Training for Mt. Kenya hiking: Let us look at how best you can train to conquer Africa’s 2nd highest mountain, Mount Kenya. Mt. Kenya has 3 main peaks; Batian (5,199m) and Nelion (5,188m) which are considered among the best technical hiking alpine peaks and Point Lenana (4,985m), known as the trekkers peak is the 3rd highest peak on the mountain and the most summited by the hikers you come to Mt. Elgon.
TRAINING FOR MT. KENYA HIKING
First things first, talk to a health personnel preferably your doctor about your plans of climbing to the top of Mt. Kenya. Get a full body physical check up and your doctor will advise you accordingly and recommend the fitness program.
Get your body ready for the challenge months before your scheduled trip to Mt. Kenya by starting on doing moderate aerobics and or cardio exercises like swimming, jogging, running and cycling.
Maintain a healthy balanced diet and train yourself to drink as much water as you can in a day, about 3-4 liters as you will be drinking that much every day while on the mountain to help you avoid altitude sickness.
Go on preparatory hikes to train for Mt. Kenya hiking. Look out for hiking trails in your area and make it a point to hike as far as you can each day. More hours, more distance to improve on your endurance.
If possible, practice hiking on different terrains to prepare for the different terrains you could encounter while on Mt. Kenya.
Take part in strength training exercise to strengthen your muscles especially your legs as you will walking for hours each day up Mt. Kenya. Exercises like lunges, squats and some core strengthening exercises.
Do some altitude training by taking on hiking trails with higher elevations once in a while during your training period. It is best to join a group of hikers when doing altitude training hikes.
Put on your new pair of hiking boots as you go out for your hikes. To make sure they are comfortable and a good fit. You will spend all the days hiking Mt. Kenya in that same pair of shoes. You wouldn’t like to get blisters. Get a size bigger so that they can still fit comfortably. Even when you have to put on 2 pairs of socks for more warmth.
In addition to all the training, pack the right gear for mountain climbing. Comfort goes a long way to motivating you during your hike to the summit. For example, sweat wicking clothing that will keep you dry and warm.
Prepare yourself mentally by believing you can conquer the 2nd highest mountain in Africa. Visualize yourself hiking Mt. Kenya, practice mindfulness, have a positive mindset to keep you motivated.
For first timers, book your trips will tour operators. So that an experienced Mt. Kenya climbing guide well versed with the mountain can be allocated to you. To help you navigate your way up and or join a group hiking tour.
Hiking Mt. Kenya can be quite challenging. So training to conquer this mountain requires a combination of getting the right gear, mental strength and preparedness and physical fitness. To summit the 2 top peaks of Batian and Nelion, add mountaineering experience and rock-climbing skills to the above mentioned.
