishes. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form. We are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.

    • Travel

      Are there any entry or visa requirements?
      Please do check this with your travel agent prior to travelling. For some nationalities, it is required that you have your Kenyan visa issued prior to arrival and for others, this can be issued on arrival.

      What time should I arrive and where do I meet my guides?
      Please plan to fly into Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO). Typically we will arrange an airport transfer to bring you to the hotel. Prior to your trip, our office will send you a final details letter including hotel information, details on your guide and pertinent last minute information.

      What if I arrive early or depart late?
      We ask that you try to arrive on time, so early is great! This will allow your bags to catch up with you if they are delayed for any reason. If you do arrive early, we will be happy to help you with your hotel arrangements and additional transfers. The same goes for departing later, contact the office for details.

      I would like to also visit Zanzibar after my climb, is this possible?
      Of course it is! We highly recommend it! From the spice market in Stone Town to the beautiful eastern coast of the island, the 1 hour 15 flight from Nairobi transports you to this African beach destination. We can arrange your schedule to either go out after a safari or head out to the island straight after your climb. Our office is more than happy to provide advice on this magnificent holiday location.

    • Clothing & Equipment

      How heavy will my pack be?
      Typically up to 40lbs (18kgs) and each day, you will be carrying water, snacks, other essential items and any layers you will need for the day. Porters will carry the bulk of your equipment and clothing.

      Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
      Yes, you will be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration form and deposit. We do also have a dedicated equipment coordinator who is happy to provide advice and answers to any questions you may have.

      Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
      Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared and you must bring everything on the list. We can also assist in arranging the rental of particular items, so do let your client liaison know if you are interested in exploring this option.

      How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
      You will require a sleeping bag warm enough for you in conditions that can be between -5˚C and -10˚C. We highly recommend buying a sleeping roomy enough to allow you to wear some clothes inside, if it is especially cold.

    • Guides & Team Members

      How many climbers will be on this expedition?
      The technical peaks of Batian and Nelion are only guided on a 1:1 ratio. Trekking groups generally have between 4-12 members.

      Can I contact the guide for this expedition?
      Of course! The closer you get to your trip, please contact the office as we are happy to pass on your contact details to the guide.

      How much should I tip my guide staff?
      Tipping is mandatory and standard practice across the board for your guides, porters and camp staff on the mountain. An indication of the suggested total will be given in your Reference Notes. As final amounts are dependent on your group size and the number of local staff employed, further information will be sent in your final details letter 2-3 weeks prior to your departure.

    • Health & Fitness

      What is the conditioning level needed for this climb?
      Climbers and trekkers on Mt Kenya should have a high level of cardiovascular fitness, and be able to carry a 18kg/40lb pack for up to six hours on consecutive days and about 10-12 hours on summit day.

      Do I really need to get a yellow fever vaccination?
      Vaccination is recommended as yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Kenya, including near to Mt Kenya itself. The government of Kenya also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Vaccination is recommended by Adventure Consultants given that the advice changes frequently and you never know what the Kenyan official's stand point on any given day will be. Please talk to your doctor prior to travelling.

      How do I know this is the right trip for me?
      We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.

    • Communication & Electronic Devices

      Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
      Yes, our expedition guides take sateliite phones and you are welcome to use these at a cost of US$3 per minute .

      I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
      Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

      Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc available throughout the trek? What voltage requirements?
      We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our treks and expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter type car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras, they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office.

    • Insurance

      What insurance do we need to get?
      In addition to evacuation and medical insurance, we recommend that all our expedition members buy trip cancellation insurance upon sign up for the expedition. We also highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover trip interruption, baggage loss, damage or theft, delayed flights or other such incidents that may occur during your trip. Contact us or check out our expedition insurance advice here.

      Do I need evacuation insurance?
      Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.

      Who do you recommend for insurance?
      You will be sent information specific to your expedition as part of your welcome package and requirements differ depending on where you are travelling and your home location, so be sure to discuss cover with your Client Liaison before purchasing a policy.

      What is trip cancellation insurance?
      Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all expeditions. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (e.g. minimum numbers are not reached) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.

    • Fees & Payments

      How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
      Usually members are really excited to purchase local artisan crafts and most of the places that sell such items don’t take credit cards. There are cash machines in town, although these are not always reliable, and in the villages cash is king! Most get by with US $400-800 for gifts and additional expenses.

      Can I pay by credit card?
      We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.

      What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
      Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international airfare.

      Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
      Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.

      What is your cancellation policy? Refund policy?
      You can read the cancellation policy in the 'Payment Conditions' above.

      How do I sign up for a trip?
      The best way to reserve your space on the trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.

      info@adventure.co.nz
      NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)

    • Safety

      Is Africa safe? Is the area around Mt Kenya safe?
      With any overseas travel, it is important to know your surroundings and the situation on the ground. Given Mt Kenya's remoteness, it does not attract the level of crime that one may see in urban areas of Kenya. We work hard with our local outfitters to assure that local situations, if any, are closely monitored to ensure our safety. We always suggest that you contact your consulate before travelling to check on any travel advisories.

  • Dispatches

Book Now

Matterhorn1

AC provides wonderful adventures for their clients and supplies highly trained guides to carry them out.
Matterhorn 2014

Sam Prentice
Australia
Steve Moffat dude climbing

The AC office were very responsive, good at prompting the next step required with clear and concise information that minimised any miscommunication. I have a high level on confidence in that AC have your best interest in every decision made!
Mt Aspiring, 2016

Sharon Camac
Australia


Latest News

May 29, 2023
We are thrilled to report that the AC Everest team topped out on Mount Everest on 23 May 2023!  Congratulations to the team....
May 24, 2023
We've just heard news from Base Camp that Anna and Pemba Chewang are on the summit of Lhotse at 8.40am, Nepal time. Congratulations!......
May 17, 2023
We left Chhukung, swiftly walking down the valley, and reached the village of Dingboche. At Dingboche our paths split, with Todd Woodhouse and Karl heading away with Tshering for the next seven days.....
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