Personal note, I have travelled to climb big mountains before, but chose to go with a local guide service this time, rather than a western guide. I went to... read more Mount Kenya solo Aug/Sep of 2021 with Go To Mount Kenya. My plan was to climb Batian by the North Face Route. When I was delayed by fickle air traffic, I notified them of my one-day delay, which they accommodated without hesitation. I was picked up at my Nairobi hotel on a Saturday morning and returned there the following Friday evening. I took their "package". This included a driver, a trip guide, a climbing guide, a cook and two porters. This entourage was more of an indulgence than I am used to. In the city and in the car, all wore masks, but when spread out on the trail, the masks came off. They have an itinerary which allows for gradual acclimatization over several days - I had no altitude problems. They tried to accommodate my diet (vegetarian), but included some foods I ordinarily do not eat (eggs, cheese). They kept an eye on me to make sure I was safe and not over-extended. I topped Point Lenana and perhaps higher on my climb. While I felt myself pampered - personal tent, wash water before meals, afternoon tea, meals served on a tablecloth with metal cutlery, and carrying most of my gear - I would not say the luxury rose to the level of "glamping", which you might get on a safari. I ate as much as I wanted, and was embarrassed at times by the volume of food offered to me. The food was delicious and there was fresh fruit at most meals, carried in by the porters. I learned a good deal - history, botany, Swahili, zoology - primarily from my guide. English is an official language in Kenya, but I had trouble understanding the English of most Kenyans, except my guide who spoke a more westernized English. Although this was dry season, mountains make their own weather, and there were afternoon storms most days, which rained, sleeted and snowed on us. I can hire Go To Mount Kenya, but I cannot hire the weather. As a result, my rock climb to the summit was turned back due to snow at higher altitudes. The climbing guide kept me safe all the way up and back down again (15-20 rappels). As a result, I set a personal record for climbing at altitude. I had the chance to meet other trekkers and climbers at Shipton's Camp. My impression was that I was better cared-for than those who had hired other companies. On the way out, my guide found a Covid testing service, which met us on the road back to Nairobi. I had the Covid test results a day later, before my flight back. This was well above my expectations. Would I go again? Yes (there is still that summit . . .). Would I hire Go To Mount Kenya again? Yes. Expect to be well treated. Don't expect to get the experience you might get from a western guiding company. Footnote: read up on tipping before you go. It is part of the cost of service.
