Mount Kenya (or Kere Nyaga or Mountain of Brightness) is a UNESCO world heritage
site and offers endangered and rare
wildlife, peaks of great beauty and pristine wilderness. With a height of 5199
meters, it is the highest mountain of Kenya and second in Africa (after Mount
Kilimanjaro). It was opened in 1949 and is one of the most remarkable landscape
in East Africa. Mount Kenya is also famous for mountain climbing. Every year
over fifteen thousand visitors come to this national park. There are a total of
twelve glaciers on this mountain but are receding, some experts believe that in
about 30 years there will be no more ice left. The valley is "U" shaped and has
4 additional peaks which are covered by wild flowers.
The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian 5199 m, Nelion 5188 and Lenana 4985 m. Mount Kenya is located 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and it can often be seen from high-rise buildings in Nairobi and from Thika. Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano, which formed a couple of million years ago. This is a perfect place for nature lovers. The park has beautiful glaciers, lakes, trans and natural mineral springs. The dry upland forest at the lower levels give way with height to Montane forest with timber, cedar, olive and podo, then thick bamboo forest, the upper forest has smaller trees. Many species of animals live in the Montane forest, species of monkeys, antelopes, tree hyrax and some larger animals such as buffalo and elephant all live in the forest. Zebra are only found on the northern slopes. Predators include hyena and leopard, and occasionally lion. Some rare species, such as the giant forest hog, suni, and mountain bongo are found here.
Climbing Mount Kenya and where to stay:
The mountain is an important water catchment's area and many rivers such as the Naro Moru emerge from the melting glaciers. There are eight walking / mountain climbing routes up to the main peaks. Starting clockwise from the north these are the: Meru, Chogoria, Kamweti, Naro Moru, Burguret, Sirimon and Timau Routes. Large animals are during Jan-Mar and July-Oct (dry seasons). Birds come to lower elevation during rainy season( Mar-June and Oct - Dec). There are several huts on Mount Kenya and range from basic to more luxurious. At the base and around this mountain are famous hotels such as the Mount Kenya Safari Club, Outspans, Naro Moru River Lodge, Treetops, Mountain Lodgeand Bantu Lodge. Travel and Tourism is popular here.
