| | | | Size:
588 km2/227 sq mi. | | | | |
| Wildlife & attractions: Macro vegetation, mountain
scenery, climbing and trekking. | | |
| | | Getting there: 3–4 hours on
fairly good road to Naro Moru or Nanyuki from Nairobi, followed by 30 to 60 minutes
on less good road. | | | | |
| Kenya map
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| Kenya: |
| Mount Kenya National Park |
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| Mount Kenya, situated a few hours' drive north of Nairobi
in central Kenya,
is Kenya's highest mountain and the second highest in Africa (second to Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania).
It is situated on the equator and is surrounded by Mount Kenya National Park, starting
at 3,364 m/11,000 ft.
Some wildlife can be seen in the park,
but many visitors also come here for the climbing and trekking offered. Mount Kenya
has three main peaks: Batian (5,199 m/17,057 ft), Nelion (5,188 m/17,021 ft) and Lenana
(4,985 m/16,355 ft). Of these, only Lenana can be reached by walking, while the other
two require traditional climbing.
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| The mountain has three main vegetation zones. The highest altitudes are a barren
montane desert of snow and rocks, where few or no animals can be found. Below follows
the afro-alpine zone, where strangely oversized macro vegetation can be found, as well
as a wildlife of smaller mammals such as hares, duikers, klipspringers, hyrax and shrews.
The lowest altitudes form the bamboo and mountain forest zone, where elephants, African
buffalos, bush pigs, bushbuck, black-fronted duikers, leopards and monkeys may be found.
Lions, servals, bongos (a forest antelope) and other antelopes may be found in the mountain
forests below the park border altitude. Turacos, sunbirds, parrots and other birds offer
interesting birding.
Lodges and hotels
Apart from the lodges
below, accommodation is also available in bandas
and camping sites.
 Serena
Mountain Lodge is a good quality lodge on the south-western slopes of Mount Kenya. The lodge
has a tree house atmosphere, with much wooden materials, narrow stairs and rooms reminding of boat
cabins. The game viewing is mainly done from the lodge, which has observation decks and a lit waterhole.
More about Serena Mountain Lodge
Web site: www.serenahotels.com
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 Naro
Moru River Lodge is situated west of Mount Kenya, just south of the equator. It has 34 rooms
and 12 self-catering bungalows/houses. All rooms have ensuite bathroom. There are two restaurants,
bar, conference facilities, massage, swimming pool, tennis and squash, trout fishing and horse riding.
The lodge is specialized in mountain climbing, offering guides and equipment.
Web site: www.alliancehotels.com
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Mount Kenya Safari Club is a very good hotel set in private grounds west
of Mount Kenya in central Kenya. It has 115 rooms, including club rooms, suites,
villas and cottages. All have private bathroom and veranda with views of Mount
Kenya. There are two restaurants, two bars, lounge, health and beauty centre,
conference rooms, shops, chapel, heated swimming pool, tennis court, 9-hole golf
course, horse riding, bowls and trout fishing.
Web site: www.fairmont.com
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