Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Mount Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ecological marvel, and a wondrous land of inspiring and stunning landscapes in the centre of Kenya. The park, with Mount Kenya being the second highest peak in Africa at 5,199 metres, has very contrasting equatorial glaciers that shine under the sun, and life teems in luscious rainforests. It was created in 1949 to protect its diverse, culturally important biodiversity for its Kikuyu people. Besides its natural beauty, the park is also of very big importance in Kenya’s water supply.
Quick Facts
Location: Central Kenya, northeast of Nairobi
Nearest Airport: Nanyuki Airstrip
Nearest Railway: Nanyuki Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: December to March, June to October
Entry Fees: Adults- $52 (non-residents); 515 KES (residents)
Main Activities: Hiking, mountain climbing, wildlife safaris, bird watching
Where To Stay: Castle Forest Lodge, Anabas Mount Kenya Lodge, Naivasha Kongoni Lodge, and more
Where To Eat: Bantu Lodge, Barney’s Bar and Restaurant, The Nook Cafe & Bar, Gawanaz Grill, My Hill Country Garden Resort and more
Location
Photo: meshack mwash / Unsplash
The national park is situated within the central region of Kenya, across Kirinyaga County and Meru County. About 175 km northeast of Nairobi, the park has several entry gates, the main one being the Naro Moru Gate on the Naro Moru-Nanyuki Road. The park is located in the area around Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, making it an essential ecological region. In the vicinity, nearby landmarks are the Kenya Forest Service Headquarters, the Nanyuki General Hospital and the Naro Moru Town Market, which is used by residents.
How To Reach
Photo: Macabe5387 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. From Nairobi, one takes a local flight to Nanyuki Airstrip, which is about 20 km away from the park.
By Road: it’s about 175 km from Nairobi with about four hours of driving. You can hire a private taxi or use public transportation to some towns like Naro Moru or Nanyuki, which have gates giving access to the park.
By Rail: Kenya Railways provides services to Nanyuki, where you can hire transport to the park.
Things To Do
1. Trekking And Hiking
The national park is home to a wide range of scenic hiking trails for beginners to advanced hikers. Popular routes (the Sirimon, Chogoria, and Naro Moru routes) take visitors to dramatic views, including Point Lenana, the easiest peak to reach. Along the way, trekkers pass through ecosystems from bamboo forests to alpine moorland. The hike allows you to see the unique wildlife, such as colobus monkeys and rock hyraxes, and colourful bird species. Local guides are recommended for your safety and to deepen the experience with local knowledge of the landscape, flora, and fauna. Hiking here is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
2. Wildlife Viewing
Photo: Chuckupd / Wikimedia Commons
Mount Kenya National Park is an absolute dream for wildlife fans, so if you want to see some individual animals relaxing in the wild, this is one of the best places to do it. You can see elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, as well as smaller species like bushbucks and hyenas. Birdwatchers can spot more than 130 different types, including sunbirds and eagles. The park’s varied habitats, from montane forests to mountaintop grasslands, supply a splendid ecosystem for these creatures. The best opportunities to see them come at dawn or dusk.
3. Fishing In Mountain Streams
Photo: FieldsportsChannel TV / Wikimedia Commons
For a more tranquil experience, fish in the crystal-clear mountain streams of the national park. These streams, fed by the glaciers of Mount Kenya, support species including rainbow trout. Anglers can appreciate the peaceful act of casting a line in lush, picturesque surroundings. So it’s an activity that provides not just relaxation but also a connection with nature. You might need permits, and enlisting local guides can help you find the best spots and work within conservation practices. Fishing here is a tranquil retreat into the splendour of the park’s alpine habitat.
Places To Visit Near Mount Keya National Park
1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Photo: Lengai101 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Kenya’s Laikipia County, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a premier wildlife sanctuary and a model of low-impact tourism. Spreading over approximately 360 square kilometres, it is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and poignantly one of the few homes in the world where the two last northern white rhinos have or will live out their natural lives. You can go on game drives that are thrilling to view the “Big Five”, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance From The Park: 80 km
2. Ngare Ndare Forest Park
Photo: Joseph Gage / Wikimedia Commons
The Ngare Ndare Forest in Laikipia County is a haven of natural beauty and adventure. It boasts one of the longest canopy walks in Africa and the forest boasts six azure pools and waterfalls, fed by the springs from Mount Kenya. Hiking enthusiasts can find their way through dense woodlands leading to these hidden waterfalls and pools. The various diverse birdlife of the forest, such as Hartlaub’s turaco and the Narina trogon, offers the birdwatcher ample opportunities for sightings on the way. This is conserved under the care of Ngare Ndare Forest Trust and aims at conservation and the ownership of the community.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Distance From The Park: 90 km
3. Aberdare National Park
Photo: Yumiko254 / Wikimedia Commons
Aberdare National Park is located in the central highlands of Kenya, covering approximately 767 square kilometres and is home to the Aberdare Mountain Range. It was inaugurated in 1950 and has an extensive ecosystem profile, from the high moorland to bamboo forests and rich alpine flora. It has a wide array of wildlife, such as the bongo antelope and giant forest hogs, among others, including a profusion of primates. The topography of the park is characterised by deep ravines with spectacular waterfalls, including Karuru Falls and Gura Falls, among the highest in Kenya.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance From The Park: 100 km
4. Thomson’s Falls (Nyahururu Falls)
Photo: Raidarmax / Wikimedia Commons
Thomson’s Falls is a 74-meter-high waterfall on the Ewaso Ng’iro River in the Central Rift Valley, Kenya. Discovered in 1883 by Scottish geologist and naturalist Joseph Thomson, the falls were named after his father. A trail leads to the base of the falls so hire a local guide for safety. The surroundings are rich in biodiversity, with Lake Ol Bolossat close by, which is home to hippos and various species of birds. One of Kenya’s highest hippo pools upstream of the falls offers some exceptional wildlife views. Besides, Thomson’s Fall is an important economic resource for Nyahururu Town.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Park: 90 km
5. Nanyuki Town
Photo: Christiaan Kooyman / Wikimedia Commons
The vibrant, enchanting Nanyuki township nestles in the heart of Kenya’s Laikipia County. The Equator Marker is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town, where you can stand on the imaginary line between the northern and southern hemispheres. This spot also presents a unique photo opportunity and explains the Coriolis effect engagingly. The proximity to many conservancies attracts nature lovers to Nanyuki. Explore the vibrant markets showcasing different spectrums of the city’s culture and artisans fashioning handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, among others.
Timings: 24*7
Distance From The Park: 60 km
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- You should be well equipped with warm clothes, as the high altitude areas are cold.
- Having a local guide helps you keep your trekking or safari both safe and enriching.
- Always try to maintain your distance from wild animals as far as possible for the sake of both their safety and their natural home.
- Proper planning enhances the comfort and pleasure of a journey.
Mount Kenya National Park is a journey and not a destination into the heart of Kenya’s ecological and cultural richness. It offers a combination of adventure and tranquillity, providing an experience that caters to various interests. Climbers can challenge the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya, while nature lovers can plunge into the dynamic ecosystems of the park and nurture unique wildlife. Plan a trip with TripXL adventurous trip to Kenya.
Cover Photo: David Clode / Unsplash
