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Sunrise on Mount Kenya from Shipton Camp
Shipton Camp, Mount Kenya
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Mount Kenya National Park

Overview

Take a trip to Mount Kenya National Park on your Kenya vacation.

Mount Kenya National Park is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley, approximately 175 km (108.74 mi) northeast of Nairobi. At 5,199 m (17,057 ft), it is the second highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro on a Kenya vacation.

The area was originally designated as a forest reserve before becoming a national park in 1948. By 1978, the park had become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and in 1997, both the park and the forest that surrounds it were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was listed under natural criteria because Mount Kenya National Park offers one of the most impressive landscapes in Eastern Africa as well as for the ecological processes that happen in the various ecosystems within the park and on the mountain.

To the Kikuyu tribespeople who live on the southern and western sides of the mountain, Mount Kenya served as the throne on earth for their god Ngai. Besides having much cultural significance, the mountain is an important water tower providing water for about 50% of the country’s population, producing 70% of Kenya’s hydroelectric power.

The two highest peaks Batian (5,199 m, 17,057 ft) and Nelion (5,188 m 17,021 ft) attract very skilled mountaineers while Point Lenana, the third highest peak at 4,985 m (16059 ft) can be reached by trekkers. Regardless of which peak is climbed, incredible views of the surrounding country will be enjoyed on travelling to Kenya.

At a Glance
LanguagesEnglish, Swahili
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
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