Mount Kenya Trust

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Sep 24 2007 | By: admin

Kirinyaga is the Kikuyu name for Mount Kenya, it means ‘the seat of God’. Usually shrouded in clouds the mountain and permanent snow caps only appear fleetingly from time to time inspiring numerous myths amongst the people who inhabit the lower slopes. Spiritual leaders of the Kikuyu tribe face the mountain to pray to Ngai for rain or other divine interventions. Also one of Kenya’s most popular climbing sites, but Mt Kenya is no picnic. There are more than 25 routes to the main summits of which 8 are ice routes concentrated on the south and west sides. 90% of visiting climbers underestimate Mt. Kenya and her tallest peaks Batian and Nelion, yet professional climbers have met barefoot Kikuyu elders clad only in skins, praying at the summit.