Mount Kenya (5199m), the second highest mountain in Africa after
Mount Kilimanjaro, is a towering extinct volcano . The peak, located about
140km north-east of Capital Nairobi, domineers the landscape of the Kenyan
highlands. Appearance of the mountain differs with altitude. On high central
peaks, rock and snow carpet it, while on slopes, it is covered by forests
and scrubs. Twin features of glaciered summits and forested slopes make it
an impressive landscape.
The National Park
Mount Kenya National Reserve encircles the park, which has an area of
approximately 715 sq km. UNESCO designated it as a world heritage site in
1997. Mount Kenya is a favorite peak of novice and seasoned mountain
climbers. Routes of varying degrees of difficulty take you to the top, all
offering wonderful scenic beauty. Tourists can also have some very good
gameviewing and birdwatching.
Attractions
» Gameviewing
» Mountaineering
» Marvellous Scenic View: Lakes, Tarns, Glaciers & Peaks
» Variety of birds & animals
» Natural Springs
Accommodation
One lodge, seven climber huts and three self-help banda sites are available
inside the Park. Three lodges and a self-help banda site can be availed just
outside the Park.
How To Reach
You can find main regional towns; Embu, Meru, Nanyuki and Naro Moru, on a
tar road circling Mt. Kenya. Surprisingly, this road is in good condtion. If
the visitors come by air, they can land on the Naro Moru airstrip.
Located 175 kms from Nairobi, Mt Kenya Wildlife Reserve is accessible
through Nanyuki-Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near
Naro Moru. The park can also be reached via Chogoria on the Embu - Meru
road.
