Mount Kenya National Park Kenya – Mt Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is a stunning park situated in the central region of Kenya covering over 2800 km2. The park’s largest landscape is dominated by […]
Mount Kenya National Park is a stunning park situated in the central region of Kenya covering over 2800 km2. The park’s largest landscape is dominated by Mount Kenya- the second highest peak in Africa rising over 5,199m above sea level.
In most cases, tourists on Kenya safaris visiting Mount Kenya Park are interested in hiking Mount Kenya in East Africa.
During the hike, travelers will enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape and spot unique wildlife! Popular animals include; Forest Elephants, Black and white colobus monkeys, Cape Buffalos, Bushbuck, and Sykes monkeys. Leopards, Bongo, and Giant Forest hogs are rarely spotted. About 130 bird species dwell in the park.
The most popular tourist activities in Mount Kenya National Park are; game viewing, camping, picnicking, birding, scenery viewing, and photographing. Mountain climbing is the topmost highlight!
Note that, the entire Mountain Kenya is of great importance in this country. It supports a distinct afro-montane ecosystem and serves as an essential catchment area for water in Kenya.
Mount Kenya National Park Location
Mount Kenya park is situated in the north of the Equator within central Kenya. This park is about 193km from Nairobi city and around 480km from the coast of Kenya.
History of Mount Kenya National Park
Initially, this area was a forest reserve before it was gazetted as a national park in 1968. Today, this park is surrounded by a forest reserve. The region was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in April 1978. In 1997, the forest reserve and national park were both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites to conserve the park’s remarkable scenery and rich ecosystem.
Quick Mount Kenya National Park Facts
- The pack was gazetted in 1968 to protect the snowcapped peaks of Mount Kenya and even wildlife
- Mount Kenya park inhabits Africa’s second highest Mountain- Mountain Kenya which rises 5,199m above sea level
- Mt Kenya covers the biggest park of Mount Kenya park
- The park is about 175km from Nairobi
- Northern slopes of Mountain Kenya holds Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve & Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy holds 12% of Kenya’s Black and White Rhinos.
- In this park- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there inhabits bamboo zone mammals, moorland mammals, and other rare species
- The park’s vegetation varies or consists of bamboo, rich alpine, subalpine flora, afro alpine flora, plus several semi arid savanna grasslands- (arid habitats).
- Mountain Kenya’s alpine zone offers a high biological richness with different ecosystems such as moorlands, grassy glades, and, tussock grasslands. Continuous vegetation stops at around 4,500m though isolated vascular plants have been seen at over 5,000m.
- The Mountain has 12 remnant glaciers all receding rapidly and four secondary peaks. The four secondary peaks sit at the head of the stunning U-shaped glacial valleys.
Main Tourist Attractions in Mount Kenya National Park
Things to see in Mount Kenya National Park by tourists include game animals, bird species, Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy extension, U shaped glacial valleys, numerous glacial moraine features, and even Mountain Kenya.
Here is the detail of the best tourist attractions in Mount Kenya Park;
Mount Kenya National Park Animals
Visitors hiking Mountain Kenya during their Mount Kenya National Park safari have a chance to encounter some amazing animal species. Mountain Kenya park includes; Elephants, Black Rhinos, Sykes monkeys, Spotted hyenas Olive Baboons, Zebras (including albino Zebras), Black and white colobus monkeys, and the endemic mole-rat in Hinder Valley.
Leopards, Giant forest hogs, Bongo Antelope, Bush pigs, Suni antelope, and Tree hyrax are also present though rare to see.
Among the rare and endangered species in Mt Kenya park is the Sunni Buck.
Birdlife in Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park inhabits over 130 bird species. Among these include 6 of the 8 Kenya Mountain endemic birds and 54 of the 70 Afrotropical highland biome bird species in Kenya.
Mountain Kenya park birdlife includes Green ibis, African Crowned Eagle, Lammergeier, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, and Abyssinian Owl. Long-tailed Widowbird and Lesser Kestrel are also common.
The above birds can be spotted during the hike in the forested middle slopes, & Ngare Ndare Forest reserve around.
