Hello
I'm planning on doing a 4 day Naro Moru Route to Mt Kenya National Park (organised tour) at the end of November this year. I was wondering if anyone has done this hike could they please give me some tips as to what equipment I will need to take with me (ie: do you really need waterproof hiking boots? etc)
Also if you have any other tips (fitness level required etc) they would be appreciated.
Thanks :)
24sevenhappy
1
mwenyeji
Hello there, sorry for the late response.
Yes, you will need boots (comfortable ones - so break them in early!!), if they are waterproof, it will be an added advantage. This is because, even if the weather is 100% dry, there is a valley to be crossed before you get to McKinders (Did I get the spelling right??) which has little arteries of ice cold water flowing down it. At a width of 40m or there abouts, it may seem a small issue, but trust me on this: If you get wet at that altitude (4200m), it can put a damper on your chances of going up the scree to Austrian (and therefore the peaks).... its like getting to the last 100 metres of a marathon race and then developing an unbearable stitch... In those temperatures, it will take eternity to dry you out.
Try this link for additional info.
If you are pressed for time, I suggest you hire a jeep from Naro Moru town to take you up to the Met Station, rather than starting your trek from the park gate. Spend a night acclimatizing, then start your trek early, the next morning.
You have chosen the shortest, but steepest route to ascend the mountain. Therefore, a good level of fitness will be expected of you. The million-dollar-question (which most thorn tree-ers must be asking) is: Which peak are you going for?? Some merely require you to be fit. However, Batian and Nelion need a little more than that ;-)
I hope this link will be of further help
Good Luck!
Mwenyeji
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