Mountain Trip guide Dave Ahrens and climber Sole Marritimi called in from camp at 14,000′ after successfully summitting the North Face Standard Route to the Batian Summit. At 17,057′, the summit of Batian is the second highest point on the African continent.

The route features between 15 and 23 pitches, depending on climber choice, all rated at around 5.8+. The pair started climbing at 6 a.m., and summitted the route at around 2 p.m. They then began the long descent on rappel, arriving back in camp rightfully exhausted at around 8:30 p.m.

This burly alpine climb lies within Mount Kenya Nat’l Park in equatorial Africa; remote and rugged, the ascent is certainly not for the faint of heart. Dave noted that the climb incorporated many different styles, featured spectacular views and good weather, and tested both of their strengths and abilities.

Today, after three summits in three days, Dave and Sole are enjoying a well-deserved rest day. Afterwards, the team will head back into the lowlands via the Chicori Route, known as one of the most scenic in the park. We’ll keep you updated on whether or not they have any run-ins with jungle animals…

Congrats again, guys!

Here’s Dave!