Experience the Enchanting Journey with Mt Kenya Trekking

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Brain Pulse

Renowned for its diverse ecosystem and challenging peaks, Mt. Kenya has always remained one of the most adventurous trekking experiences for new and experienced trekkers across the globe. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Mt. Kenya stands as the regal testament to nature’s magnificence. Every year, hundreds of experienced and new mountaineers visit Kenya for Mt Kenya trekking. If you are planning the same, plan well with an expert tour and trekking organizer like Ice Rock Trekking. You need skilled guides and several amenities while going for this breathtaking experience.

Know more about Mt. Kenya

Trekkers love climbing the different peaks of Mt. Kenya because of the challenges it brings at every turn. The Mountain has several peaks with point Lenana being the most popular one to the trekkers. While trekking to different paths to this point, trekkers experience different landscapes. You can follow the Chogoria route, the Sirimon route, or the Naro-Maru route. Ice Rock Trekking arranges trekking through all these three paths. While planning Mt Kenya trekking it is always best to consult with them to choose the right route depending on your trekking ability and experience.

The variety of routes to the summit seek different abilities of the trekkers also. If you are eager to experience the unique beauty of the mountain, the Sirimon and the Naro Moru routes are the best while the Chogorya route is the shortest route of these three popular routes to the summit. However, the Chogorya route offers some unique scenic beauty and the temple area that are not visible in the other routes.

The cultural significance of Mt. Kenya

Mt Kenya is not just about natural splendor, this nature’s wonder holds cultural significance too. The trekking experience gets extra momentum when you get the opportunity to know the local communities, especially the Kikuyu tribe. These local communities consider the mountain a very sacred place and they have centuries-old rituals associated with the mountain. Trekkers often interact with the local people enriching the journey with a deeper perspective of Mt. Kenya’s cultural aspects. Too few mountains in the world give this opportunity to the trekkers to know the local communities. Remember, these local communities are the indigenous people living in these mountains for centuries. They give a glimpse into the most basic aspects of human life and evolution.

Mt. Kenya

The flora and fauna of Mt. Kenya

Mt. Kenya is also popular for its diverse nature with some exclusive qualities of flora and fauna scattered all over the mountain. During Mt Kenya trekking, you encounter hundreds of different species of flora and fauna most of which you might not have seen before. Finding giant lobelias, Mt Kenya cabbage (an endemic species), or scenarios make the tourists and trekkers happy. Again, a variety of wildlife such as various species of monkeys, buffalos, elephants, and birds delight you. You will frequently encounter majestic lammergeyers and beautiful sunbirds.

Unique climate of Mt. Kenya

As you elevate through the route and rest at different points in different valley regions during Mt Kenya trekking, you encounter different climatic conditions. Sometimes, the drastic change in the landscape and climate in the next turn never fails to charm you. The opportunity to witness the sunrise and sunrise from different elevations throughout the journey are unforgettable event for the trekkers. The scenic beauty of tropical rainforests, glaciers, and highlands live in the memory forever.

Ice Rock Trekking is here to help you with the best trekking experience in your life. Mt Kenya trekking is unique in many senses but you need the guidance of the right people. 5 Days Chogoriya down Sirimon, 5 Days Sirimon down Chogorya, or 5 days Naru-Moru down Sirimon make trekking fun and adventurous.

Get to Climb the Nelion via Mackinder Route with Ice Rock Trekking

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Ice Rock Trekking is famed for organizing some of the best trek itineraries in the African region. In this article, we will talk about the standard route taken to attempt the Nelion Climb via the southern side of Mount Kenya. You can best access this trek from the Austrian hut.

Mackinder Route is the most used route on the Southern/Eastern side of Mount Kenya, where you will get abseil rings fixed. As per the Ice Rock Trekking itinerary, climbers will start from the Austrian Hut which is at 4700m in height in the morning around 4 PM. After crossing the Lewis Glacier, You will use head torches to scramble up the scree to the climb’s base.

