Nickname: “Come touch the sky”

 

In the Central Highlands, east of the Great Rift Valley, lies Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the country's namesake highest mountain at 5,199 m and providing the rare sight of equatorial snow. Formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, Mount Kenya is actually comprised of three glacier-cloaked peaks. The highest is Batian, although Nelion, the next highest, is a tougher climb. The lowest peak, Lenana, is considered the easiest climb, although unpredictable weather can pose challenges. It offers easy or challenging ascents with superb scenic beauty. Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 to protect Mount Kenya, the wildlife and surrounding environment which forms the wild animal's habitat as well as act as a water catchment area that supplies Kenya's water.

 

The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breath-taking. It is pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude adapted plains game and unique montane and alpine vegetation. Part of the mountain's fascination is the variation in flora and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest. The true montane forest begins at 2,000 meters and is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500 meters begins a dense belt of of bamboo forest which merges into the upper forest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude moss. The high altitude heath at the top (3,000 - 3,500) meters is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helicrysum. The peak (above 3,500 meters) is moorland, with little game other than the high altitude zebra and eland common in the northern moorland.

 

Mount Kenya is surrounded by a belt of verdant forest that is an equally fascinating destination. While the 5199 meter summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985 m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finally one of the world’s rarest sights, equatorial snow! These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species. There is only one lodge inside the park, seven climbers huts and three self-help banda sites. Just outside the park there are three lodges and another self-help banda site.

​

Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, camping and caving with the mountain’s rugged glacier-clad peaks providing the perfect backdrop. Scenery varies from glaciers, lakes, and mineral springs to alpine forest and dense pockets of bamboo. The diversity of flora and fauna provides rewarding opportunities for safaris. Among the wildlife here visitors may spot black and white colobus monkeys, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, leopard, and hyena. Nestled in the foothills, the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club is a luxury retreat with trout fishing, golf, and tennis.

 

No matter your budget, contact us and we will help you decide on the destination of your choice and design an affordable and memorable safari experience that fulfills your safari desires, dreams and expectations. Contact us today and Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure with The Big Five Adventure Safaris!

 

KEY FEATURES

​

Location: Nyeri County, Central Province, Kenya.

 

Size:​

 

The Mount Kenya National Park has an area of 715 square kilometers (276 sq mi). The forest reserve has an area of 705 square kilometers (272 sq mi). Combined this makes the area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 1,420 square kilometers (548 sq mi).

​

Distance:​

 

The park is 175 km from Nairobi, accessible through Nanyuki - Isiolo road. There is also another entrance 150 km north of Nairobi through Embu - Meru road. The closest airstrip is at Nanyuki.

 

Birds:​

 

Over 130 bird species have been recorded including the multi-colored sun-birds and huge eagles.

 

Wildlife:​

 

The game to view at Mount Kenya National Park include the Black and White Colobus and Sykes monkeys, bush-buck, buffalo, elephant and lower down Olive Baboon, water-buck, black rhino, black fronted duiker, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive is the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope. A number of other rare or endangered species can be found here: Sunni Buck, Mt Kenya Mole Shrew, skinks (lizard), and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.

 

Activities:

​

Bird watching. Camping. Cave exploration. Game viewing. Mountain climbing. Photography. Scenic.

 

When to go:

​

December to March are the sunniest months and perhaps the best time to visit. There are some cloudy periods and rain from March to May, and drizzle from October to early December which may restrict clear views. Mt. Kenya National Park is open all year round.