The summit climb is long, usually around 11 to 13 hours to complete with the base of the route at 4600m and topping out at 5199m. Good acclimatisation and fitness is essential, as well as the right kit for exposed conditions including mist, rain and snow and cold rock.

The North Face routes on Mount Kenya are usually climbed during the northern hemisphere's summer (June through to August although September and early October could be a possibility too). As the mountain is on the equator the sun will be slightly to the North of the mountain during these months. This means that there is less snow and ice, making climbing easier, with some sun on you and warmer rock.

Day 1: Transfer from Embu town to the Chogoria National Park Gate where we take a 4x4 up towards Meru Banda's
Day 2: Trek from Meru Banda's to the campsite at Lake Ellis
Day 3: Trek from Lake Ellis to Minto's Camp
Day 4: Early start to reach Point Lenana via Austrian Hut for sunrise and descend to Shiptons Camp (or transfer to bivi point at base of Batian)
Day 5: Climb Day: Batian Peak - Shiptons Camp
Day 6: Climb Day: Spare day for poor weather - alternative climbs/trek if already summitted
Day 7: Trek from Shiptons to Old Moses Camp
Day 8: Trek from Old Moses to the Sirimon National Park Gate and transfer to Naro Moru