Find Out: Is Mount Kenya National Park Worth Visiting?

Mount Kenya is located in the northeastern region of Kenya, approximately 180 km from the capital city, Nairobi. Standing at 5,199 meters above sea level, it’s the second-highest peak in Africa after Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro.

This extinct volcano flaunts a series of rugged peaks that captivate adventurers from around the world. The top of this mountain was once covered in glaciers which motivated the invention of the name Kenya.

The highest peaks are Batian (5,199 meters), Nelion (5,188 meters), and Point Lenana (4,985 meters). There are currently 12 small remnant glaciers on the summits, all receding rapidly. The slopes of the mountain are forested and they serve as habitat for various ecosystems.

In 1949, Mount Kenya National Park was established to protect the region surrounding the mountain. To enhance its significance, this park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in April 1978. Together with its surrounding forest reserve, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Read on to learn more about Mount Kenya National Park, why you should tour it, and how to get there. 

Why visit Mount Kenya National Park?

Mount Kenya National Park offers a diverse range of attractions. Here are some interesting things to explore in the park:

Mount Kenya

In the heart of the Mount Kenya National Park lies Mount Kenya, a great destination for both trekkers and nature lovers. The mountain has various climbing routes catering to different skill levels. Conquering its summit promises an unparalleled sense of achievement.

Mount Kenya boasts diverse landscapes, offering unforgettable vistas. Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of valleys, gorges, and glaciers from the top. Routes up the mountain are beautifully scenic. They pass through lush montane forests, striking waterfalls, and pristine alpine moorlands.

Trekking Mount Kenya is technically less challenging than Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, mountaineering experience is needed to reach the highest peaks, Batian and Nelion. Point Lenana, the third highest peak, can undoubtedly be ascended without climbing.

Unique wildlife

Mount Kenya National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Many animals live on the lower slope of the mountain including elephants, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and various species of monkeys. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 130 bird species recorded.

Adjacent to this national park is the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Here, visitors can learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of animals that have been orphaned, injured, or displaced by habitat destruction. This includes rare and critically endangered species like the Mountain Bongo. 

Camping

Mount Kenya National Park has designated areas where visitors can set up their tents. These campsites are strategically located along various trekking routes. They offer basic facilities such as pit latrines and water. Don’t expect high-end bathroom facilities like hot showers or flushing toilets.

Those intending to camp are required to obtain a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service. These permits can be obtained in advance or upon arrival at the park entrance gates. Proper camping gear, including warm clothing, and sleeping bags, is essential for a comfortable and safe camping experience.

Cultural encounters

Mount Kenya National Park is natively surrounded by Agikuyu, Meru, and Embu communities. They all have their own rich cultural traditions from which visitors can learn a lot. Kikuyus for example believes that God, (Ngai) lived on Mount Kenya when he came down from the sky.

Visiting these communities in the villages down the slopes of the mountain can provide more insights into their cultural diversities. Dancing, weaving, and traditional pottery are some of the amazing things you can also learn about.

Adventure Activities

Beyond game viewing and mountaineering, Mount Kenya National Park has a plethora of adventurous activities. This includes exhilarating rock climbing expeditions, biking in rugged terrains, and horseback safaris. These are great soul-stirring experiences for thrill-seekers.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also not far away from Mount Kenya National Park. Travelers often make a stop at the conservancy to extend their wild exploration. Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the only two remaining northern white rhinos in the world.

Best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park weather is generally mild for all-year safari experiences. Average daytime high temperatures range from 68 °F to 80 °F. However, temperatures can drastically drop during the night to 39 °F.

The park receives wet and dry seasons which affect wildlife behaviors in the park. 

July to October and January through February are the dry season months. This is perhaps the best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park. During this period, vegetation is less and animals tend to congregate around water sources. This makes it easier to observe wildlife.

The sunny weather during these months is also ideal for trekking and climbing mountains. Less precipitation and dry trails make the whole mountaineering experience enjoyable. However, climatic conditions can dramatically change as you ascend the mountain.

The wetter months of March to May and November to December can be more rewarding to bird watchers. Lush vegetation and plenty of water points tend to attract migratory birds in the region. If visiting the park during this season, be prepared for occasional rain showers and muddy trails.

How to get to Mount Kenya National Park

Visitors traveling from outside Kenya need to fly to one of the major airports in the country. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is the main airport serving the region.  From here you can take a domestic flight to Nanyuki Airport which is relatively close to the park.

Alternatively, you can travel from Nairobi to Mount Kenya National Park by road. Traffic and road conditions are good, so the journey takes approximately 3-4 hours by car. You can either hire a private vehicle, take a taxi, or use public transportation.

The best option is to book your Mount Kenya safari through a tour operator. Choose a package that includes transportation, meals, accommodation, and guided tours. This will provide great convenience, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

What to bring with you to Mount Kenya

When preparing for a trip to Mount Kenya National Park, here’s a list of items to bring with you.

• Personal items include toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, personal medication, and a basic first-aid kit.
• Layered clothing, comfortable hiking boots, and camping gear for those planning to trek the mountain.
• High-energy snacks, water for hydration, and lightweight meals for trekking.
• Camera for capturing memorable moments and probably binoculars for better viewing of wildlife. 

Mount Kenya National Park operates between 6.00 am – 6.00 pm unless visitors are camping overnight. Once you are in the park, respect the wildlife, don’t litter, and leave no fire unattended. Single-use plastics are completely banned in the country, so avoid carrying them to the park.