Kenya’s Tourism Minister, Najib Balala, has climbed Mount Kenya to promote the mountain as an adventure tourist destination. “I am glad to climb Mount Kenya as a lifetime dream adventure. On the other hand, I am leading by example to promote this breathtaking mountain to attract more visitors into the country,” said Balala.

Balala, who was accompanied by a group of nine mountaineers, started the technical five-day expedition last Monday. Although Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa, its attractions have been overshadowed by Kenya’s premier products – the beach and safari.

Mount Kenya has the potential to woo international holidaymakers, including mountain climbers and wildlife lovers.

An area of 715 square kilometres around the centre of the mountain was designated as a national park and was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997.

The scenery surrounding the site is breathtaking, with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high-altitude-adapted plains game and unique alpine vegetation.

Wildlife include elephants, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, Suni, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck and eland.

Rarely seen animals include leopard, bongo and giant forest hog as well as more than 30 bird species.

With Mount Kenya attracting just 16 000 visitors annually, Balala said the expedition was an opportunity to market the mountain and the central region as important tourist destinations.

The expedition used the Timau Trek in their ascent to Point Lenana, which is 4 985 metres above sea level. The highest peaks are Batian (5 199 metres), Nelion (5 188m) and Point Lenana at 4 985m.

A typical climb involves mental and physical preparation, especially for first-time climbers.

There are several routes for the climb. From the Chogoria route, climbers take between five and seven days to reach Point Lenana and back, on the Siromon route hikers take four to five days, and on the Naro Moru route, climbers take three days.

A group of six to eight people climbing Mount Kenya through the Siromon route are required to pay $492 for a five-day expedition, while those climbing the mountain for seven days have to pay $565. Rates do vary depending on the ground operator.

According to Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Mount Kenya Region Chairman, Edward Wangechi, adventure-minded people would enjoy climbing Mount Kenya. For the less adventurous traveler, the national park offers a scenic safari experience. 

He says Mount Kenya is a most exciting peak to climb, and popularly referred to as the ‘land of contrast’ due to its beautiful valleys, lakes, flora and fauna.

Trout fishing is also possible with a licence from the Kenya Wildlife Service.