Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro.The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 metres (17,057 ft)), Nelion (5,188 metres (17,021 ft)) and Point Lenana (4,985 metres (16,355 ft)). Mount Kenya is located in the former Eastern and central provinces of Kenya, now Meru, Embu, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi counties, about 16.5 kilometres (10.3 mi) south of the equator, around 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-northeast of the capital Nairobi.Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano created approximately 3 million years after the opening of the East African rift.[5] Before glaciation, it was 7,000 m (23,000 ft) high. It was covered by an ice cap for thousands of years. This has resulted in very eroded slopes and numerous valleys radiating from the centre.There are currently 11 small glaciers. The forested slopes are an important source of water for much of Kenya.

The climate in the park varies dramatically as you ascend the mountain. There can be vast changes in temperature between the day and night, with temperatures dropping to about 4 °C. Mount Kenya is generally very wet and is a watershed that provides water for large parts of Kenya. Like the rest of the country, as it is situated within the tropics, it receives two wet seasons and two dry seasons.

Most of the precipitation occurs as frost or snow, which feeds the 11 remaining glaciers on the mountain. The south eastern slopes of the mountain receive the most rainfall as the warm moist air comes off the Indian Ocean.

Wildlife

Include Elephants, tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose, suni, black fronted duiker, mole rat, bushbucks, water buck and Elands. Animals rarely seen include leopard, bongo, giant forest hog .

Birds

Over 130 bird species have been recorded.

Important Information for Visitors

All visitors should enter the park with a qualified and certified guide. Guides and potters have identification cards issued by the park management.

Disposable plastic water bottles are not allowed in the park.

Guides and potters are not allowed to carry luggage that exceed 25KG. Weighing of luggage will be done at the gate on entry.

All visitors are required to check in and out of the park, this is done by recording personal information in the entry and exit books.

The Mount Kenya National Park is located about 175km (108 miles) from Nairobi. There is a good tar road that circles the base of the mountain, connecting the region's main towns, namely Naro Moru, Nanyuki, Meru and Embu.

Airport - The closest airport to Mount Kenya is at Nanyuki or the Laikipa Airport, though there are several small airports near the private lodges in the area. Most tourists will fly into Nairobi and then get driven to the Mount Kenya National Park by road.

All things considered, we recommend the dry season as the best time to visit Naivasha, and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the wildebeest migration from August to October.

Serena Mountain Lodge - Serena Mountain Lodge is situated on the lower slopes of the mountain. It is raised on stilts above the forest canopy. It has many viewing decks which overlook a waterhole and salt-lick, which is frequented by a wide variety of animals. Accommodation is in suites which resemble mountain cabins. Activities offered include guided hikes in the forest, trout fishing and mountain treks.

KWS Self Catering: Batian Guest House, Sirimon Cottage, Campsites, Kinondoni Campsite, Road Head, Mintos Hut & Campsite, Narumoru Gate Campsite, Met Station,

Campsite :Mackinders Campsite, Austrian Hut Campsite, Sirimon Gate Campsite, Judmaier Campsite, Shipton Campsite, Liki North Hut 7 Campsite, Solo Campsite, Major Campsite

As it is the second highest peak in Africa, Mt Kenya attracts many hikers and climbers every year

The National Park has many unusual species of plants like something out of science fiction

While hiking trekkers can take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the region

Pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty

High altitude adapted plains game

Perhaps see a rare and beautiful Bongo