Best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park: Mount Kenya National Park is home to the second-highest peak mountain in Africa- Mount Kenya, with its highest peak standing at approximately 5 199 meters above sea level. It also serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a realm of the mythical Kikuyu god known as Ngai. The ancient Kikuyu people built their customary homes facing this sacred peak as they believed it was a place of light; hence the name Kirinyaga.

Mount Kenya National Park is situated along the subtropical region, the region experiences two wet seasons and two dry seasons as a result of the monsoon. From mid-March to June the heavy rain season, known as the long rains, brings approximately half of the annual rainfall on the mountain.  During these months, you might not get the best views of the mountain, but the scenery is still lush and beautiful. This is then followed by the wetter of the two dry seasons which lasts until September. October to December are the short rains when the mountain receives approximately a third of its rainfall total, bringing clouds and occasional drizzle. Finally, from December to mid-March is the dry, dry season when the mountain experiences the least rain.

On the other hand, the best to visit the national park for a great hiking experience is during the two dry seasons – January and February and August and September. During the two rainy seasons, the trails are more difficult, and the visibility is poor but the park is open year-round for visitors.

However, Mount Kenya National Park is open all year round, and despite some rainy spells, Mount Kenya National Park welcomes visitors all year round. The weather can shift dramatically depending on how high you go. At lower altitudes, it tends to be milder, while temperatures drop considerably at higher elevations, where it can be quite chilly, windy, and misty. The plant life also varies with altitude, ranging from dense bamboo forests at lower levels to alpine and moorland vegetation as you go higher.

Climbing Mount Kenya is far less technically challenging than a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, but mountaineering experience is recommended if you’re to reach the summit safely. Mount Kenya boasts three stunning peaks such as Batian, the tallest at 5,199 meters, followed by Nelion at 5,188 meters, and Lenana at 4,985 meters. All the 3 offer various degrees of difficulty when it comes to mountain climbing

For those aiming for Point Lenana, the Naro Moru route is the primary trekking path. This journey typically takes about three days, starting from Naro Moru town on the park’s western side. The trek leads to Mackinder’s Camp and then merges onto the Peak Circuit Path, which involves a steep 10-kilometer climb around Batian and Nelion. Be cautious during the rainy seasons, as the trails can become slippery. The ideal times for climbing Mount Kenya are during the dry months, which run from June to October and January to March. Additionally, there are other trails such as Kamweti, Marania, Burguret, and Themwe that don’t require an official entrance.

ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY AT MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK

Game Viewing

Mount Kenya National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, featuring impressive animals like elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, and buffaloes. During your game-viewing excursion, you’ll also have the chance to spot smaller creatures like tree hyraxes, white-tailed mongooses, black-fronted duikers, various rodents, bushbucks, waterbucks, and elands. Taking part in game viewing offers a refreshing break from more strenuous activities, like hiking, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park
Wildlife in Mount Kenya National Park

Exploring Caves

The park contains intriguing caves, including the Mau Mau cave, which draws many visitors due to its historical significance. This cave served as a hideout for Mau Mau warriors during their struggle, and exploring it offers a glimpse into this important part of the park’s history, making it an interesting stop for visitors.

Camping

For those looking to spend the night in the park, Shipton’s Camp is the perfect spot. Located just below the summit, this camp is situated among the breathtaking snow-covered peaks. There’s an alpine hut available where climbers can rent beds and rest before their final ascent. Nearby, Shipton’s Caves offer more adventures and explorations for those who want to add a little extra excitement to their camping experience.

Birding

Mount Kenya National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya for birdwatching safari lover. The park is home to over 160 different bird species. During your birding tour, you’ll have the chance to spot amazing colorful birds such as Brimstone Canary, Streaky Seedeater, Thick-billed Seedeater, Yellow-crowned Canary, Golden-breasted Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, among many others. You can also see some while having a hike within the park.

Accommodation around Mount Kenya National Park

There a number of accommodations around Mount Kenya National Park, where you can spend a night on your trek or after your trek. Most accommodations are luxurious lodges and bands, which are on the slope of the mountain. If you’re looking for where to stay around Mount Kenya, there are a number of choices to look at. Such accommodation options include Serena Mountain Lodge, Castle Forest Lodge, Whispers Luxury Guest Rooms, hotel Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Le Rustique, Penguin house, Soames hotel & Jacks bar, Kinondoni Campsite, Road Head, Mintos Hut & Campsite, Narumoru Gate Campsite, Met Station Campsite, Mackinders Campsite, Austrian Hut Campsite, Batian Guest House and Sirimon Cottage among others.

HOW TO REACH MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK:

By Road: If you’re coming from Nairobi, it’s about 175 kilometers to the park. you can also take the Nanyuki-Isiolo road via the Sirimon Track or the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru. Another option is to drive through Chogoria on the Embu – Meru Road, about 150km north of Nairobi.

By Air: For those who prefer flying, The closest airstrips to Mt. Kenya are at Nanyuki or the Laikipia Airport.

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