Mt Kenya

Has anyone been to Mt Kenya recently, that can recommend a local tour operator.
And Is there a way around the crazy park fees....?

As a Kenyan resident for 15 years I would recommend you contact the Mt. Club of Kenya for operators. They would be your best source for all issues Mt Kenya related. You might also be able to attach to a hiking weekend with the Club. You could also check with the Nairobi Hash House Harriers whose membership overlaps with the MCK but they also have mtn outings occasionally, like the Oxygen Run at 4000m(!)

I would strongly not recommend you avoiding your tourist park fees as the rangers will arrest you without proper documents and you dont want to stay in a Kenyan jail.

Asante sana.

Hi Anthony,
You may have very good reasons for asking about a tour operator, but it may not be necessary. I've been up Mnt Kenya twice (Bation via the January route opposite the Austrian hut). Both times we just pitched up and walked in under our own steam. Given a bit of Berg experience, there isn't much that you could get wrong. The paths are clear. If you want help from porters then you can usually arrange them near the entrance. We've done the route with and without porters. The first time without porters meant 50+ kg bags (food for 2 weeks, ice gear etc). We got lazy the second time. Both times we walked in on the Chogoria route. Naro Maru is the shortest way in but there is a horrible peat bog that you have to wade through. Chogoria is more of a ridge line and more like the Berg.

Watch the seasons. It hoses down on that mountain during the two Kenyan rainy seasons.

Thanks for the info, sorry i meant local guide we really would just like someone to organise a few logistics like food , transport and porters.
Guess we don't want the hassle ,thats all. Planing to climb Nelion and Batian in mid December.