7 days Mount kenya technical climb North Face Standard Route

Depart Nairobi at 07:00 and drive to Sirimon Gate (2,650 m) on the north-west side of Mount Kenya. After registration and meeting the technical climbing crew, we hike through forest and moorland to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m). This is a short trek (approx. 3-4 hours) designed to begin acclimatization. At camp, guides conduct a full gear inspection and rope work refresher session. Overnight at Old Moses Camp.

Today we trek to Shipton's Camp (4,200 m) via Mackinder's Valley, passing giant groundsel and lobelia forests. The hike takes approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, we rest and then proceed with a thorough technical briefing covering glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and use of crampons, ice axe, and harness. Guides will also check personal climbing equipment and distribute group gear. Overnight at Shipton's Camp.

We spend the day acclimatizing with a climb to Two Tarn Col (4,480 m), practicing technical skills on snow and ice under the guidance of UIAGM-certified guides. The route offers close-up views of the Lewis Glacier and the sheer faces of Batian and Nelion. We return to Shipton's Camp for lunch, then review rope techniques and practice crevasse rescue simulations. Early dinner, then rest for the technical summit push.

We ascend via the North Circuit path, traversing below the towering cliffs of Nelion and Batian. The route involves some easy scrambling and crossing of scree fields before reaching Austrian Hut (4,790 m), the high camp for the technical ascent. The hut offers basic shelter and is situated just below the Lewis Glacier. The afternoon is spent preparing technical gear and finalizing the climb plan. Guides conduct a final check of harnesses, ropes, and personal equipment.

Wake at 03:30 for a light breakfast. We rope up and begin the technical ascent by headlamp, traversing the Lewis Glacier to the base of the rock ridge. The climb involves UIAA grade IV-V rock climbing with sections of exposed scrambling. The summit of Batian (5,199 m) is reached mid-morning, with spectacular 360° views. After celebrations and photos, we begin the descent via the same route, rappelling sections as necessary. We return to Austrian Hut for a late lunch, then continue down to Shipton's Camp for the night.

A well-earned sleep-in followed by a relaxed breakfast. We descend through Mackinder's Valley and the heather zone, taking a slower pace to ease leg muscles. We arrive at Old Moses Camp mid-afternoon for a hot lunch. The afternoon is free to celebrate your achievement with the team. Overnight at Old Moses Camp.

After breakfast, a short 2-hour hike down to Sirimon Gate where we sign out of the park. We drive back to Nairobi, arriving around 14:00. A celebratory lunch is included at a Nairobi restaurant (or delivered as a packed meal). Guides present each climber with a Mount Kenya Technical Climb Certificate and a small memento. Drop-off at your hotel or airport.