Mount Kenya: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mount Kenya, standing at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) - is the highest mountain in Kenya and second in Africa to Mount Kilimanjaro. Batian is the highest peak (5,199m), closely followed by Nelion, and then Point Lenana which stands at 4,985m. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, Mount Kenya is a gazetted National Park and Forest Reserve and the protected area is approximately 2,100 km².

The forest zone is the largest remaining in Kenya and its ecosystem plays a critical role in water catchment for two main rivers in the country - the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro. Millions of Kenyan’s depend directly on these rivers for their livelihoods.

Varying geographical conditions on Mount Kenya contribute to a diverse range of flora including the Afro-alpine moorlands, giant heath, bamboo, and major forest types including mixed closed canopy forest. Mount Kenya also hosts many wildlife species dwelling mainly within the natural forest including the very rare bongo, elephant, black rhino, giant forest hog and leopard.

The highest rainfall occurs between late March and mid May, and between late October and mid December. Maximum rainfall occurs in the forest belt and on the south-east side of the mountain. The driest periods are January and February, and generally the best weather is in the mornings, with convectional rain falling in the afternoon. Temperatures vary with altitude and with time of day. About 3,000m frosts often occur during the night, while day temperatures range from 5-15°C. Night time temperatures on the summit are well below freezing.

There are 3 walking routes: Chogoria is the fastest and most spectacular route to approach Point Lenana. Naro Moru is the most popular and quickest route to the south side of the mountain. Both Chogoria and Naro Moru routes pass through dense forest. Sirimon is the route with the driest weather and like Chogoria has outstanding views and scenery. Visitors are recommended to hire experienced guides.

In the event of an accident, help can be summoned at the permanently manned Ranger Post in Teleki Valley, at the Met. Station and at any of the three main Park Gates; all of these locations are in radio contact with each other and with KWS Park Headquarters where the Rescue Team is based.

Mt Kenya, is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu home were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.

The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Its ragged series of peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are thick with forest. The mountain is best seen at dawn, when the days early light silhouettes its impressive summit high over the surrounding plains.

While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finally one of the worlds rarest sights, equatorial snow.

For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with Trout....

Ecology

Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano, during whose period of activity (3.1–2.6 million years ago) it is thought to have risen to 6,500 m. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged glacier-clad summits, Afro-alpine moor lands and diverse forests, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. The evolution and ecology of its afro-alpine flora also provide an outstanding example of ecological processes.

The entire mountain is deeply dissected by valleys radiating from the peaks, which are largely attributed to glacial erosion. The base of the mountain is approximately 96 km wide. There are about 20 glacial tarns (small lakes) of varying sizes and numerous glacial moraine features between 3,950 m and 4,800 m. The highest peaks are Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m).

Vegetation varies with altitude and rainfall, with a rich alpine and subalpine flora. Juniperus procera and Podocarpus species are predominant in the drier parts of the lower zone (below 2,500 m). Cassipourea malosana predominates in wetter areas to the south-west and north-east. However, most of this lower altitude zone is not within the reserve and is now used for growing wheat. Higher altitudes (2,500-3,000 m) are dominated by bamboo on south-eastern slopes, and a mosaic of bamboo and Podocarpus milanjianus, with bamboo at intermediate elevations (2,600-2,800 m), and Podocarpus at higher and lower elevations (2,800-3,000 m) and (2,500-2,600 m). Towards the west and north of the mountain, bamboo becomes progressively smaller and less dominant.

Above 3,000 m, cold becomes an important factor, tree stature declines, and Podocarpus is replaced by Hypericum species. A more open canopy results in a more developed understorey. Grassy glades are common especially on ridges. The lower alpine or moorland zone (3,400-3,800 m) is characterized by high rainfall, a thick humus layer, low topographic diversity and low species richness. Tussock grasses and sedges predominate. The upper alpine zone (3,800-4,500 m) is more topographically diverse and contains a more varied flora, including the giant rosette plants. There are a variety of grasses on well-drained ground and along the streams and river banks. Continuous vegetation stops at about 4,500 m although isolated vascular plants have been found at over 5,000 m.

In the lower forest and bamboo zone mammals include giant forest hog, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, elephant, black rhinoceros, suni, black-fronted duiker and leopard (which have also been seen in the alpine zone). Moorland mammals include: localized Mount Kenya mouse shrew, hyrax and common duiker. There have also been reported sightings of the golden cat. The endemic mole-rat is common throughout the northern slopes and the Hinder Valley at elevations up to 4,000 m. Forest birds include green ibis (local Mount Kenya race), Ayer's hawk eagle, Abyssinian long-eared owl, scaly francolin, Rappel's robin-chat and numerous sunbirds (Nectariniidae). Other birds include scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, mountane francolin, Mackinder's eagle owl, and the locally threatened scarce swift. The alpine swift and alpine meadow lizard are near endemic.

To explore this area further:

• Main road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport. Some trekkers and Climbers access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria. There is an airstrip in Nanyuki, with both scheduled and charter flights available.
• Many trekking companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to Mt Kenya, see www.kenyatreks.com