Mount Kenya National Park

In the Mount Kenya National Park and its surrounding areas, you will explore mountain forests, bamboo thickets, moorland and alpine desert on foot or by car. The impressive and varied landscape, which has about 81 endemic plant species, has made Mount Kenya National Park a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997.

The park is centrally located and easily accessible from Nairobi. In a matter of hours from the capital of Kenya you can experience breath-taking safaris and trekking tours. Many of the trekking routes offer fantastic views over large parts of Kenya. On a good day you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. In the afro alpine zone everyone will be impressed by all the different types of plants: meter high tree heaths, giant lobelias and giant senecios.

Hikers have different hiking routes to choose from which take them to the top of the mountain. The Naro Moru Route, the Sirimon Route and the Chogoria Route are the most well-developed routes.

Mount Kenya is less well-known than its big brother, the Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This allows for a more intimate and unique trekking experience.

To get the main summit of Mount Kenya, the Batian at 5199 metres, you would need some mountaineering experience. Ropes and climbing equipment are needed as you climb the highest Via Ferrata in the world to the summit.

Those with no climb experience trek until Point Lenana at 4986 metres above sea level – an accomplishment to be proud of! Should you accept the challenge you will be rewarded with a unique view.

Day trips to the lower slopes of Mount Kenya National park are also possible. On foot you will walk past deep lakes, babbling brooks, fresh water springs and through thick forests as you keep an eye out for birds and four-legged creatures.

Even zebras and elands can be found in the higher areas up until 4000 m. Most of the big game stays in the forest and the bamboo thickets that grow thickly in the lower slopes.

Here, as also found in the neighboring Aberdares National Park, you can find elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, bongos, giant boars and many other species. On game drives, you will encounter animals up close and personal in an area of about 715 square kilometers. The park is located close to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is famous for the biggest rhino population in Kenya.

Even if you are not a passionate mountaineer, Mount Kenya will inspire you to stretch your legs and experience the wildlife and nature.