Located in central Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park boasts the imposing presence of Mount Kenya (5,199m), Africa’s second-tallest mountain. The park supports a distinctive afro-alpine ecosystem and serves as a vital drainage basin, supplying water to Kenya. Established in 1978, the national park and surrounding forest reserve gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1997, contributing to tourism promotion and biodiversity conservation.

The park covers diverse landscapes, including alpine rivers, lush forests, and mountain slopes, spanning an area of 715 km².

Wildlife at Mount Kenya National Park

The alpine forests of Mount Kenya National Park harbor a rich variety of wildlife. Among the larger mammals are elephants, Cape buffaloes, and leopards, while smaller mammals like various antelope species thrive. Black-and-white colobus monkeys also inhabit the forests, showcasing the park’s biodiversity.

Adapted to the high altitudes of Mount Kenya, unique species such as the Mount Kenya hyrax and common duiker can be found. The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 130 bird species, including sunbirds, starlings, and bearded vultures.

Tourist Activities in Mount Kenya National Park

Visitors to Mount Kenya National Park can partake in various activities, enhancing their experience in this natural wonder. These activities cater to different interests, ensuring a diverse and engaging visit.

Bird Watching Activity

Bird enthusiasts can indulge in bird watching within the park. The diverse ecosystems, including lakes and mountain slopes, offer opportunities to observe numerous bird species during game watching and hikes.

 Hiking Safaris

Hiking is a popular activity in Mount Kenya National Park, attracting adventure seekers. The park provides a range of trails suitable for different fitness levels. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of glaciers, lakes, birds, and wildlife during their ascent.

Game Watching Activity

 Game drives in the park offer a chance to witness the diverse wildlife. Early morning game drives are recommended, facilitated by safari guides and, if needed, park rangers. The 4X4 wheel drive vehicles navigate the steep terrain, allowing visitors to observe wildlife congregating around water channels.

Mountain Climbing

 Mountain climbing enthusiasts can embark on the famous trek up Mount Kenya’s snow-capped summits. With seven routes available, varying in difficulty, climbers can choose routes that match their fitness levels. The Naro Moru route, lasting about four days, is suitable for less experienced climbers. The full trek takes a week to ten days, providing an extensive and rewarding climbing experience. The best climbing times are during the dry seasons, typically from mid-January to February and August to October.

Cave Tours

Cave exploration is a thrilling experience for visitors to Mount Kenya National Park. Notably, Mau Mau caves and Shipton’s caves offer historical significance and scenic wonders. Tourists can camp on top of the mountain, utilizing reserved camping areas, and explore nearby caves. This immersive experience adds a sense of adventure to the visit.

How to access Mount Kenya National Park

By road

Access is good to the mountain, there is a good road from Nairobi and the journey is about four hours. Most people use Naro Moru as their base on the west side, and Chogoria town or Embu as their base on the east side.

Mount Kenya National Park is 175 Kms from Nairobi, the park can be reached on Nanyuki – Isiolo road via Sirimon Track or Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. The park is also reachable via Chogoria on the Embu – Meru road, about 150km north of Nairobi. The driving by road gives you a great countryside experience of the country as you drive across the country experiencing different landscapes and terrace.

By Flight

Airstrips: The closest airport to Mount Kenya is at Nanyuki or the Laikipia Airport, though there are several small airports near the private lodges in the area. Most tourists will fly into Nairobi through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and then get driven to the Mount Kenya National Park by road. Flight can as well give you a great aerial view, though many prefer road transport, as it gives you a great countryside experience.