Hi--I'm gong to be over in Kenya in Feb 2010, and was planning an ascent of Nelion and Batian via the normal route on Nelion (up and down), with another mate from here in Australia. We are both reasonably strong technical climbers (solid 5:10) with alpine experience as well, so seems like a reasonable enough objective. And I'll be well acclimitised by the time I get to Mt Kenya. By my mate is now wavering about the trip, so I may end up over there without a climbing partner. Damn! So... does anyone on the forum have reccomendations for a guide I could hire for the climb, and an estimation of what that may cost? Or are there other options?

Cheers, Ross, Melbourne (Australia).

I'm not a climbing expert but the information from Mount Kenya Mountian Guide on this site is still accurate as far as I know. It says:

"The only locally based guiding organisations capable of leading routes on Batian and Nelion are Naro Moru River Lodge, Tropical Ice, Executive Wilderness Programmes, East African Mountain Guides, KG Mountain Expeditions (see below), and a few private guides."

in reply to Ross: i am thinking of the same thing, climb point lenana for acclimitisation then normal route to nelion/batian. i have climbed about 19 4000m peaks in the european alps to AD. while partnering up may be a bit committing, perhaps could share a guide, climb with 2 half ropes (not sure if u aussie's routinely use 2 ropes). Also not sure if technical guides require 1:1 or can do 1:2. anyhow, at the very least if you get a quote from a guide i'd be very interested to know.

regards,

david (UK)

Hi Ross and David,

I'm hoping to climb on Mt Kenya mid Feb and am looking for capable partners as well, if either of you want to team up flick me an email; tomwoolrych@gmail.com. Cheers TW.

If either of you need a technical guide to show you the route, I can recommend Duncan, who is also a member of the Mt. Kenya Rescue Squad. He took me up Batian in September 2009. He can do 1:1 or 1:2. Unfortunately, his services are not cheap. Expect to pay $300-400 per person. His phone is +254 721 925 984. Good luck and have fun!

Elena,

Do you happen to know Duncan's email address?

Regards,

Jonathan

Hello,
My name is Duncan and I am a technical guide on Mt. Kenya. Please contact me any time if you are interested in climbing! I can arrange any equipment needs and can climb Nelion, Batian or any smaller Peak in Mt. Kenya NP.
Duncan Nderitu Kihara
+254 721 925 984
nderitukihara@yahoo.com