How to Trek Mount Kenya
Trekking Mount Kenya will see you conquering Africa's second highest peak. At 17,058 feet, the trek is certainly a challenge but one that can be completed without technical climbing experience. The journey to the summit will let you experience a range of surroundings including alpine meadows, exotic vegetation and scenic mountain terrain. A number of companies offer treks where you will be guided to the summit with the aid of porters to help you set up camp each night.
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Instructions
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Research your trip on the Internet. You will need experienced guides to trek Mount Kenya, and a number of companies offer escorted trips. Treks can be organized covering different routes and involving different timescales. Most treks take between five and seven days. Try websites such as Trek Mount Kenya and Africa Climbing.
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Use Responsible Travel if you want your trek to make a difference to local living near Mount Kenya. Treks with this company pay local guides and porters above average wages as well as offering better conditions of service. You will be encouraged to sample Kenyan culture on your trip, and most of the money that you pay will go back into the local economy.
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Prepare for your trip. While you do not need climbing experience, you will need to be relatively fit to hike for five or six full days at altitude. Weather in the area can change quickly, so bring clothes for hiking in hot weather and sweaters, fleeces and coats to combat freezing temperatures and snow. Hiking socks and boots are essential, and you should pack a fleece hat and gloves.
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Check what equipment is being provided by the trekking company you book with. Generally food, cooking equipment and sleeping bags are provided. You should take your own backpack, toiletries, first-aid kit and sunscreen. Although much of the water on the trek is glacially fed, it is best to take a water purification system to avoid the possibility of dysentery.
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Acclimatize before starting your trek if possible. Altitude sickness can affect trekkers if they move to high altitude immediately on arrival in Kenya. Spend a few days in Nairobi if possible to get used to the altitude before moving higher and exerting yourself.
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- Photo Credit kenya image by TEMISTOCLE LUCARELLI from Fotolia.com
