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Seasons and Weather Conditions
The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry
season, especially just after the rains have finished. The dry seasons
run from June to Late September, and from December to February,
although as climatic conditions become more unpredictable many trekkers
also visit Mt. Kenya/Mt. Kilimanjaro during March, October and November.
Daytime temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain are often
pleasantly warm, although brief rain in the afternoon is always
possible. As soon as the sun drops the air becomes very cold. At
night, and on the higher parts of the mountain, temperatures often
drop well below freezing point, so warm clothes and sleeping bags
are essential.
Altitude
Although many thousands of trekkers successfully reach their peaks
every year without any real difficulty, many others don’t
make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness. To
avoid this, it is very important to acclimatise by ascending slowly
and steadily. Even if you’re fit, you should not try to rush
up Mt. Kenya.
Maps & Guidebooks
The Ordnance Survey Worldmaps Series (1:100.000) is recommended.
For comprehensive background information and specific route details,
"Trekking in East-Africa" (published by Lonely Planet)
is recommended. The "Guide to Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro"
(published by the Mountain Club of Kenya). Is mainly for technical
mountaineers, but also has information on glaciation, geology, wildlife,
etc.
| Recommended
Mountain Clothing |
Recommended
Mountain Equipment |
- Warm, windproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof Jacket and overtrousers
- Walking trousers, shirts and pullover
- Warm underwear
- Walking socks
- Good comfortable walking boots
- Training shoes (for evening)
- Gaiters
- Sun hat
- Warm hat or balaclava
- Scarf
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Good warm sleeping
bag
Water bottle (1 to 2 litres)
Water purification tablets/solution (and filter)
Wash kit and towel - Toilet paper
First aid kit (including blister plasters,
headache tablets, sun cream, lip salve, personal medication)
Torch
Sun glasses
Walking pole(s)
Rescue blanket
Emergency whistle |
It is advisable to pack your clothing and equipment
into a waterproof rucksack or duffel bag for porters to carry. Also
it is advisable to have a small day sack to carry your raincoat, camera,
packed lunch and energy snack and items of personal nature.
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