With this, you have completed the first two pitches before first light. This stroll usually takes about 2 hours. If the sun comes out of the mountains, the climbing becomes more enjoyable. Starting from the base, the climb becomes easy with the first three scrambled pitches using a running belay.

The One O’clock Gully

While working through the pitches, climbers will pass through some famous features like the following:

One o’clock Gully
The Amphitheatre
De Graf’s Variation

These local points will present some easy as well as some challenging climbing. The halfway point of the climb is the Bailey’s Bivvy. This Bivvy is a disused hut considered a halfway point on a spectacular route.

You will reach the summit of Nelion in 6-8 hours. Howell Hut is the summit of Nelion. Here, you can stay in an overnight bivvy if your group is interested in crossing over to Batian. Climbers will cross over to Batian via the “Gates of Mist”. This involves dropping 35m off Nelion and further climbing 50m to the summit.

We estimate the time to do the Nelion crossing and return is 3-4 hours. But such a fiat is dependent on ice levels within the “Gates of Mist”. Thereafter, we would recommend a night at Howell Hut. You can begin to descend on the following morning. During the trek, you will see en route to Nelion.

Nelion Climb

Eric Shipton first ascended the summit of Mt Kenya in 1929. PW Harris, before him, was a part of a reconnaissance team on Mount Everest.

You can find more similar stories of this route which are famous and involve famous faces of the past. Your guide can also narrate such incidents to you during your unforgettable climb.

Standard Route To Nelion Climb– South Ridge to Nelion

The Nelion Summit is at a height of 5188m or 17,021 feet. The Batian is situated at a height of 5199m or 17,057 feet via the “Gates of Mist”. The Technical Grade for this trek is 4. The suitable season for this climb is December to March. The typical length of the trek is 450m, 18 pitches. Trek’s duration is around 8 hours of climbing with one night stay and three hours for the descent. The trek requires one guide to two guests ratio. For the Nelion climb, you require ice climbing equipment, such as crampons and ice axes. The whole climb is 18 pitches, which makes it easy to climb Nelion and Batian.

Climbing Batian via North Face Standard Route with Ice Rock Trekking

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Ice Rock Trekking is one of the foremost Trekking Expedition organizers of Mount Kenya. We are well-known for providing some of the best trekking experiences to people from around the world. One of our famous routes is the Batian Climb. We prefer to design the trek route from the North Face of Mount Kenya. This is the standard route to Batian attempted via the North side of the mountain, as the most direct route to Mount Kenya’s summit.

Hardness Level of the Batian Route

The Batian Climb is technically harder than the normal route. It involves some harder pitches. The Normal route climb can be broken up into several sections. The Bivvy here is often taken in the large Amphitheater before heading to the first light summit.

Details of the Batian Climb

The North Face route starts from Kami Hut in the Shipton camp. To get to the top, it will take you 7 to 8 days, which will include two days of climbing. When on North Face, you must stay overnight at the Firmin Tower by putting a tent or bivouac. For this trek, climbers don’t need crampons. In case you want to traverse the “Gates of Mist” to Nelion, then crampons are a must.

The First Ascent of the North Face to Batian was done by Arthur Firmin

In 1944, PH Hicks made a very daring attempt with two brave and internationally famous mountaineers to climb the Bation. Thereafter, the climbing duo would go on to complete several other ascents on Mount Kenya.

Batian Climb

About the Climb

The Ice Rock Trekking follows the North Face standard route from the North Side to reach the Batian summit. The Summit of the Batian is situated at 5199m or 17,057 feet in height. It has a technical grade of 4+. The best season to make the climb is July, August, and September. The length of the pitches is 600m with 24 pitches in total, and the duration of the climb is ten hours. This will include one overnight stay and 5 hour’s descent to the climb base.

Things to take care of:

Every climber is recommended to carry their supply for the trek, as these equipment are indispensable for the trek:

Harness
Climbing Boots
Crampons
Ice Axe
Warm Sleeping Bag
Bivvy Bag
Light Tent

Some of the other climbing equipment needed is friends (chuckles), the figure of eight, stoppers. The tour guide will provide you with the ropes for the trek.

