Mount Kenya National Park is a national park in Kenya that was established in 1949 around Mount Kenya to protect its surrounding environment and wildlife. The park is located about 175km (108 miles) from Nairobi. It covers around 700 square kilometres protecting the mountain between altitudes of 11,000ft and 17,058ft above sea level. The park offers a landscape of Mountain Rivers, forest, moorland rock and ice and is crowned by  twin peaks of Batian and Nelion  for the Kikuyu people.

The vegetation is mainly alpine and sub-alpine flora, bamboo forests, moorland and tundra. The vegetation changes notably as you ascend because of the variations in temperatures .Initially, it was a forest reserve, before being announced as a national park. The other major attractions in the park are; Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty and mineral springs, the unique montane and alpine vegetation and it’s the magnificent wildlife with over 130 species of birds.

Activities and Experiences

Mount Kenya National Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers, and nature lovers. Whether you’re scaling the heights of the mountain or simply enjoying the beauty of the park, there’s something for everyone:

• Trekking and Hiking

Point Lenana: The most popular trek is to Point Lenana, which can be reached in 4-5 days from various starting points like Naro Moru, Sirimon, or Chogoria. The trek offers a mix of scenic beauty, including forest trails, alpine meadows, and views of glaciers.

Batian and Nelion Peaks: Climbing these peaks is a more advanced challenge, requiring technical rock climbing skills and proper mountaineering equipment. Most climbers access these peaks from Naro Moru or Sirimon routes.

•  Wildlife Safaris

The park offers the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and the elusive bongo (an endangered forest antelope). Visitors can take guided game drives or nature walks to explore the park’s diverse fauna.

• Scenic Drives and Viewpoints

Chogoria Route: Known for its scenic beauty, this route is ideal for visitors looking to enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, cliffs, and dense forests.

Naro Moru Route: Popular for trekkers aiming to reach Point Lenana, the route passes through dense rainforests and offers views of wildlife along the way.

•  Mountaineering

Technical Climbing: Experienced climbers can attempt to summit Batian and Nelion, the two highest peaks, which require technical mountaineering skills and equipment.

•  Birdwatching

With over 130 species of birds, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The forests and meadows provide ample opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, including African Black Duck, sunbirds, and eagles.

In the lower forest and bamboo zone mammals include giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhinoceros, suni, black-fronted duiker and leopard. Moorland mammals include the localized Mount Kenya mouse shrew, hyrax and common duiker. The endemic mole-rat is common throughout the northern slopes and the Hinder Valley at elevations up to 4000 m . An impressive array of birdlife includes green ibis (local Mount Kenya race); Ayres hawk eagle; Abyssinian long-eared owl; scaly francolin; Rüppell’s robin-chat; numerous sunbirds (Nectariniidae); the locally threatened scarce swift; and near endemic alpine swift.