Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is located in the central part of Kenya covering an area of 715 square kilometers. The park includes Mount Kenya elevating to about 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) with diverse breathtaking terrain landscapes, remarkable ecosystems and rich biodiversity. The Mountain is an extinct stratovolcano hence the highest in Kenya and second-highest in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the Mountain are rugged glacier-clad summits, alpine moorlands and deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers.
Mount Kenya consists of altitudinal range from 1,600 meters to over 5,000 meters with a variety of habitats varying from montane forests and bamboo zones to heath and alpine desert. There are three main peaks along the Mountain and these include;
- Batian (5,199 m): The highest and most challenging to climb
- Nelion (5,188 m): Slightly lower than Batian, often climbed in conjunction.
- Point Lenana (4,985 m): The most accessible peak for trekkers.
Flora and Fauna
Mount Kenya National Park includes diverse flora and fauna species some of which are endemic or rare. The Flora in the park ranges from one vegetation zone to the next and this includes;
- Lowland Forests (1,800–2,500 m): Home to camphor, cedar, and olive trees.
- Bamboo Zone (2,500–3,000 m): Dense bamboo thickets dominate.
- Heather and Moorland (3,000–4,000 m): Features giant lobelias and groundsels.
- Alpine Zone (above 4,000 m): Sparse vegetation adapted to harsh conditions.
Fauna
The park supports a wide range of wildlife species that can be watched by all travelers on hiking safari in Kenya. These include; Elephants, leopards, black-and-white colobus monkeys, hyenas, buffaloes, as well as bird species like the endangered Abbott’s starling and the lammergeier (bearded vulture) and reptiles, Amphibians.
How to Get to Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park can be accessed by use of both Road and Air which are chosen by the travelers interested in exploring the park as well as hike to the highest point of the Mountain while on vacation.
By Road
When getting to the National Park, you can take on three designated routes namely Naro Moru, Sirimon and Chogoria.
- Sirimon Gate is 200 km from Nairobi off the Nanyuki – Meru Road.
- Naro Moru Gate is 188 km along Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru town.
- Chogoria Gate is on the Embu-Meru Road, about 210km north of Nairobi.
By Air
The Park can be accessed by use of Air as you catch domestic flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki Airstrip which is situated close to the Park.
Things to do in the Park
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Climbing is the most prominent safari adventure carried out in the park and this includes trekking from the base with porters till you reach the highest point of the Mountain. Hiking along the Mountain takes you till Point Lenana which is the most famous trekking destination along the Mountain and can be reached using various routes which include; Sirimon, Naro Moru, and Chogoria.
It is exciting to take on these treks as you watch varying flora and fauna species around the Mountain. Hikers interested in getting to Batian or Nelion, should be avid hikers because getting here, requires you to be physically fit with technical Mountaineering skills.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing at Mount Kenya National Park is exceptional as the park includes a wide variety of animals across different ecological zones ranging from verdant montane forests to open moorlands.
The wildlife viewing opportunities are remarkable, intimate and untouched offering you a chance to watch various wildlife species like the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, Bushbuck and Waterbuck, Colobus and Sykes’ Monkeys, Giant Forest Hog, Tree Hyrax, etc.
Bird watching
Bird watching is incredible to do in the park hence very good for all avid birders from all over the globe. There are more than 130 bird species in the park of which many are rare or endemic to the Kenyan highlands. The Bird species you watch include; Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Sunbirds (e.g., Tacazze and Malachite), Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Jackson’s Francolin, etc. Avoid birders should not miss out on visiting the park to enjoy watching these birds
Camping
Camping safaris in the park offer you a chance to explore and enjoy views at the park’s stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems and peaceful solitude. While on your camping safari, enjoy staying quietly within verdant green forests, alpine moorlands as you observe wildlife up close and explore trails. While camping, you can view bird species as well as embark on adventures to the huts.
Camping is done in various campsites which include; Old Moses Camp (Sirimon Route), Met Station Camp (Naro Moru Route), Lake Ellis Campsite (Chogoria Route), Liki North Hut, Shipton’s Camp, Austrian Hut.
What to Bring for Camping
- Warm sleeping bags (temperatures drop significantly at night)
- Waterproof tent and gear
- Cooking equipment or pre-arranged porters/cooks
- Adequate food and water (or water purification tablets)
- Flashlights and batteries
- Warm, layered clothing
Guided Nature Walks
Guided Nature Walks and short hikes are exceptional to do while in the National Park and these offer you remarkable encounters as you watch diverse flora and fauna, waterfalls, rivers, cultural sites.
The guided nature walks include transferring with park rangers along varying trails for 1 to 3 hours through the green forest, bamboo and heath zones. The famous trails you follow include; Naro Moru Nature Trail, Mackinder’s Valley Walk, Lake Ellis and Lake Michaelson Walk, Mugi Hill Trail.
Along the walks, you watch flora i.e the Giant lobelias, groundsels, wild orchids, bamboo groves as well as fauna like Duikers, bushbucks, hyraxes, and a variety of birds.
