MT KENYA CLIMB FULL MOON DATES 2017 - 2019
Many people have heard that climbing Mt Kenya on a full moon is the best time to go. This means planning your summit to coincide with a full moon. However as romantic as it may seem to plan your climb this way, there are a range of things to consider. So here is a look at pro's and cons of climb Mt Kenya during a full moon.
Benefits
Your route to summit is lit by the full moon
The majority of a trekking or climbing on Mt Kenya takes place during daylight hours. It is only for the summit attempt you climb at night, starting out just before midnight. A summit attempt done during a full moon means that the entire route will be well lit and you will hardly need to run on your headlampPre and post summit nights around camp
If you are aiming to summit during a full moon it means that your nights pre and post summit around camp will be lit by a near perfect full moon, giving you amazing moonlit scenes from campIncredible universal energy
The Full Moon is supposed to be a powerful time where the universal energy is highest and the best time to renew positive energy. In some religions a full moon is invocative of the higher energies and creates a channel of contact between soul and spirit.Pit Falls
If the night is overcast, you wont benefit from the full moon
Think about it, just because there is a full moon does not mean the skies will be perfectly clear and cloudless. If you happen to catch an overcast night, then you will not benefit much the from full moon, nor the light it creates, and you will still need the assistance of your headlamp.Busier routes
If you are planning to summit during a full moon for all the positive reasons above, who is to say others wont as well, meaning that your entire route to summit will be crowded with many others seeking to benefit from the full moon tooSuggestions
If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your summit for a day before or after the full moon. That way you still get the moon, without the crowds of people.
| 2017 Full Moon | 2018 Full Moon | 2019 Full Moon | |
| January | 12 | 2, 31 | 21 |
| February | 11 | - | 19 |
| March | 12 | 2, 31 | 21 |
| April | 11 | 30 | 19 |
| May | 10 | 29 | 18 |
| June | 9 | 28 | 17 |
| July | 9 | 27 | 16 |
| August | 7 | 26 | 15 |
| September | 6 | 25 | 14 |
| October | 5 | 24 | 13 |
| November | 4 | 23 | 12 |
| December | 3 | 22 | 12 |
Shortest way to Lenana summit
Rapid ascent
Starts at Naro Moru Park gate (2400m)
Sleep in Tents/Huts
Steep vertical bog section
Summit via Mackinder's and Austrian Camp
Naromoru Route
Scenic easier route
Northern side so drier
Starts from Sirimon Park Gate (2600m)
Sleep in Tents/Huts
Long open valleys
Summit via Shipton's camp (4200m)
Sirimon Route
Most beautiful route
Longer approach route
Starts at Chogoria Park Gate (2950m)
Sleep in Tents/Huts
Steep craggy peaks and views
Summit via Austria Hut (4790m)
Ascent via Sirimon and descend Naromoru
Starts at Sirimon Park Gate (2600m)
Sleep in Tents/Huts
Steep vertical bog on descent
Summit via Shiptons camp (4200m)
Naromoru Sirimon Route
Very scenic route
Slower ascent
Starts at Sirimon Park Gate (2600m)
Sleep in Tents/Huts
Steep craggy views and lakes on descent
Summit via Shiptons camp (4200m)
Sirimon Chogoria 5 days
Sirimon Chogoria 6 days
These treks are designed for people with less time available or who do not want to go for summit. They range from 1 to 4 days on the mountain
Kilimanjaro Short Treks
Mt Meru
Mt Meru is a great pre-acclimatisation trek before Kilimanjaro or a stand alone trek. These treks are 3-4 days
Mt Meru itinerary
Mt Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and summit can be reached in 5 days. It can be combined with Mt Kenya and Mt Meru
Kilimanjaro itinerary
There are several options to add on a safari tour in either Tanzania or Kenya after your Kilimanjaro trek. The shortest safari is 3 days up to around 9 or longer if you prefer.
Safari Tours
Frequently Asked Questions