Ice Rock Trekking is a premier Travel and Expeditions Company that offers trekking services to Mount Kenya as well as Mount Kilimanjaro. We arrange technical climbing guides for the main peaks of Batian. As a professional tour company, headed by Mr. Joseph Muthui Gathu, we are well-versed in dispensing our services effectively to our clients. Mr. Joseph Muthui Gathu is a well-known former member of the Mt Kenya Rescue Team. He has graduated from the American National Outdoor Leadership School, colloquially known as N.O.L.S.

Enjoy The Scenic Beauty Of Mount Kenya Trekking Through Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Route

Posted on June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Brain Pulse

The Chogoria route which approaches Mount Kenya on the eastern side, is excellent for acclimatization over a 5-day trek. During your mountain hike via Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria route, you can enjoy mind-blowing scenery along with getting the feeling of solitude and peace. The trek passes two iconic lakes of Mount Kenya: Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson. In this case, you should know that Lake Michaelson is considered one of the most beautiful locations on this mountain.

Sirimon Route

It is the least used route. As Sirimon is located on the dry side of the mountain, you can find beautiful forest here. Whereas in the lower sections, above Park Gate, you can get to see Cedar and Podocarpus trees. On the other hand, near the top of the track, airplane flowers and tussock grass can be seen.

Chogoria route

If you want to enjoy the wildlife and bird life on Mount Kenya, then you can trek through the Chogoria route following a 7-day itinerary with campsites setup and the guidance of Ice Rock Trekking company’s trained local porters and guides.

mt kenya sirimon chogoria

Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Route Itinerary

● Nairobi to Old Moses Camp

You need to leave Nairobi by 8 am. Then, you have to proceed to Sirimon gate of Mt Kenya which will take about 4 hours. Then, you need to follow the track uphill for 10 km from Sirimon Gate forking left at the junction so that you can reach Old Moses Camp.

● Old Moses Camp to Shipton Camp
After having your breakfast, you need to start your journey at 8 am. Then, you have to follow the directions for the direct route until you reach there. This track will swing right and South around the head of a valley. Then, you need to cross several small streams so that you can reach the crest of the ridge between the Otulili and Liki North valleys. Then, what you need to do is ascend the West side of the valley over a bridge. Then, go down into the Mackinders Valley. To reach Shipton Camp, it will take about 6 hours.

● Shipton camp to point Lenana down to Mintos Hut
After having your tea, you need to leave the camp at 3 am and go to the Lenana site to watch the sunrise. You need to walk across a tough scree until you reach Harris Tarn. After enjoying the stunning views, you need to descend down to Mintos Hut.

● Mintos Hut to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas

After having your breakfast, you need to descend to the Gorges Valley via Lake Michaelson and Vivan talks. Within 5 hours, you will reach the Bandas.

● Meru Mount Kenya Bandas to Nairobi

After having your breakfast, you need to walk down through bamboo and forest until you reach Bairunyi. Here, you will get transport to go back to Nairobi.

End note

If you want to have a tour of Mount Kenya via the Mt Kenya Sirimon Chogoria route, you can contact Ice Rock Trekking. The best thing about this company is they can customize the tours as per their requirements and assure that you will have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Why Hells Gate National Park is so popular?

Posted on May 20, 2023May 20, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Hells Gate National Park is an astonishing area of the Great Rift Valley which is south of Lake Naivasha. It is one of the most popular, amazing, and atmospheric Parks in Africa due to its spectacular scenic beauty including water-gouged gorges, towering cliffs, scrub-clad volcanoes, rock towers, and more. This National Park offers a remarkable climbing wall which is very beneficial for rock climbing along with offering the thrilling experience of climbing through tough pitches within the rocks. It is a vast area covering 68.25 square kilometers which are characterized by geological scenery as well as diverse topography. This park is just 90 km away from Nairobi making it an ideal addition to an African safari trip. So, if you have a wish list to visit this mesmerizing Hells Gate National Park then contacting one of the best tourism companies is a must.

What are the different activities that the visitors can enjoy at Hells Gate National Park?

