Mount Kenya/Kilimanjaro Anyone?

I'm going to be in East Africa this November on a family trip and was hoping to extend my trip and summit at least Mount Kenya via (in order of preference)...

1. A Rock/Ice Route
2. A Pure Rock Route
3. The Standard Walk Up Route

Kilimanjaro would take 2nd priority as a guide is required and the mountain is not known for its technical climbing.

PM or email me if you're interested and we can talk about our experience, goals, etc.

mtnmanmatt at yahoo dot com

FYI: there is no "standard walk up" to the summit of Mt Kenya. You can hike to the 3rd highest point. The true summit will require a climb.

Isn't there a long (like 18 pitch) 'classic' route that goes at about 5.7?

I'm not sure what it is like that time of year, but yes, the "normal route" ascends Nelion from where you may cross the "gates of mist" to the summit of Batian. I climbed this route in January and had perfect splitter blue skies the entire (long) day. People say the crux of this route is route finding, but I didn't really feel like it was bad. We walked right to the base of the route in the dark and I'm fairly certain we were "on route" the whole way.

Have Fun!!!!

Seems the purpose of this post is being misunderstood. Although the beta is appreciated I'm looking for a PARTNER 1st...

So I watched a documentary the other night where Angie Evenhart (a supermodel) climbed Kilimanjaro.

They actually ported a toilet up quite high for her. She complained about a heavy pack (looked to be about 25lbs.) and then on the final summit bid, her pack was carried by the guides.

All in the name of climate change. I give her credit though, she seemed to do ok with the altitude.

MtnManMatt wrote:Seems the purpose of this post is being misunderstood. Although the beta is appreciated I'm looking for a PARTNER 1st...

I just got back from Mt. Kenya last Sunday and my hubby is climbing Kili now as I write this....we have a blog going on our website at beyondeverest.com. I had climbed Mt. Kenya via the Standard route in 2002 and found it great fun. We returned this year hoping to do the Diamond Ice route....on the South side. It was not quite in condition. We are uncertain if it was waning or waxing. We wished we had a few extra days to sit there and see if it was coming or going.

So we aimed to do a rock route and the timing was just off. There is too much ice and snow on the rock routes. No one has summited this season. Does not mean you couldn't give it a go. I will tell you we had a blast climbing on some of the surrounding peaks (Pt. Peter and Pt. Dutton). There really is no walk up to Pt. Batian or Nelion. There is a walk up to Pt. Lenana which is one of three peaks on Kenya (the lowest of the three) and many feel it is not really part of the mountain.

Obviously you need a partner for Kenya.....but if you do want to do Kili we can get you in contact with our local liaison and he can take you on a private trip. One gal on our trip did a solo climb of Kili (had a cook and a porter) and I think she paid $1,500. She was already acclimatized after spending 10 days on Kenya so she did Kili in 4. Normally you need a minimum of 6-8 days.