Mount Kenya Lenana Peak Trek

• On Demand

• Overview

  • Explore the wilderness of Mount Kenya National Park
  • Ideal acclimatisation trek prior to an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Combine with a safari for the full African experience

  
  Lenana Peak lies deep within Mount Kenya National Park and is one of three peaks that form the extinct volcano of Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain. At 4,985m (16,355ft) Lenana Peak sits just below the two highest points of the mountain, Batian Peak (5,199m/17,058ft) and Nelion Peak (5,188m/17,020ft), both of which are home to a variety of technically difficult alpine climbing routes. In contrast, Lenana is an achievable trek and offers a stimulating journey through forest and moorland, abundant with exotic equatorial flora and fauna. There are two routes that can be taken to trek to Lenana Peak, the Nelion Route and the Bation Route, both of which intentionally traverse the national park allowing for steady acclimatisation on the approach to the mountain and ensuring a variety of new terrain each day, with the ascent of Lenana Peak the highlight in the middle of the journey.

  We offer two scheduled departures for the Lenana Peak Trek, one on each route option. These trips accompany our Mount Kenya climbing teams and are timed to immediately precede our Kilimanjaro expeditions as a pre-acclimatisation option. We also offer private on demand departures throughout the year, simply talk to us about the dates that best suit your group. Lenana Peak offers straightforward trekking routes and is an exciting pre-acclimatisation option to our Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, an adventure on its own or combine with a safari to complete your African Adventure!

• 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 and trekkers 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 in operating with small teams, with the best back-up and support available. This includes ample quantities of nutritious 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.

• Dates & Prices

  Scheduled Departures

  In addition to our on-demand throughout the year, we have two scheduled treks which accompany our Mount Kenya Expedition teams:

  Dates 2019

  • TRIP 1: December 28, 2018 - January 5, 2019 (Accompanies the Mount Kenya Nelion Peak Expedition)   MISSED IT!
  • TRIP 2: June 28 - July 6, 2019 (Accompanies the Mount Kenya Batian Peak Expedition)

  
  Dates 2020

  • TRIP 1: December 27, 2019 - January 4, 2020 (Accompanies the Mount Kenya Nelion Peak Expedition)
  • TRIP 2: June 26 - July 4, 2020 (Accompanies the Mount Kenya Batian Peak Expedition)

  
  Pricing Schedule 2019/20

  The cost of the Mount Kenya Lenana Peak Trek ex Nairobi, Kenya is:

  US$4,800 per person (minimum 6 team members)
  US$5,950 per person (minimum 4 team members)

• Payment Conditions

  • Inclusions & Exclusions
  • Payment Details

  Inclusions

  The price of your trip includes the following:

  • Adventure Consultants guide
  • All expedition organisational requirements
  • Airport transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to 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
  • Group equipment, food, tents and fuel in Kenya region
  • Transport to and from the national park
  • Porters, drivers, park fees and climbing permits

  
  Exclusions

  The expedition does not include:

  • 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
  • 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
  1 Willis Street
  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$500 is payable to secure a place on the Lenana Peak Trek.

  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 89 - 60 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment.
  • For cancellations within 59 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.

• Trip Notes

  • Trip Notes
  • The Team
  • Health & Fitness
  • More...

  The Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Lenana Peak Treks.

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

  Lenana Peak Trek Trip Notes 2019

  Lenana Peak Trek Trip Notes 2020

  Team Membership

  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 trek 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.

  Tiffany Shervell, Client Liaison
  
  Tiffany has worked with Adventure Consultants since 2005 and is our Office Manager and Marketing Assistant. She has a passion for travel and adventure that has seen her work and travel throughout the world, including visiting Tanzania with AC.
  
  

  
  

  Your Health

  Trek 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 trek 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 trek.

  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 trek members are to provide their own personal clothing, day pack, duffel bag, footwear and sleeping bag. An equipment list will be provided to team members upon confirmation of your participation.

  Trekking 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. Treks can be scheduled on demand throughout the year.

