Mountain Kenya National Park Africa

This beautiful Mountain Kenya national park Africa is situated east of the Great rift valley, approximately 175 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. This park covers an area of 2800 sq. kilometers. Mountain Kenya, the heart of the national park is 6000metres making it the second-highest mountain on the continent.

The mountain is a source of water to about 50% of the total population of Kenya as well as power 70% of the hydroelectric power in Kenya. This makes this park rather significant and unique.

History of Mountain Kenya National Park Africa

Mountain Kenya is a dormant Volcano that was believed to have risen to 65000m about a 1.2million years ago. The area was initially a forest reserve but later became a national park because of its wildlife diversity and the fact that it promoted tourism. On 3rd December 1849, Dr. Johann Ludwig sighted Mountain Kenya and is considered to be the first European to discover this beauty.

Wildlife in Mountain Kenya National Park Africa

The national park includes mountain Kenya which is basically a forest reserve where animals reside. These animals include; Elephants, Tree hyrax, Mongoose, Mole rats, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Duikers, Buffaloes, Black rhinos, Leopards, and many other plant-loving animals.

Mount Kenya has montane Avifauna which definitely attracts birds to this national park. The birds found in this park include the following; Mountain Buzzard, Violet-backed Starling, Olive Pigeon, Eastern Bronze-napped Pigeon, and Oriole Finch, Meyer’s Parrots, African Green Pigeon, Black-and-white Mannikin and Spot-flanked Barbet, Red-fronted Parrot, Jackson’s Francolin, Moorland Chat, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Black-headed Waxbill, Slender-billed Starling, Waller’s Starling, Montane White-eye, Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Hunter’s Cisticola, Moorland Francolin, and many other birds.

Activities within Mountain Kenya National Park Africa

Game drive

This activity is mandatory while at the national park. Whether it is an early morning game drive or an evening game drive, you are guaranteed that you will be able to see a variety of animals such as Elephants, Buffalos, antelopes, Mangoose as well as other fascinating animals

Hiking up Mountain Kenya

A climb to the top of the Mountain Kenya will give the tourists a breath-taking moment. You will be able to see glaciers, Lakes, birds as well as a variety of animals and plants. The challenge is worth undergoing and extremely fascinating.

Shipton’s caves and camping

On the Mountain, there is a point where one can camp in the beauty of the Mountains as well as visit the caves near the camping site. This is truly a serene point to experience the park.

Bird watching

The fact that the park has a variety of birds, makes it the perfect birders paradise. The birds can be seen on lakes as well as slopes of the mountain.

Wildlife Adventure in Kenya

Accommodation in Mountain Kenya National Park

While visiting this peaceful place, your stay will be catered for at the following lodges; Hotel Fairmount Mount Kenya safari club, Naro Muro river lodge, Serena mountain lodge, Shipton’s Mountain hut, Old Moses mountain hut, Mackinder’s campsite, Sirimon cottage, and many other lodges

How to get to Mountain Kenya National Park

175 Kilometres 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. Alternatively, you can take a flight to the Nanyuki airstrip.