Mount Kenya
Mountain Kenya is the main tourist attraction in Mount Kenya park. At 5,199m above sea level, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro of Tanzania which is over 5,895m high above sea level.
This ancient extinct volcano holds 3 peaks; Batian (5,199m), Nelion (5,188m), and Point Lenana (4,985m). Mountain Kenya is the origin of the name of the Republic of Kenya.
Mountain Kenya was formed 3 million years after the East African Rift Valley. Pre-glacier, it was 7,000m. The mountain has been ice-capped for over a thousand years but this has resulted in glacial erosion of its slopes into numerous stunning valleys radiating from the peak.
Currently, this mountain holds 11 small glaciers however, these are melting rapidly and may be gone by 2050.
From the base to the summit, various vegetation zones exist including alpine zone- (alpine vegetation), sparse wooded plains, semi arid savanna grasslands, & bamboo forest. Mountain Kenya is home to huge lobelias, senecios, and a rock hyrax subspecies.
Hikes to the peak of Mountain Kenya take about 3-5 days.
Top Mount Kenya National Park Activities
Putting a side climbing Mount Kenya, there are other amazing things to do during your Mount Kenya National Park safari. To mention but a few, you can go birding, game viewing, and even explore the wonderful caves, etc.
The following are the fun activities in Mount Kenya National Park for tourists on Kenya safari tours;
Climbing Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya climbing expeditions are the main tourist activities in Mount Kenya Park. This mountain holds three peaks and each peak offers a different hiking experience. The simplest peak is Lenana which rises 4,985m above sea level.
Only experienced hikers should opt to hike Batian (5,199m) and Nelion which is 5,188m elevation.
The Naro Moru trail is the main route during the Mountain Kenya hike taking you to Point Lenana. Starting at the hamlet of Naro Moru on the western slope of Mount Kenya, the route goes to Mackinder’s Camp and then joins the Peak Circuit Path, which is a strenuous 10-kilometer climb that circles Batian & Nelion.
To give yourself time to acclimate, the Kenya Wildlife Service advises that your ascent should take at least three nights.
The dry seasons, which run from December to March and June to October, are the ideal times for hiking this beautiful ancient extinct volcano. Indian Ocean can be seen on clear days.
Tourists climbing Mt Kenya should expect to enjoy the magnificent views of the area and even spot some wildlife species along the hike. Climbing Mountain Kenya costs about 700-800 USD for each person.
Bird Watching in Mount Kenya Park
Birding tours in Mountain Kenya NP take place mainly in the montane forests, where visitors spot unique amazing birding species. This park is a great destination for tourists on Kenya birding tours interested in spotting montane bird species found in montane forests- a beautiful ecological transition zone.
Travelers undertaking bird watching in Mountain Kenya will look out for; Black-Throated Wattle-eye, Yellow-crowned Bishop, and Mountain Yellow Warbler. It’s possible to spot also the Brown-Hooded Kingfisher, and Abyssinian crimson wing, and an endemic alpine Swift- a locally threatened scarce swift species.
Wildlife Viewing in Mount Kenya National Park
Though climbing Mountain Kenya is the main activity during the Mount Kenya National Park safari tour, game viewing is also possible as this park holds various game animals in the lowland & forested middle slopes. Buffalos, Black Rhinos, and Zebras are residents.
On lucky days, it’s possible to spot the Giant forest hog, Black-fronted duikers, and even Leopards in the forests. Moorland mammals can be sighted as well.
Cave Exploration in Mountain Kenya
Cave exploration is possible also during your adventure in Mount Kenya park. There are numerous caves to explore during Mountain Kenya climb but, Mau Mau caves & Shipton’s caves are explored most by tourists.
The Mau Mau caves are of tremendous historical importance since the Mau Mau warriors used them as a hideout and a location to keep their supplies while evading colonialists.
During this adventure, cave explorers in Mt Kenya National Park will discover the ancient artifacts as they learn the history and unravel the wonderful mysteries behind these caves. Views of U shaped glacial valleys will amaze you also! They are one of the most impressive landscapes in Kenya.
These caves were formed as a result of ecological and biological processes or ecological processes.