  Communication & Messages

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

  Safari

  After your trek 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

  • Map
  • Batian Route
  • Nelion Route

  Day
  1	Arrive Nairobi, transfer to hotel.
  2	Drive to Naro Moru. Overnight hotel.
  3	Drive to Sirimon Gate (2,440m/8,000ft). 4 hour trek to Old Moses Camp (3,300m/10,800ft).
  4	Trek to Shipton Camp (4,200m/13,800ft).
  5	Rest/acclimatisation day.
  6	Batian Peak Summit Day (5,199m/17,057ft). Overnight Howell's Hut.
  7	Optional Lenana Peak Summit Day (4,985m/16,355ft) / Contingency Day. Descend to Austrian Hut (4,700m/15,400ft).
  8	Descend to Meru Bandas Hut (2,950m/9,680ft).
  9	Descend to end of forest, return to Nairobi.
  (10)	Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

  Detailed Itinerary

  Day
  1	Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Transfer to hotel. Evening team meeting, meal and gear checks.
  2	Leave the hotel in the mid-morning passing through the Kikuyu countryside, past the equator and into the town of Naro Moru. The town has one of the most beautiful views of the mountain and is a hub for trekkers climbing the Sirimon Route. Here we will meet our team of porters and cooks. There is an opportunity to do some shopping before being transferred to the hotel for dinner and the night.
  3	Leave Naro Moru and drive about an hour to the Sirimon Gate (park entrance) at 2,440m/8,000ft. From the gate we start the trek, following the track as it winds its way uphill through the forest which becomes heathland after about three hours. After another four hours, we arrive at the Old Moses Camp, formally known as Judmier Camp, at 3,300m/10,800ft for dinner and the night.
  4	We continue trekking upwards and after an hour from Old Moses Camp. The track crosses the Ontulili River then contours through the moorland and crosses Liki North before continuing up to Mackinder’s Valley. From here there are stunning panoramic views up the valley towards the main peaks of Mt Kenya. As we go through Mackinder’s Valley, we will stop for lunch at the magnificent 'picnic rocks' and then stay at the Shipton Camp (4,200m/13,800ft).
  5	We spend the day acclimatising and enjoy a hike to hike to Kami Hut, then down to Hausberg Lakes and back to the Shipton Camp for dinner.
  6	Very early in the morning (around 3am) we will set off on the Lenana Peak summit, arriving in time for sunrise and magnificent views of the nearby peaks of Batian and Nelion, and maybe even Kilimanjaro to the south.
  7	A spare day for weather contingency. Continue down to the Austrian Hut (4,700m/15,400ft).
  8	After breakfast at Austrian Hut, we descend down to Mintos Hut where we have time for a stop to check out the beautiful 'Gorges Valley' and the array of tarns. We continue down to Meru Bandas Hut (2,950m/9,680ft) for the night.
  9	Descend another 2 hours to the end of the forest and catch a 4x4 transfer vehicle back to Chogoria Village, where we connect with our transfer vehicle back to Nairobi. Stand-alone Mt Kenya trip ends.
  (10)	Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

  Day
  1	Arrive Nairobi. Transfer to hotel.
  2	Drive to Narumoru. Overnight hotel.
  3	Transfer to Narumoru Park Gate. Trek to Met Station (3,000m/9,850ft)
  4	Trek to Mackinder's Camp (4,200m/13,800ft).
  5	Trek to Austrian Hut (4,700m/15,400ft).
  6	Nelion Peak Summit Day (5,188m/17,020m) Descend to Austrian Hut.
  7	Contingency Day/Optional Lenana Peak Summit Day (4,985m/6,355ft).
  8	Descend to Meru Bandas Hut (2,950m/9,680ft).
  9	Descend to end of forest, return to Nairobi.
  (10)	Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

