Mount Kenya is African's second highest peak regarded as the realm of Ngai by the Kikuyu people.The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian, Nelion and  Lenana . Mount Kenya is located in the former Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya. Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

Mount Kenya is a volcanic mountain created approximately 3 million years after the opening of the East African Rift valley. It was covered by an ice cap for thousands of years. This has resulted in very eroded slopes and numerous valleys radiating from the peak. There are currently 11 small glaciers, which are shrinking rapidly, and may disappear.  The forested slopes are an important source of water for much of Kenya.

There are several vegetation bands from the base to the peak. The lower slopes are covered by different types of forest. Many alpine species are endemic to Mount Kenya, such as the giant lobelias and senecios and a local subspecies of rock hyrax.

The peaks of Mount Kenya are almost all of volcanic origin. The majority of the peaks are located near the centre of the mountain which have an Alpine appearance due to their craggy nature. Typically of Alpine terrain, the highest peaks and gendarmes occur at the intersection of ridges. The central peaks only have a few mosses, lichens, and small alpine plants growing in rock crevices. Further away from the central peaks, the volcanic plugs are covered in volcanic ash and soils. The vegetation growing on these peaks is typical for their vegetation band.

The Sirimon Route is an accessible and enjoyable hiking route on Mount Kenya and well within the capabilities of fit hill walkers.