Mount Kenya (5,199 m)★★★
Parkgebühr: 52 USD/Tag + Guide + Porter (gesamt ca. 500–1.000 USD für 4–5 Tage)
Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extinct volcano with its three peaks — Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m), and Point Lenana (4,985 m) — towers over the equatorial region and, despite its tropical location, has glaciers on its summits (which are rapidly melting).
Ascent — Point Lenana
The highest point for trekkers without climbing equipment is Point Lenana (4,985 m) — accessible via several routes:
- Sirimon Route (northwest side): The most popular and scenically varied route. 4–5 days, through bamboo forest, heath, and alpine desert
- Chogoria Route (east side): The most beautiful route, passing Lake Michaelson and dramatic gorges. 5–6 days, somewhat more challenging
- Naro Moru Route: The shortest (3–4 days) but steepest route. The "Vertical Bog" is notorious
Vegetation Zones
The ascent leads through five climatic zones — like a journey from the equator to the North Pole:
- Montane Forest (2,000–3,000 m): Dense forest with elephants, buffaloes, colobus monkeys
- Bamboo Zone (2,500–3,000 m): Impenetrable bamboo jungle
- Heath and Moorland (3,000–4,000 m): Giant lobelias and senecios, surreal landscape
- Alpine Desert (4,000–4,500 m): Barren, rocky, below 0°C at night
- Glaciers (from 4,500 m): Ice and snow at the equator!
Achtung
Altitude sickness is a serious risk! Ascend slowly, drink plenty, watch for symptoms (headaches, nausea, dizziness). If in doubt, descend immediately. Plan acclimatization days!
