- Address: Kirinyaga, Kenya
- Phone: +254 61 55645
- Area: 715 km²
- Founding date: 1949.
- Working hours: from 6-00 to 18-00 daily
- Cost of visiting: adult - 65 dollars, children's - 30 dollars
Mount Kenya is a national park 150 km from Nairobi , one of the oldest Kenyan national parks - it was founded in 1949, and before that it was a natural reserve. It is located around the mountain of Kenya, which gave him a name. The territory of the park is considered one of the most interesting places on our planet. The area of the national park is 715 square meters. km; protected and the forest area of 705 square meters. km, bordering the park.
Each year, the Mount Kenya National Park attracts more than 20,000 visitors thanks to the rare combination of natural areas, a rich flora (there are many endemic plants here), a diverse fauna. The mountain is very beautiful when the sun is at its zenith: because of the hot air it seems to be hanging in the air.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano, whose age is about three million years. "Opened" the mountain December 3, 1849 German missionary Johann Ludwig Krupf, and the first expedition to the mountain took place in 1877 under the leadership of Ludwig von Henel and Samuel Teleki. The mountain plays an important role in the culture and beliefs of the four nationalities (Masai, Embu, Kikuyu and Amer) residing near it.
Mount Kenya has two main peaks, covered, despite the proximity to the equator, by glaciers. These glaciers - and they are on tops 11 - nourish the water surrounding the mountain terrain. In 1980, the area of glaciers was measured, it was 0.7 square meters. km. If we compare the present picture with the photographs taken in 1899, it is noticeable that the area of glaciers during these years has significantly decreased; scientists believe that in about 30 years they can disappear completely. The mountain is unique in that 8 natural zones are "placed" from its foot to the higher of its peaks, which is called Batian (its height is almost 5200 m).
The mountain is very popular with climbers - 33 routes of various complexity and potential lines, including "wall" ITO-shnyi, are located here, along which high-class climbers can make new routes. The main routes are similar to the peaks of Batian, Point Lenana and Nelion. The park employs a group of rescuers and instructors, who train and accompany groups of beginners alpinists.
Flora and fauna of the reserve
Fertile plains at the foot of the mountain are covered with stormy herbs, elephants, antelopes (including such rare species as Bongo antelope and dwarf antelope), buffaloes, giant pigs, black rhinoceroses, damans, sun goats are grazed. Dwell in the park and predators (lions and leopards), and monkeys, including olive baboons and black and white colobus. The reserve is home to more than 130 species of birds. Watching animals is most convenient from the observation deck Mountain Lodge.
The vegetation of the park also pampers its diversity: here you can see alpine and subalpine meadows (they are located at an altitude of 2000 m) and cedar forests, olive groves and thickets of giant bamboo that are replaced by ferns and low shrubs.
To the tourist on a note
On the territory of the reserve there are a lot of wonderful Kenyan hotels - both at the foot of the mountain, and on its slopes, including at high altitudes. Customer service in these hotels is performed at the highest level. The best of them can be called Mount Kenya Safari Club. The hotels have restaurants; some of them are oriented only to the national cuisine , but most of them also offer other dishes.
How do I get to Mount Kenya Park and when should I visit it?
The park is open for visits all year round, but it is best not to come here from April to June and October-November, as these seasons are rainy, and at that time some parts of the park may be difficult to access, and animals at that time more difficult. The park operates without days off from 6-00 to 18-00. The cost of a child ticket is 30 USD, for an adult - 65.
In Mount Kenya, there are several gates (entrances): Narumoru, Sirimon, Chogoria, Mawingu, Kamweti, Kihari. You can drive to the park from Nairobi by car - the park is 175 km from the capital, and the journey will take about 2.5 hours.
It is convenient to get to the park and from other national parks - Shaba , Samburu , Buffalo Springs. You can fly by plane from Nairobi or one of the national parks to Nanyuki Airport, and from there you can reach the destination by car.
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