Travelers always prefer to visit Hells Gate National Park not only for enjoying the spectacular view but also for experiencing various activities that are depicted below:

Rock Climbing: It is one of the most liked activities in the park. The most popular for beginners for rock climbing is Fischer’s Tower but skilled climbers opt for the Main Wall. Interested travelers are provided with an entire climbing kit including rope, stoppers, friends, helmet, seat harness, and carabiners along with a professional guide by the tour operators.
Cycling: It is another thrilling activity that travelers love to do at the Hells Gate National Park in Africa. It is the most satisfying way of exploring this National Park. This activity also offers personal contact and interaction with the flora and fauna of the park.

hells gate national park

Moreover, cycling through the Buffalo cycling circuit provides breathtaking views of Mt. Suswa, Lake Naivasha, and Mt. Longonot.
Trekking: It is also a favorite activity of the adventure-lovers. This activity is opted for by travelers to enjoy the wildlife outside of the city along with keeping themselves fit. This trekking journey starts from the main gate of the park known as Elsa Gate to the main valley of the park and the best part is that trekkers can enjoy fantastic views while trekking.
Bird Watching: This National Park is an absolute must-visit for all birders around the world. Since it is home to more than 100 species of birds so travelers enjoy having beautiful bird life.

With Ice Rock Trekking, you will get different trekking and safari packages covering the national parks of Kenya including Hell Gate. Choose your package or ask them to change the itinerary as per your choice. You will be able to cover the best of all national parks.

End Note

Are you thinking to visit Hells Gate National Park in Africa? Do not worry when one of the most trustworthy tourism companies like Ice Rock Trekking is here to guide and arrange everything as per your desire.

What does it take to summit Mt. Kenya peaks?

Posted on April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Mount Kenya is considered Kenya’s highest mountain and it is the 2^nd highest in Africa that is followed by Kilimanjaro. Climbing Mt. Kenya peaks is an altogether different experience for people. However, they can climb Kilimanjaro but if they look forward to getting a highly thrilling piece of African piece, they will come across Mt. Kenya. It entices countless mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts with various options for bagging one of the three Mt. Kenya peaks.

Three three summits

You will come across 3 summits of Mt. Kenya:

Batian – Batian is the highest peak of Mt. Kenya and it rises to 17,057 feet or 5,199 meters in elevation. This is also the chief summit and is regarded as a hugely coveted goal for progressive rock climbing as well as mountaineering enthusiasts. After you have trekked toward the top, if you plan to summit the highest point of Mt. Kenya, you require getting out of the climbing gear and ascending the standard path on the north face that is ranked IV+.

Nelion – Nelion is the 2^nd biggest summit on Mt. Kenya and it is at a height of 17021 feet or 5188 m. This seems to be a highly challenging climb that needs people to have skills in multi-pitch rock climbing when they want to reach there.

Point Lenana – Point Lenana is the lowest among Mt Kenya peaks and the third peak summit on the massif of Mt. Kenya. Hikers find it to be a hugely popular peak as they do not need any technical climbing experience for reaching there. Nonetheless, it continues to be a challenging ascent that needs hikers to be physically fit from within.

mt kenya

The toughness to climb Mt. Kenya

Irrespective of the summit you choose for heading to Mt. Kenya, you must be fit because you will come across several steep parts. Additionally, you need to be careful about the considerable distances over several days. Most of the time, the altitude might this ascent tougher for you; hence, you need to be armed with a sanctioned and experienced guide. While climbing Mt. Kenya, you need to ensure that you haven’t been getting altitude very fast. If you have altitude sickness, then you will require a guide on hand as he will be able to manage this issue.

For scaling Nelion or Batian, you need to have your ideal equipment as it is merely impossible to finish these climbs when you don’t possess the ideal rock climbing gear.

The best time

Most people wonder about the best time when they should climb Mt. Kenya. A person can climb it throughout the year but it is better to avoid trekking during the rainy seasons. Hence, you need to avert the middle of March-May to the middle of October-November as it becomes tough to forecast the rains.

