5,199 m
Elevation
3,825 m
Prominence
-0.1522°, 37.3081°
Coordinates
1899 — Halford Mackinder, César Ollier, Joseph Brocherel
First Ascent
About Batian (Mount Kenya)
Africa's second-highest peak. Batian is a technical rock climb; most trekkers aim for Point Lenana (4,985 m). The mountain straddles the equator with shrinking glaciers.
Climbing Batian (Mount Kenya): route, season and difficulty
- How long it takes
- 5–20 days with acclimatisation camps
- Do you need a guide?
- Strongly recommended unless you are an experienced alpinist. Glacier travel, altitude or remoteness make an unguided attempt serious.
- Best season
- Usually the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months.
- Terrain & gear
- Glacier, snow or sustained technical rock at altitude. Crampons, ice axe, harness, rope and glacier-rescue gear plus warm layers and a helmet.
Note: Technical climbing, high altitude
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain in Kenya?
The highest mountain in Kenya is Batian (Mount Kenya), at 5,199 meters above sea level.
How long does it take to climb Batian (Mount Kenya)?
Allow 5–20 days with acclimatisation camps. Times vary with fitness, conditions and which trailhead you start from.
Can you climb Batian (Mount Kenya) without a guide?
Strongly recommended unless you are an experienced alpinist. Glacier travel, altitude or remoteness make an unguided attempt serious.
When is the best time to climb Batian (Mount Kenya)?
The usual season is the local dry season — anytime outside the monsoon or rainy months. Outside that window expect snow, storms or closed access.
What gear do you need for Batian (Mount Kenya)?
Crampons, ice axe, harness, rope and glacier-rescue gear plus warm layers and a helmet.
How high is Batian (Mount Kenya)?
Batian (Mount Kenya) stands at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet).
Where is Batian (Mount Kenya) located?
Batian (Mount Kenya) is located in Kenya, within the Mount Kenya Massif (volcanic).
Has Martin climbed Batian (Mount Kenya)?
Not yet — Batian (Mount Kenya) is still on Martin's list of remaining country highpoints.