Mount Kenya Guides and Porters Safari Club

This is one of the most unique environments in the world. An area so special that it has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve. In the 700 square km park are 81 plants found only on Mt Kenya, as well as a wide variety of Wildlife.

Mt. Kenya is an extinct volcano 17,058 foot that straddles the Equator. Mt Kenya became a national park in 1949 and last erupted in 2003. The elevation range is approximately 3,200m to 5,200m.

Mt. Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. An ascent proves an irresistible attraction to all hill walkers sooner or later, although the two highest peaks, Nelion (17,022 feet) and Batian (17,058 feet) can only be reached by technical climbing, the third Point Lenana (16,355 feet), can be reached by any fit walker.

Main Peaks

The mountain falls into three distinct zones distinguished by altitude and vegetation. The central rocky peak area which lies above 14,500 feet has several permanent glaciers and snow fields. Little grows here except a few mosses and lichens. Radiating from the peaks is a number of rocky ridges with sides of scree.

Lobelia Teleki

Between 10,500 feet and 14,500 feet. The lower part of the alpine zone is covered with giant heather which gives way to Bamboo forest as one descends. Here the valley is v-shaped, although in places the rivers flowing off the mountain have worn deep gorges

Facts and Figures


Elevation	17,057 Feet	5,199 Meters
Longitude	37º 18 E
Latitude	0º 09 S
Climate	Tropical Rain Climate
Best Climbing Season	Southern Side	December, January,February & March
	Northern Side	June, July August & September

Photograph taken by Martin Mergili

Development in Cooperation with the Institute of Geography of the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Project Leader: A.o.Prof. Dr. Ernst Steinicke