Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park : Mount Kenya, which is only 175 km north of Nairobi, is a towering example of the grandeur of nature. At 5,199 metres, Swahili Kirinyaga is the second-highest peak in Africa, only surpassed by Kilimanjaro to the south. Surrounded by Mount Kenya National Park, this amazing site provides a breathtaking view of the mountain as well as a sanctuary for animal and bird enthusiasts, earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

A Natural Wonder

Mount Kenya has four secondary peaks that provide views of U-shaped glacial valleys and twelve remaining glaciers that are regrettably retreating quickly. One of the most spectacular panoramas in East Africa is created by the mountain, which has rocky summits covered in glaciers and verdant middle slopes.

Merely 16 kilometres south of the equator, Mount Kenya astonishes with its peaks covered in glaciers. The nearby Kenyan communities consider this extinct volcano to be a holy mountain, giving it cultural value. Wildlife aficionados will find paradise in this unspoiled environment that boasts lakes, tarns, glaciers, thick woods, mineral springs, and an abundance of rare and endangered animals.

Diverse ecosystem

A diversity of ecosystems may be seen on the eroded volcano, ranging from grasslands covering the basal plateau to wooded lower and middle slopes. A variety of unique, elevation-based vegetation zones are supported by Mount Kenya, providing a wide variety of flora and wildlife.

Nature stroll: Take a leisurely nature stroll to fully appreciate the splendour of Mount Kenya National Park. In this forest reserve, come across a variety of species, including elephants, tree hyraxes, and mongooses.

Trekking/Climbing: Take on the challenging ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 metres) for a gratifying walk around by breathtaking peaks, lakes, tarns and glaciers. There are several routes to suit climbers of different skill levels.

Highland Castle: Discover this fortress-like structure on the Burguret Route, which provides amazing views of the 3,700-meter-high Batian and Nelion peaks.

Camping & Caving: Nestled beneath the summit, Shipton’s Camp offers breathtaking alpine scenery. Shipton’s Caves, which are nearby, offer an exciting environment for exploring.

Birdwatching: Take pleasure in the diverse array of over 160 kinds of birds, which includes the uncommon and endangered Abbott’s starling, eagles soaring overhead, and six species unique to the Kenyan highlands.

Mountaineering Mount Kenya

A fun tourist activity on Mount Kenya is mountaineering. Perhaps the most beautiful mountain in Africa is the second-highest one. Here, only a few minutes from the equator, glaciers sculpt the throne of Ngai, the ancient Kikuyu supreme god. The tribe continues to welcome visitors to its doors facing the holy mountain, and some still descend to its lowest reaches in supplication. In addition to being revered by the Kikuyu, Mount Kenya and Mount Kenya National Park hold the unique distinction of being designated as both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On Mount Kenya, the majority of the peaks have been reached. The easiest way to do most of these is to rock climb, though some just need a hike or a scramble. Point Lenana is the highest mountain that can be reached without climbing; it is 4,985 metres (16,355 feet) high. Most of the 15,000 tourists that visit the national park annually ascend this peak. On the other hand, the two highest peaks, Batian and Nelion, are climbed by about 50 and 200 persons respectively.

Because Mount Kenya is barely 10 miles from the equator, its climbing seasons are unlike any other. The ice routes on the peak’s south face are in excellent shape during the northern summer, while the rock routes on the peak’s north face are in good summer condition. During the southern summer, things are inverted. The rainy season precedes and follows the two seasons by a few months, during which time climbing conditions are usually not ideal.

While only highly skilled mountaineers may climb the highest peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m), trekkers can reach Point Lenana (4985m), the third-highest peak and the traditional destination for most mortals. The sights are breathtaking when the clouds part.

Mount Kenya peaks

After the difficult peaks of Nelion and Batian, Point Lenana is the third highest point on Mount Kenya.The gate of the Mists, a sizable notch that divides these peaks, is part of the same massive body of rock. The two primary “standard” routes to the technical summits are as follows. Since the peak is essentially on the equator, the sun shines on the north faces during the summer and the south faces during the winter in the UK. However, it should be noted that there are only actually dry and wet seasons on the equator, not true summer and winter. So that they are less encased in ice and your hands and feet don’t become numb from being in the shade while hanging from the freezing rock, you climb the sunlit routes!

Thus, in general, during the UK summer you would travel to Batian by the North Face and during the UK winter via the South Side. The southeast face of Nelion is the typical south path; to reach Batian, one must traverse Nelion as well as the Gate of the Mists.

For Mount Kenya is a more difficult yet worthwhile experience than climbing Kilimanjaro. When compared to Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is much peaceful and has some fantastic animal viewing on its lower slopes. Technically speaking, climbing Mount Kenya is more easier than trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, although mountaineering experience is advised if you want to reach the top safely.

Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya peaks

Typically completed in three to five days, depending on your schedule and physical state. In particular, if you’re not used to travelling on such routes, the guidelines advise scheduling an acclimatisation day to prevent altitude sickness.

Shipton’s Cave

At a height of 4367 metres, Shipton’s Caves is a cave on Mount Kenya. The second-highest peak in Africa may also be its most stunning. The throne of Ngai, the ancient high god of the Kikuyu, is carved out by glaciers just minutes from the equator. The tribe still maintains their doors open to the holy mountain’s face, and some people still visit its lower slopes to make prayers. Mt Kenya and Mount Kenya National Park are not only highly revered by the Kikuyu people, but they also hold the unique distinction of being recognised as both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site.

Near Polish Mans Tarn is Shipton’s Cave. Just before you reach Shipton’s Camp, to the left of the steep route, is where you may find Shipton’s Cave in the rock wall. You can discover Shipton’s Caves on the Sirimon Route, right before Shipton’s Camp.

From Nanyuki, the Sirimon route begins 15.3 kilometres (9.3 mi) eastward, encircling the Mount Kenya Ring Road. Ten kilometres (6.2 miles) more on the track—which may be walked or driven by four-wheel drives—is the gate.

In order to fully acclimatise, you should plan to spend a night here. Ask your guide if they can take you to explore the caverns, which bear Eric Shipton’s name—he was the first person to scale Nelion Peak in 1929.He is most remembered, though, for having given Tenzing Norgay, a young sherpa, his first job as a porter on Mount Everest in 1935.

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