This is Africa's highest mountain and the most awesome sight. Snowcapped and not yet extinct, at (5895m ), it is surrounded by rain forest and is home to many animals such as Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Leopards, and Monkeys. Monkeys and Elands are the only animals that can be seen at the summits of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The snow-capped peak, the dream of scaling the summit, watching dawn break and gazing out over the vast African wildlife, plains and bushland is an experience not to be missed. Kilimanjaro can be trekked at any time of the year, however, there is usually a lot of rain during April, May and November which makes trekking even more challenging .
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Mount Kenya national park stretches across the equator, 193 km North-East of Nairobi and 480 km from the Kenya coast and covers an area of 580Sq. Kms. Altitude: 1,600-5,199m At 5199m high, it is Africa's second highest mountain, with gleaming and eroded snow-capped peaks, which can be seen for miles. It is a broad, large symmetrical volcano cone whose diameter at the base is about 12 km, dating between 2 to 3 million years ago. There are three peaks; Mbatian , 5,199m, Nelion 5,188m and point Lenana. M ost visitors are able to reach the more accessible Point Lenana at 4,985 m and many visitors enjoy simple high altitude walks. Points Mbatian and Nelion requires are only climbed by technical climbers only. Accomodation while trekking is in huts, and Tents (campsites).
Wildlife below the Park boundary include elephant, buffalo, antelope, and the rare bongo, also found in the nearby Aberdares national park. Mount Kenya can be climbed anytime of the year though the best times for visiting Mount Kenya and the National Park are December to February and July, August through to late October, when there are no rains. The magnificent views over the surrounding country from point Lenana and other high points around the main peaks and trekking on this mountain is a priority among tourists. The forest surrounding the mountain support a large variety of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, monkey, antelope, lion, zebra, eland, rock hyrax, giant forest hogs, leopard, mole-rat, and various species of birds such as eagle, vulture, and sunbird among others.
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Access to Mount Kenya National Park is by three routes: the Naro Moru Route; the Chogoria Route; and the Sirimon Route.
The Naro Moru route is from the western slopes of the mountain, beginning in the small town of Naro Moru, 206 km from Nairobi and it is quite steep.
The Chogoria route begins near the small town Chogoria, 2 km to the west of the Embu - Meru road, about 150 km north of Nairobi. From Chogoria town, to the forest gate is 6km and further to the park gate is 23 Km. The thick forest on the route to the Park gate is home to antelope and elephants, making this approach to the Park interesting for game enthusiasts.
Sirimon route begins near the small town of Timau on the Nanyuki - Isiolo road North of the mountain. The road to the Park gate leaves the main road 1 km from the bridge over the Sirimon River. This access point to the park is less used because of its rough and hilly terrain. |
