Climbing In The Aberdares

The Aberdares (or Nyandarua) mountains are an isolated volcanic range that forms the eastern most wall of the Great Rift Valley to the east of the high Kinangop/Laikipia plateau. They run for about 160 kilometers from north to south (the northern end almost reaching the equator). There are two main peaks, Ol Donyo Le Satima (4,001 m) to the north and Kinangop (3, 906 m) to the south, which are separated by a long 'saddle' of land above 3,000 m. The small peak of Kipipiri (3,349m) flanks the main range to the west, linked by a formerly forested valley at about 2,700 m.

There is some spectacular climbing on the Dragons Teeth, which is about a two hour trek from the car park above the twin peaks on the Northern Aberdares. There are a variety of different climbs from easy to moderate grades. There are several multi-pitch climbs and a number of single pitch routes all in very close proximity to the camp site.

Itinerary

DAY 1 SHAMATA GATE (2,850M) TO TWIN PEAKS CAMP (3,450m).

Drive from Nairobi to meet your African Ascents team at Shamata gate. From there it is an 11 km drive South into the National Park on a dirt road that climbs from 2850m to 3450m through an indigenous forest ending at the forest edge near the Twin Peaks. This is where you will camp for the night. Depending on when you arrive, you could either walk to the Dragons Teeth camp or spend the night in this camp site and head off first thing the next morning.

DAY 2 TWIN PEAKS CAMP TO DRAGON’S TEETH CAMP (3,750m).

Trekking time: 2 hours.

The walk to the Dragons Teeth takes you up through some Giant Heather and Mooreland along a game track. After a short camp orientation you will get into your climbing equipment and explore some of the climbs, which are a short walk from the campsite.

Day 3 Climbing the Dragons Teeth and walk down to the Vehicles

There are some spectacular climbs on the East facing part of the Dragons Teeth which are an ideal place to enjoy the mornings warming rays.

Lunch in camp followed by a walk down to the road head to where you left the vehicles.

How to get there?

If you are driving from Nairobi it is best to drive down towards the rift valley along the Nakuru road past Naivasha. Turn right on the road towards Gil Gil and carry on until you get to Ol Kalau where you make a left towards the Shamata gate. Please speak to our team the day before you arrive to exchange contacts so that we will be able to direct you in over the last section.

We are able to arrange this transport for you. Contact us HERE for more information.

Where To Stay in the aberdares?

There is a log cabin that is beautifully nestled in the Forest overlooking a watering hole.

We often use the camp site that is perched in the jaws of the Dragons teeth. This camp site has a spectacular view and is a short walk from the climbing.

We are able to arrange either of these options along with catering, tents, sleeping bags and bed rolls.