The bottom line

The Mt. Kenya trek seems to be an enjoyable and challenging journey for trekkers. They can see beautiful views from the Mt. Kenya peaks, like the affected volcanic massif, and long views over the plains of Kenya. For a long time, this hike is considered to be hugely attractive via an ancient landscape that remains dotted with rock spires, glaciers, exclusive flora and fauna, and high tarns.

Mt. Kenya Sirimon Chogoria Route Makes It Easy to Reach This Famous National Park

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Every year thousands of tourists arrive in Kenya for visiting or trekking Mt. Kenya. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Mt. Kenya National Park was declared a national park in 1949. The principal motto of declaring it a national park was to preserve its biodiversity. Several routes are open to reaching the peaks of Mt. Kenya but the Mt. Kenya Sirimon Chogoria route is the most famous one. These are actually two routes – the Sirimon route and the Chogoria route. In 1997, UNESCO has announced Mt. Kenya National Park as a world heritage site.

Key features of Mt. Kenya National Park

Mt. Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. It’s breathtaking scenery and pristine wilderness attract tourists and trekkers from all over the world. Lakes, tarns, forests, glaciers, mineral springs, and wildlife makes the national park appealing to international tourists.

Wildlife

Tourists visiting the national park can spot varieties of wildlife such as wild-tailed mongoose, black-fronted duiker, mole rats, bushbucks, elephants, buffalos, and elands. You can find some of the rarest wildlife species here such as giant forest hogs, lions, bongos, and leopards.

Plant life

The plant life in this part of Africa is another prime attraction that tourists look out for while visiting Mt. Kenya National Park. This is the place of 11 species of endemic plants such as giant lobelia, Helichrysum citrispinum, Silene kilimandscharica, Senecio keniodendron, and Alchemilla johnstonii.

Birds

Over 130 species of birds are found in Mt. Kenya National Park. Some of the most beautiful birds spotted here are violet-back sterling, olive pigeon, African green pigeon, black-and-white manikin, Jackson’s francolin, red-fronted parrot, and hunter’s cisticola.

Kenya

Mt. Kenya itself is an attraction to the global heritage. Every year many mountain trekkers come to this national park to climb the peaks. About 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) tall, Mt. Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is also the highest mountain in Kenya and the highest water tower in the country. The glaciers and snowfalls of this mountain are the chief sources of water in the country.

Mountain trekking

Trekking is the most common and popular activity in Mt. Kenya National Park. There are about seven different routes to this mountain but the Mt. Kenya Sirimon Chogoria route is the most popular one. It is very rewarding for the trekkers who make it to the top.

The Chogoria route starts from the Eastern side of the via Chogoria town. The route is comparatively longer but the sloping is gradual which helps trekkers to climb comfortably. Ice Rock Trekking arranges trekking from this route regularly. You get full technical support from them.
Sirimon is the best when you prefer forests and wildlife. This route is calmer and more comfortable than the other routes. You will spot some of the rarest species of plants, birds, and animals while traveling through this route.

It is always feasible to contact expert tour organizers such as Ice Rock Trekking to get the best of Mt. Kenya Sirimon Chogoria route.

Places to discover in safari tours Tanzania

Posted on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Tanzania is one of the major countries in Africa. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and attracts visitors from various parts of the world. The country is a wonderful balance of splendid natural richness, exquisite wildlife experiences, and rich cultural heritage sites. Hence when you plan to visit this part of the world you must do your research work well and prepare a proper list of places to visit in Tanzania. As a reminder, it can be said that considering the massive natural wonders present in the country safari tours Tanzania will be one of the main attractions for all visitors.

Spots of natural reserves

This country in East Africa consists of massive areas of wilderness where you can spot the ‘big five’. They are the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Areas like the Serengeti and the Kilimanjaro National Park are some of the most ideal spots where you can go trekking to spot these animals. In fact, if we are talking about conservation areas and parks where you can spot these animals, the number of choices is truly massive. Tanzania has a rich biodiversity that would make you spellbound without fail. There are 16 national parks in Tanzania along with several game reserves. Some of them are as follows:

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara National Park
Nyerere National Park
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park
Jozani Forest National Park
Arusha National Park

Besides, you can also visit Serengeti National park, Zanzibar beaches, Olduvai gorge, Mafia Island, Pemba Island, and many beautiful spots in Tanzania.

