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
- 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

Recommended Mountain Equipment
- 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.