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Mount Kenya

Mt. Kenya (Mount Kenya) is a volcanic mountain. It is Kenya’s highest mountain and the second highest mountain in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro. It lies along the Equator and rises to a height of 5,199m (17,058 ft).

It has twin summits. The rocky snow-capped peaks are named Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m).

Point Lenana lies at 4,985m and is accessible to walkers. The shortest trip to Lenana takes about 3 nights.

Mount Kenya is surrounded by bamboo forests, alpine moorlands and indigenous mountain rain forests. The part of the mountain above the 3200m is a national park.

Part of the mountain's attraction is the high altitude, the fascinating flora, fauna, and its ecological diversity. Plant life that grows on the slopes includes camphor, cedar, and bamboo.

The mount consists of three main zones:

  • The rocky peak area with a mantle of glaciers and snowfields
  • The alpine zone with a distinctive giant vegetation
  • The gentle lower slopes with mountain forest and bamboo jungle.

    Many rivers flow from the mountain’s snows. The biggest is River Tana. River Tana is Kenya's largest and longest river. It is also the source of much of Kenya's electricity supply.

    Climbing Mt. Kenya
    The majority of visitors go to the mountain to enjoy the walking. The mountain's lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by those who are adventurous and fit.

    Some visitors attempt to reach the peaks. This requires extensive rock climbing skills. Mountain climbers should acclimatise over several days before attempting the high peaks.

    It is not advisable to attempt to climb the mount during the rains. The best months are January, February, August and September.

    Naro Moru River Lodge assists climbers with guides, porters and equipment. Climbers can also seek advice from the Mountain Club of Kenya.

    Mount Kenya Wildlife
    Popular wildlife around mount Kenya include elephant, leopard, buffalo,lion, black and white Colobus and Sykes monkeys, bushbuck, olive baboon, the serval, waterbuck, black rhino, black fronted duiker, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. In addition, the antelope is available including the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope.

    The wildlife can be seen from Mountain Lodge. It lies just inside the forest on the south side of the mountain.

    There are many hotels around the foothills. These include the popular Mount Kenya Safari Club.

    Transport to Mount Kenya
    The primary road access to Mt Kenya is through Nanyuki or Naro Moru. They can both be accessed from Nairobi by bus or private transport.

    Another less common route is through Chogoria. There is also an airstrip in Nanyuki. It is accessed by both scheduled and charter flights.

    Tour companies can organize transport from Nairobi to Mt Kenya.