The highest mountain in Kenya, Mt Kenya is the second tallest peak in Africa, after Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While its lower slopes are carpeted with thick forests, its higher reaches and 2 main peaks Batian and Nelion are covered with snow.
Mt Kenya is located in the middle of Kenya in the central highlands. Though near the equator, the heights of Mt Kenya are snow-clad and are the source of glaciers and important rivers such as the Naro Moru River. The Kikuyu tribes people, who live in the vicinity of the mountain, worship Mt Kenya as the abode of their god Ngai. They call the mountain Kirinyaga or 'Place of Light.'
Mt Kenya is an extinct volcano and its slopes are coved with volcanic ash, which is very fertile. The lower slopes are therefore covered with dense forest. Though Mt Kenya is lower than Mt Kilimanjaro, it is a much tougher climb. Kilimanjaro can be ascended by the average tourist, Mt Kenya however should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
Wildlife on Mt Kenya
There is an amazing variety of wildlife in the Mt Kenya National Park, which covers 700 sq km and includes all areas on the mountain above an altitude of 3200 m. The park is surrounded by Mt Kenya National Reserve, which covers an area of over 2000 sq km. The wildlife on Mt Kenya is adapted to a high altitude environment. Tourists can see the rare black and white colobus monkey, baboons, bush pig, genet cat, and bushbuck. Larger animals such as buffalo, elephants and a forest antelope called bongo can be seen in the lower reaches of the mountain. There are numerous species of birds, lizards and insects in the equatorial forest on Mt Kenya.
Accommodation near Mt Kenya
There are many wildlife resorts and safari lodges at the foot of Mt Kenya. The Mt Kenya Safari Club, Treetops and Naro Moru River Lodge are some of the best-known lodges near Mt Kenya.
How to Reach Mt Kenya
Mt Kenya lies about 175 km from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, and is a few hours drive by road.
