About Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park Flora & Fauna
The flora of Mount Kenya National Park includes many different types of vegetation zones from subalpine to highland rainforest. There are two main vegetation zones - the lower montane forest and the subalpine forest. The lower montane forest mainly consists of evergreen trees like Olea europaea and Podocarpus latifolius while the subalpine zone has deciduous trees like Carpinus orientalis and Rhododendron ferrugineum which lose their leaves during winter. The flora is diverse and endemic as well. There are over 600 species of trees and shrubs found in the Park. Some of these species are found nowhere else on earth. You can find tall trees like figs and mahogany at the lower levels, while the higher altitudes are home to shorter trees like bamboo or juniper.
Mount Kenya National Park is a home to various animals and other living organisms. The fauna in the park includes mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects. The park is home to about 260 mammal species. These include the black rhinoceros, buffalo, hippopotamus, elephant and leopard. The bird population in the park is also very diverse with over 350 species of birds found here. Some of these include the African fish eagle, yellow-billed hornbill and golden-headed weaver.Mount Kenya National Park has a wide variety of amphibians including frogs and toads. These are found mostly near streams or rivers that run through the park's territory. There are also about 50 reptile species in the park including lizards and snakes like python or cobra.
Mount Kenya National Park Tour Packages
Indulge in a trekking adventure in the Mount Kenya National Park, and enjoy viewing some of the most panoramic natural sights and landscapes during your trek to the top. Catch sights of the rare and beautiful Bongo, in addition to animal species like elephants, tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose and bushbucks.
- Inclusions:
- Park entry fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
- Price: USD 700-900 per person
Also Checkout: Kenya Safari Holiday Packages
Go for a two-day tour into the Mount Kenya National Park and the famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Enjoy trekking along the marked trails in Mount Kenya whilst witnessing animals like elephants, bushbucks and white-tailed mongoose. Then, pay a visit to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which is the largest black rhino sanctuary in all of East Africa and is also home to the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world.
Inclusions:
- Park entry fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
Price: USD 450-650 per person
This 8-day tour will take you to two of the most famous wildlife reserves in all of Kenya. In addition to climbing Mount Kenya in the Mount Kenya National Park via the scenic Sirimon route, you can also go on a safari in the Masai Mara. During the tour, you can enjoy sights of the Big Five animals and also learn about the rich Masai culture.
Inclusions:
- Park entry fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Camping equipment
- Transportation
- Round trip airport transfer
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
Price: USD 1000 to 2000 per person
On this climbing tour in the Mount Kenya National Park, you will get a chance to trek all the way to the Lenana Point on Mount Kenya as you trek through the Sirimon route. During the ascent, you can come across birds like the moustached tinkerbird, mountain oriole and the blue-billed teal, while also enjoying close encounters with elephants, duikers, and bushbucks. Once you reach Lenana Point, you will then begin your descent through Chogoria, where you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding landscapes.
Inclusions:
- Park entry fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing equipment
- Transportation
- Round trip airport transfer
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
Price: USD 700 to 900 per person
On this unique 5-day tour, you will be taken for a visit to Mount Kenya National Park, and the lakes located within it. You can trek through the scenic Chogoria route, to reach Lake Ellis. Some of the other attractions that you will be able to witness include the Vivienne Falls, Gorges Valley and Lake Michaelson.
Inclusions:
- Park entry fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Camping equipment
- Transportation
- Professional driver/ guide facilities
- Round trip airport transfer
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking water
Price: USD 700 to 900 per person
Things to Do at Mount Kenya National Park
Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the most popular tourist activities in Mount Kenya National Park. The mountain is the second highest in Africa and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. There are several routes to the summit, and the most popular is the Naro Moru Route. This route starts at the park headquarters and takes about four days to complete. During the climb, you can also witness numerous different species of plants as well as wildlife.
- Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
- Price: USD 700 onwards
Also Read: Things to Do in Kenya
Explore the caves in the parkThere are few places on earth as breath-taking as the caves in Mount Kenya National Park. And one of the best things to do in this park is to explore the many caves here. Formed over millions of years, these caves offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore a hidden world beneath the mountain. For the more adventurous, there are caves with narrow passages and dark depths to explore. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are also caves with open chambers and beautiful rock formations.
- Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
- Price: USD 50 onwards
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kenya
Game drives in Mount Kenya National Park are amongst the most popular activities, and a great way to see the park's wildlife. The park offers a variety of game drives which you can indulge in, including day and night drives, that allow visitors to see different animals. Day drives typically last around three hours and offer the chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, and other animals. Night drives are shorter, lasting only about an hour, but offer the chance to see nocturnal animals like hyenas and jackals.
Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Price: USD 400 onwards
When you set out to explore Mount Kenya National Park, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Ol Pejeta Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to some of the world's most endangered animals, including the black rhino, the Grevy's zebra, and the Northern white rhino. The sanctuary is also home to the last known male Northern white rhino in the world, Sudan. In addition to seeing these animals up close, you can also learn a lot about them and their habitats here.
Timing: 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Price: USD 70 onwards
There is no other activity as amazing and unique as a camping experience in the Mount Kenya National Park, especially under the stars. In addition to being close to nature, you can also enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with sleeping inside a tent during this activity.
Timing: 06:00 p.m. onwards
Price: USD 2 onwards
Another popular thing to do in Mount Kenya National Park is to explore the hiking trails here. With its towering peaks and lush vegetation, the park is a hikers paradise. There are a variety of trails to choose from, so you can find one that suits your fitness level and interests. Whether you're looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely walk, you'll find the perfect trail in Mount Kenya National Park.
- Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Lodges and Camps in Mount Kenya National Park
Serena Mountain Lodge is situated in Mount Kenya National Park. It is a luxury resort that offers an exclusive and luxurious experience to its guests. The lodge has a variety of different accommodation options, including villas, suites and cottages. The lodge has a lot to offer in terms of activities. Guests can go on game drives, hike or take a scenic flight over the national park to see the beautiful landscape below.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, complimentary breakfast
- Price: USD 179 onwards per night
Also Checkout: Kenya Safari Lodges
The Sweetwaters Tented Camp is a luxury tented camp in Mount Kenya National Park. It is located at the foot of Mt. Kenya and offers visitors panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley and its wildlife. The camp has ten luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms. The Sweetwaters Tented Camp also has an excellent reputation for being one of the best places to spot elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos on safari tours in Africa.
Location: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, Kenya
Amenities: Swimming pool, on-site restaurant, lounge
Price: USD 300 onwards per night
The Mount Kenya Safari Club lodge is a luxurious and serene resort in Mount Kenya National Park. The lodge is located in the foothills of Mount Kenya. It has a wide range of accommodation options for guests including luxury suites, family rooms and safari tents
Location: Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, Kenya
Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurant, swimming pool
Price: USD 200 onwards per night
Porini Rhino Camp in Mount Kenya National Park is an eco-friendly lodge that is committed to protecting the endangered black rhino. The camp is located in a remote and rugged part of the park, providing guests with an authentic safari experience. The camp offers game drives, bush walks, and night safaris, giving guests the opportunity to see rhinos in their natural habitat.
Location: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, Kenya
Amenities: Free breakfast, on-site restaurant, lounge
Price: USD 100 onwards per night
Timau River Lodge is a safari lodge in Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya. The lodge has been built on the banks of the Timau River and overlooks the river valley. Timau River Lodge offers activities such as day trips to Timau Falls, game drives and hiking trails. Guests can also enjoy treatments at their spa or relax on their deck with a drink from their bar.
Location: 37R2+9JJ, Timau, Kenya
Amenities: hot tub, on-site restaurant, free breakfast
Price: USD 80 onwards per night
Situated at the base of Mount Kenya, the Kinondoni Campsite is the perfect place to experience all that this national park has to offer. With breath-taking views of the mountain and its surrounding forests, the campsite is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the park. There are also a number of hiking and biking trails nearby, so you can explore the park at your own pace.
Location: Mount Kenya, Kenya
Amenities: Running water, free breakfast, dining areas
Price: USD 80 onwards per night
Plan Your Visit to Mount Kenya National Park
How to Reach
- By Air: You can fly-in to the airstrip at Nanyuki, which is the nearest airstrip to Mount Kenya National Park. From Nanyuki, you can take a short drive to the park.
- By Road: The park can be accessed by road from Nairobi via the A2 highway. The journey takes about 3 hours.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park is during the dry season, from December to mid-March. The weather is cool and dry during this time, making it ideal for hiking and camping. There are also fewer crowds during the dry season, so you'll be able to enjoy the park's natural beauty without too much noise from other visitors.
Clothing, sleeping and climbing equipment
- Climbing gear
- Duffle bags
- Waterproof bags
- Walking sticks
- Warm clothes like scarves, jackets, etc.
- Fleece jacket
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Rain trousers
- Walking boots
- Socks
- Synthetic t-shirts
- Trousers
- Thermal wear
- Personal Use Items
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Dry snacks
- Head torch
- Camera
- Extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Warm sleeping bag
- First Aid Kit
- Aspirin
- Water purification tablets
- Bandages
- Malaria tablets
- Other emergency medicines
Take your time to acclimatise while trekking inside Mount Kenya National Park
Slow down after every couple of hours to prevent altitude sickness
Drink a lot of water to remain hydrated
Avoid littering and take your trash down with you
If you are going on an overnight hike, make sure to bring enough food and water for your whole trip
Always inform someone about where you are going and when you expect to return
It is important to stay hydrated and eat light meals before embarking on a safari in Mount Kenya National Park
You should avoid wearing any perfumes or fragrances while in the park to avoid headaches and attracting wild animals
Wear mosquito repellent at all times to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria
Ensure that you are with your group members at all times to avoid getting lost in the mountains
FAQ's of Mount Kenya National Park
What activities can we do at Mount Kenya National Park camps?
There is a wide array of activities that you can enjoy doing at the camps in Mount Kenya National Park. In addition to climbing Mount Kenya and exploring the nature trails here, you can also enjoy horse riding in the camps at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Furthermore, you can also indulge in game drives, bird watching or sundowners at the camps.
How many days do you need in Mount Kenya National Park?
If you want to explore Mount Kenya National Park thoroughly, you should plan to spend at least four or five days there. That way, you'll have enough time to hike to the various lookout points and summit one of the peaks. You can also spend time enjoying the park's wildlife, including its many bird species. Keep in mind that some of the trails can be quite challenging, so you'll need to be prepared for a bit of a workout.
What is the best time of year to visit the Mount Kenya National Park?
The best time of the year to visit Mount Kenya National Park is between December to March, when the region experiences its dry season. The weather during this time is warm and sunny, and the views are simply incredible. The wildlife is also more active during this time, so you're sure to see some amazing animals. If you're looking for the ultimate safari experience, then this is definitely the time to visit.
What facilities will I get in Mount Kenya National Park camps?
Some of the most common facilities that you can get in the Mount Kenya National Park camps include an on-site restaurant, complimentary meals, toilets and showers, running water, free internet access, lounge areas as well as dining spaces and a myriad of activities.
Which are the best places to visit in Mount Kenya National Park?
Some of the best places to visit in the Mount Kenya National Park include the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Chogoria and Sirimon trekking routes, Point Lenana and the Vivienne Falls, among others.