  Detailed Itinerary

  Day
  1	Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Transfer to hotel. Evening team meeting, meal and gear checks.
  2	We leave Nairobi in the mid-morning passing through the Kikuyu country to Narumoru 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 transfer to Narumoru Park Gate for registration at the start of the hike on the crest of a broad ridge between the Northern and Southern Naromoru Valleys. The going is easy and it’s pleasant walking through the forest. About two-thirds of the way up, there are good views down into the Northern Naromoru Valley. The day's trek ends at Met station (3,000m/9,850ft). Dinner and overnight. 3-4 hrs, 10km, 400m ascent.
  4	From the Met Station Camp we travel through the forest and exit into open moorland. This is the notorious ‘vertical bog’ where traveling conditions range from damp to glutinous, depending on when it last rained. The going improves and we reach a fork overlooking Teleki Valley, arriving soon at Mackinder’s Camp at 4,200m/13,800ft. Dinner and overnight at Mackinder’s Camp. 5-6 hrs, 10km, 1,200m ascent.
  5	After breakfast, we depart from Mackinder’s Camp en route to Austrian Hut at 4,700m/15,400ft. Here we will rest and prepare for our trek tomorrow to Lenana Peak. Dinner and overnight at Austrian Hut.
  6	Early in the morning (around 3am) we will set off for Lenana Peak summit, arriving in time for sunrise and magnificent views of the nearby peaks of Batian and Nelion and maybe even Kilimanjaro to the south.
  7	A spare day for weather contingency or hiking day in the local environs. Overnight at Austrian Hut.
  8	After breakfast, we descend down to Mintos Hut where we have a stop for the scenic beauty of the gorges valley and the tranquil tarns. We then descend further to Meru Bandas Hut (2,950m/9,680ft) for the night.
  9	Descend 2 hours through forest to catch a 4x4 transfer vehicle to Chogoria Village, where we will connect with our transfer vehicle back to Nairobi. Stand-alone Mt Kenya trip ends.
  (10)	Continue on Kilimanjaro expedition…

• Add Ons

  • Kilimanjaro
  • Safari
  • Gorilla Trek

  Our Mount Kenya and Lenana Peak Trek scheduled departures are timed to work as a perfect pre-acclimatisation trip for our Kilimanjaro expeditions. 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.
  

   

  After 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.

  Experience 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 Insurance

  Adventure Consultants recommends the following travel insurance insurance options for trekkers, although this is only just a start! Once you book on a trip with AC, your Client Liaison will help you by sending through advice on your options;

  • Travel insurance
  • Trip interruption
  • Trip cancellation
    
    

  COVERMORE INSURANCE

  Indulge your spirit of adventure, but protect yourself against all of those unforeseen events that can occur prior to or whilst on your trip with Adventure Consultants. Together with CoverMore Insurance, Adventure Consultants are now offering advice and assistance in purchasing CoverMore policies. With quality travel insurance cover, comes peace of mind and the freedom to venture around the world with confidence, in the knowledge that you will have the support and assistance of CoverMore, if you need it.

  Adventure Consultants highly recommends the Options Plan as this gives you the highest level of cover and benefits available. This includes cover for trip cancellation and amendment which protects your travel investment, medical and dental emergencies, lost luggage/personal belongings and travel delay, amongst other things.

  You can tailor your cover further by adding on winter sports, annual multi-trip cover, scooter riding and working holidays to name a few.

  Why CoverMore?

  • Purchasing CoverMore is a quick and easy process.
  • They provide cover where others won’t. e.g. terrorism scares, natural disasters, civil unrest and redundancy.
  • Protect your travel investment by choosing cancellation/interruption cover that meets your needs.
  • The option to increase your cover on valuable luggage items such as cameras and laptops.
  • Adventure Sports Cover for a variety of activities. Trekking is automatically covered, provided that reasonable care is taken, and you are not using ropes or other mountaineering equipment.
  • Free Global SIM card.
  • 24-hour emergency medical and travel assistance centre that is staffed by specialist doctors, nurses and case managers. This now includes the new Travel GP service, allowing you to talk in person to an Australia-based GP.

  
  Who and what trips is the policy suitable for?

  • Non-New Zealand residents travelling inbound to New Zealand – suitable for cover when travelling around New Zealand, but mountaineering or climbing is excluded.
  • New Zealander's travelling outbound on a trekking adventure e.g. Everest Base Camp Trek, Khumbu Trek, Kilimanjaro, Tour du Mont Blanc Trek and Mustang Horse Trek.

  
  For more information or assistance, please contact your Client Liaison at Adventure Consultants. Policies can also be purchased directly at CoverMore.

• 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
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    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 other climbers or guides 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 other team members.

    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
    US: +1 866 757 8722 (Freephone from North America)
    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.

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