Climbing Mount Kenya on a full moon is one of the sought-after experiences on the mountain. Many people have heard that the greatest time to climb Mt Kenya is during a full moon. This entails scheduling your summit for a full moon. As romantic as it may appear to organize your ascent in this manner, there are a number of factors to consider. So, let’s have a look at the benefits and drawbacks of climbing Mt Kenya during a full moon.
Advantages of climbing Mount Kenya on a full moon
The full moon illuminates your path to the peak.
On Mt Kenya, the majority of trekking and climbing takes place during daylight hours. You only ascend at night for the summit attempt, commencing just before midnight.
If you tackle the summit with a full moon, the entire path will be brilliantly lighted, and you won’t need to use your headlamp much.
Nights around camp before and after the summit
If you plan to summit during a full moon, your evenings before and after the summit will be illuminated by a near-perfect full moon, providing stunning moonlit views from camp.
Amazing universal energy
The Full Moon is said to be a potent period when universal energy is at its peak and the greatest time to re-energize with good energy. In certain faiths, a full moon invokes higher energies and opens a channel of communication between the soul and the spirit.
Disadvantages of full-moon climbs
You won’t be able to take advantage of the full moon if the night is gloomy.
Consider this: just because there is a full moon does not guarantee that the skies will be clean and cloudless. If you happen to be out on a cloudy night, you won’t get much advantage from the full moon or the light it produces, and you’ll still need your headlamp.
Routes that are busier
If you’re going to summit during a full moon for all of the reasons listed above, there’s no guarantee that others will be doing the same, which means that your whole route to the summit will be clogged with others who want to take advantage of the full moon as well.
Related: Mount Kilimanjaro Fullmoon climbs
Suggestions
Plan your climb on the day before or after the full moon to avoid the crowds. You’ll still be able to see the moon, but without the crowds.
