Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

- E P I C H I K E S O F T H E W O R L D -
MORE LIKE THIS
AFRICAN HIGH PEAKS
MT KENYA, KENYA
Another great hulk of Rift Valley volcanicity, Mt Kenya is Africa’s second highest
peak. It soars up to an impressive 17,057ft (5199m) but is often ignored by peakbaggers
with their eyes on the bigger prize – climbing Kenya doesn’t have quite
the same cachet as conquering Kilimanjaro. That’s a shame because Kenya is a
fine climb: less crowded than Kili, richer in wildlife, arguably more scenic. Mt
Kenya’s two highest summits – the sharp shards of Batian (17,057ft/5199m) and
Nelion (17,021ft/5188m) – are for technical climbers only. Trekkers aim for 16,355ft
(4985m) Point Lenana, conquerable in three days, though four is better for
acclimatisation. The classic hike is via the Sirimon route, which ascends through
wildlife-rich national parkland. Look out for elephants, zebra and other ungulates
on the lower slopes, while the more alien upper reaches are home to shrieking rock
hyraxes and various strange senecio and lobelia plants.
Start/End // Sirimon Gate (Sirimon route)
Distance // 33 miles (53km)
MT TOUBKAL, MOROCCO
Apex of the Atlas Range, 13,671ft (4167m) Mt Toubkal is also the highest peak in
North Africa. You can get up and down it in two days if summiting is all that
matters, but making a longer circuit not only helps with acclimatisation, it also
offers a greater insight into local Berber culture. From the Imlil valley make a
clockwise loop via walnut groves and cherry orchards, high passes and boulder
fields, mud-brick houses and neat green terraces, wandering shepherds and windwizened
juniper trees. The final ascent from the Neltner refuge is a stiff but steady
clamber up scree, rewarded by views across a starkly spectacular landscape that
the hardy Berber have made their own.
Start/End // Imlil
Distance // 45 miles (72km)