Hiking and trekking sites

Soon after the national parks, and reserve wilderness areas, Tanzania is also well known for its several mountainous regions. These are the areas that offer some of the most exciting trekking and hiking sites, that attract millions of adventure lovers from various parts of the world. Some of the most popular hiking and trekking sites are as follows:

Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Usambara Mountains
Mahale Mountains
Udzunga Mountains

Although the names mentioned in the above list are all mountainous hiking ad trekking areas, each one of them has their own special features and their own heights. If you wish to make the most of the experience it is just as imperative that you find out as much as possible about the area, its trails, and challenges, and ten are best prepared for them. Hundreds of tourists visit Tanjania from different parts of the world for a great trekking experience.

Consult the professionals

If you wish to go about exploring these beautiful places in Tanzania, then professional and experienced tour operators like Ice Rock Trekking can provide you with multiple safari tour packages. They are expert tour operators who can help you through these treks, hikes, and safari tours Tanzania. These professional guides can offer you the best possible tour plans, road suggestions, and all the possible safety gear. They can ensure that you experience the place to the fullest with your family or alone.

Mt Kenya: The Mountain that mesmerizes the world

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Brain Pulse

Travelers enjoy mountain climbing as well as camping with the glacier-clad peaks of mountains along a perfect backdrop of lush greenery. Mt Kenya is one of them and the second highest mountain in Africa. It gets benefitted from an equatorial climate as it is located in the tropics. Travelers or trekkers opt to climb this mountain due to various reasons and the perfect weather conditions. Trekking to Mt Kenya can be started on a perfect sunny morning when the temperature is around 25 degree Celsius and the temperature keeps changing while climbing up the mountain and the temperature is normally around 10 degree Celsius. However, lured by the beauty of the wildlife of Kenya and adventurous trekking trip to Mt Kenya, if you wish to experience the same then contacting a reliable trekking organization is a must.

More about Mt. Kenya

Mount Kenya is a volcanic mountain it was carved by glaciers over centuries. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mt Kenya’s foothills were the home to several Bantu tribes which also included the Kikuyu. The fertile soils and proper rainfall became perfect for rich vegetation thus suitable for the tribes to start intensive agriculture. This mountain was considered sacred to the tribes and they thought it as the home of their god. However, with time and evolution, this place has become a popular trekking and tourist destination. The plant life of this region consists of sub-alpine and alpine flora whereas on the north and west side the bamboo forest is a little lesser.

mt kenya

The major reasons for climbing Mt Kenya

Trekkers and travelers desire to trek and visit Mt Kenya due to several reasons but the following are some of the major reasons depicted below:

Accommodations: Different routes connected to Mt Kenya are facilitated with various basic lodges and overnight campsites. Apart from the lodging, you can enjoy your meals while having the opportunity to swap trekking stories with other trekkers.
Great Wildlife: You will be able to see amazing wildlife while hiking to Mt Kenya. This is because the mountain is surrounded by a national park which ensures enjoyment in watching elephants, giant forest hogs, zebras, rhinos, and even leopards. Furthermore, you will get to see outstanding birdlife with a variety of birds.
Stunning view: If you hike to the twin peaks known as Nelion and Bation, travelers can experience a stunning view of the U-shaped valleys below the mountain. Along with that, they can also enjoy the crystal clear lakes and volcanic boulders. Moreover, travelers often get mesmerized by the beauty of amazing indigenous flora.
Quicker Climb: This is one of the top reasons for opting for Mt Kenya as a travel or trekking destination. It is generally a shorter trek and people face fewer issues of acclimatization. Even the routes connecting this mountain are much easier to access than other trekking trips to Kenya.

Do you want to experience the best Mt Kenya tour? Then Go and visit the website of ICE ROCK TREKKING for detailed information and guidance.