Camping in Mt Kenya National Park
During the Mountain Kenya hike to the summit, camping is the only option. However, note that most travelers interested in mountain climbing and hiking adventures enjoy camping- it’s a pleasing African safari experience for nature lovers!
The notable areas for camping in Mountain Kenya include Sokote Cabin and Bonkole Forest House.
Kenya Safari Packing List for Mount Kenya National Park
All travelers coming for Kenya safari tours in Mountain Kenya park should at least have the following for a memorable Mt Kenya hiking adventure.
- Warm jumper to keep you warm in higher altitudes
- Insect repellent
- Simple first aid kit with medication such as painkillers & bandages
- Camera to take photos
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat
- Day packback
- Thick socks
- Energy giving snacks
- Gaiters
- Personal toiletries
- Sunhat and sunscreens
- Warm cloves
- Personal toiletries
- Head torch
- A fleece jacket
Best Time to Visit Mount Kenya National Park- What Are the Best Months to Climb Mount Kenya?
The best time to climb Mt Kenya is during the dry months however, this adventure is open for tourists on Kenya safaris year-round. Normally, during the dry months (December-March & June-October) the hiking trails are mud-free since there is little rain.
Much rainfall is often received in November as well as April to May. Climbing Mountain Kenya in wet months can be challenging as the trails are slippery and muddy however remain passable. Wet months are ideal for budget safaris in Kenya.
Best Accommodation in Mount Kenya National Park
There are various lodges in Mountain Kenya park for tourists interested in climbing Mountain Kenya. Most of these accommodations are just on the scenic foothills of this holy mountain in nearby towns.
They range from budget, midrange & luxury accommodations.
Budget accommodation in Mount Kenya park; Starbucks Katarina, Batian Guest House, and Bantu Mountain Lodge.
Mid-range lodges; Soames Hotel, and the Penguin House
Luxury accommodation in Mount Kenya; Serena Mountain Lodge, Hotel Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, and Castle Forest Lodge.
How Do I Get to Mount Kenya National Park in Kenya?
Mountain Kenya park is about 175km from Nairobi town and most of the arrivals are by road. There are three routes to use for example, Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track, Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru, and even via Chogoria on Embu- Meru road, which is around 150km north of Nairobi.
It’s also possible to access Mountain Kenya using the Air Kenya Express flight which land at Nanyuki Airfield from Wilson Airport. This flight takes roughly 35 minutes.
FAQs About Mount Kenya National Park
1. Why is Mount Kenya National Park Famous?
Mount Kenya National Park is famous for its Mount Kenya- the 2nd highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro. The summit of Mount Kenya at 5,199m above holds rugged glacier clad summits.
2. Is Mount Kenya National Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, Mt Kenya park is worth a visit, especially for tourists on Kenya safaris interested in mountain hiking adventures. Mount Kenya climbing expeditions take about 3-5 days.
3. What Animals Are in Mount Kenya National Park?
Among the recorded animals in Mount Kenya National Park forest include; African Elephant population, Buffaloes, Black Rhinos, Bushbucks, and Black and white colobus monkeys. Leopards, Giant forest hogs, and Black-fronted duikers are present, however, hard to spot. There’re no Lions in this park.
4. Does Mt Kenya Have Snow?/ Why does Mount Kenya Have Snow?
Yes, Mt Kenya is snowcapped on its summit at 5,119m above sea level. However, due to global warming, it’s assumed that these glaciers will not be present in 2050.
Mountain Kenya holds snow at its summit because it’s above the snow line. The snow line is an elevation where snow falls and this varies on local conditions.
5. Can You Hike Mt Kenya Without a Guide?
The montane forests of Mt Kenya Park inhabit game animals like Buffalos, forest Elephants, and Leopards to mention but a few. So, in that case, tourists are not allowed to climb Mountain Kenya alone. You should get a local guide who has a valid Kenya Wildlife Service Card.
If you are a mountaineering lover, we advise you to complement your Kenya wildlife safari with Mt Kenya climbing expeditions. During the hike, be expectant to enjoy breathtaking views of one of the most impressive landscapes created in East Africa featuring afro tropical mountain ecosystem, rugged glacier-clad summits, and mysterious historical caves.
Contact us for all categories of safari tours in Kenya!