Rock Climbing in Kenya is increasingly becoming a popular especially by hikers lured to reach the very top of Mount Kenya -Batian Peak (5199m asl)
Rock climbing is a beautiful that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors engaging both the body and mind.
It is like putting a puzzle together only this time by tracing the moves with whole body in action.
The year 2020 though challenging helped us grow. We took a step back to look what more could we do in our magical outdoor spaces. Rock-climbing was a natural path as we thought of what other ways we could go beyond and help our community of trail lovers experience the mountains and wild spaces differently.
Though our team has been engaging in rock climbing privately we had not actively scheduled them intentionally in our annual calendar.
However starting September last year we started calling beginners for introductory sessions that have continued to grow each month as more outdoor lovers get hooked. So lets look a few questions that may help us understand and enjoy the sport.
Who can rock climb?
Kids as early as 3 years seems to enjoy the sport. They will require a full body harness to keep them safe as they go up the wall in the indoors or outdoors.
However kids from the ages 6- to adults men and women of up to 70 years depending on their physical condition enjoy the sport.
So come lets rope in and climb on.
Where can I rock Climb?
Hells Gate;
It is one of the easily accessible and equally exciting space to climb. It is close to Nairobi only about 1.5hours drive from the City Center. You can also easily access easily even with public means.
There are two popular crags in this space?
Entry Wall;
A series of beginner and advanced cracks as you enter the park.
A top these cracks are beautiful views of the park and Mount Longonot further out.
Always a good place to start in the morning and if you still have some energy left you can try some lines on the Fischers Tower
Fischer’s Tower
It is a prominent monolith rising about 35 meters from the ground-A favorites is a straight forward back route that leads to the summit of the tower. From here even better and 360 degrees views of the park and surroundings
Do I need specialized gear?
Yes you will require specialized equipments for climbing
- Harness
- Climbing shoes
- Helmet
- Climbing rope
- And set of other climbing equipments for safety on the crags
Our climbing package is inclusive of all required gears for the day. You will only need to show up. However if you have your private gears you are welcome to bring them.
How often do you host Rock climbing Tours?
We are currently hosting a tour once every month- at Hells Gate. We hope that next we shall have an outdoor climbing outing every fortnight. This will help more access climbing spaces and acquire skills .
How much does it cost for a day out rock climbing?
This will depend on where the specific outing is happening. However, check the events page here to confirm what is included in the cost and other terms and charges for different categories of people e.g. citizens, Residents, Non-Residents etc.
Who is this training ideal for?
Those aiming for Batian and other technical peaks of Mount Kenya should definitely take advantage of these outings. This will advance you skills on tying the knots, rope management, climbing terms for ease of communication, safety skills and anchor building among others.
How many Rock Climbing sessions do I need to be ready to Climb Batian in Mount Kenya?.
Batian Peak is the highest point in Kenya and popular with Kenyans.
There is no specific number of training that we can state are appropriate to get you ready for Batian.
Once you attend the first session though we can assess your skills and confidence on the wall and give appropriate advice on areas to work and possible sessions to get you ready for the challenge.
Do you have indoor climbing gyms in Kenya?.
Yes we and it is also helpful to indulge especially during the week as most outdoors will be happening on weekends.
The indoor climbing will help you train for strength, endurance and body movements. This will help and aid your climbing improve even outside. Contact @blue sky climbing gym to book a session.
Currently there are discounts for citizens on Monday, Mountain Club of Kenya Members enjoy a lower rate on Wednesdays. Want to become a member? join here. Friday is a students day to enjoy the discounts.
Lets join in on this beautiful sport, it will allow us to more intimately connect with self, nature and live the magic of our wild spaces and take pride in it
See you on all on the crags!!
