07 DAYS MT KENYA ADVENTURE CLIMBING ROUTES KAMWETI – TIMAU ROUTE

The Kamweti and Timau routes on Mount Kenya offer adventurous and less-traveled alternatives to the more popular Naro Moru, Sirimon, and Chogoria routes. These routes are ideal for trekkers seeking a more remote, challenging, and wilderness-focused experience, often involving wild camping and requiring good navigation skills.

Kamweti Route:

• Approach: Located on the southern side of the mountain, the Kamweti route is typically accessed by driving from the village of Kutus to the Forest Castle Lodge. The trek often begins either at the lodge or a further 6km up at the Kamweti Forest Station (around 2600m).
• Experience: This route is characterized by a less defined trail, particularly in the initial stages, winding through dense montane forest, lush bamboo zones, and giant heather. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions.
• Scenery: Offers beautiful waterfalls (like Kamweti Falls), river crossings (Kiringa River, Sagana River, Thegu River), and eventually opens up to moorland with unique alpine flora like giant lobelias and senecios.
• Altitude Acclimatization: The Kamweti route generally provides a good, gradual ascent through different vegetation zones, aiding in acclimatization.
• Campsites: Expect wild camping along most of this route. Old Kamweti Camp and Sagana River Camp are notable stops. You’ll eventually connect with the more established trails near Mackinder’s Camp in the Teleki Valley.
• Summit Options: The Kamweti route leads towards the peaks, offering options to reach Point Lenana (the trekkable summit) via Mackinder’s Camp and potentially Austrian Hut. Some variations might involve Tilman Peak.
• Duration & Difficulty: Typically a longer trek (6-7 days) and considered more challenging due to the less defined trails, dense vegetation, and need for self-sufficiency. Hiring an experienced guide is highly recommended.

Timau Route:

• Approach: Situated on the northern side of Mount Kenya, the Timau route is accessed from near Timau town. It’s known for being a gentler and more gradual ascent initially.
• Experience: The Timau route often follows old 4×4 tracks as it meanders through the northern moorlands. The terrain is generally less rugged in the early stages, making for easier walking.
• Scenery: Offers expansive views of the northern frontier, including Kisima, Lewa Downs, and Samburu. You’ll traverse through patches of bamboo and heather, eventually reaching higher altitude moorlands with unique vegetation. Mountain lakes might be visible.
• Altitude Acclimatization: The gradual ascent makes the Timau route good for altitude acclimatization.
• Campsites: Expect wild camping along this route, with camps like Marania Camp, Major’s Camp, and Simba Tarn Camp.
• Summit Options: The Timau route eventually steepens around 4200m, offering options to climb Sendeyo peaks into Mackinder’s Valley or descend into the Hinde Valley and connect with the Chogoria route at Hall Tarns to reach Point Lenana.
• Duration & Difficulty: Can range from 5-7 days and is generally considered moderate to challenging as it gains significant altitude over longer distances. While the initial ascent is gentle, the final push to the summit can be demanding. Prior booking is often required for this less-used route.

Key Considerations for Both Routes:

• Remoteness: These routes offer a more secluded and wild experience with fewer trekkers.
• Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared for wild camping as there are limited or no mountain huts along these routes in the initial stages.
• Navigation: Good map reading and navigation skills are essential, and hiring an experienced guide is highly recommended due to less defined trails in sections.
• Wildlife: There’s a higher chance of encountering wildlife, including elephants and buffalo, especially in the lower forest zones. Rangers might be required to accompany groups.
• Permits: Ensure you obtain the necessary permits from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in advance, as there might not be gate facilities directly on these routes.

In summary, the Kamweti and Timau routes on Mount Kenya provide a more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path climbing experience for those seeking a deeper immersion in the mountain’s diverse ecosystems and a greater sense of wilderness. While requiring good fitness and preparation, they offer unique scenery and a more tranquil ascent to the majestic peaks.