Tourism Activities at Mount Kenya

Tourism Activities at Mount Kenya National Park

Mount Kenya National Park boasts a phenomenal location, with access to some of the world’s most incredible fauna and flora. The pristine wilderness is made up of an eclectic mix of lakes, glaciers, forest, mineral springs, unique alpine vegetation, and an array of rare and endangered species of animals. The Mount Kenya National Park protects and conserves the impressive biodiversity within the park, and offers incredible insight, as well as sublime views of the snow-covered peaks. Below are some of the tourism activities at Mount Kenya that you can undertake in your visit.

Nature walk

The Mount Kenya National Park includes Mount Kenya and is basically a forest reserve in which a number of animal species reside. These include elephants, tree hyrax, white-tailed mongoose, black-fronted duikers, mole rats, bushbucks, waterbucks, elands, leopards, black rhinos, and buffaloes.

Climbing / Trekking

Challenge yourself to this invigorating climb while enjoying some of the most beautiful (and changing) scenery as you hike past Mt. Kenya’s stunning lakes, tarns, glaciers, and peaks. The majority of climbs involve rock climbing via the easiest route, although some only require a scramble or a walk. The highest peak that can be ascended without climbing is Point Lenana, at 4,985 meters/16,355 feet. There are seven routes up the mountain, which has three peaks. Most tourists climb to Point Lenana which at 4985m is the third highest peak. Believe it or not, 15,000 visitors to the surrounding National Park annually climb this peak. Only climbers with advanced technical climbing ability are allowed to attempt the other two peaks. You will pass through several different eco-systems on your ascent from the tropical forest which is home to Buffalo and Elephant to the Bamboo forest, then the upland heath which is home to many strange plants such as the Giant Lobelia and Rosette plants. This then gives way to a barren land of rock, ice, and snow.

Highland Castle

On the Burguret Route heading up the mountain, at 3700m (12,139 ft.) you can scramble up this castle-like formation and take in beautiful views of the Batian and Nelion peaks.

Camping & Caving

Shipton’s Camp is located just beneath the summit and is set among the snow-capped peaks. There is an alpine hut here where climbers can rent bunks and rest the night before summiting the mountain. Nearby are Shipton’s Caves, an adventurous spot for exploring. Just before Shipton’s Camp, along the Sirimon Route, you will find Shipton’s Caves. You’ll likely spend a night here to acclimatize, so ask your guide if they can take you to explore the caves, which are named after Eric Shipton, who was the first to ascend Nelion Peak in 1929. However, he’s perhaps best known for giving a young sherpa, Tenzing Norgay, his first job as a porter on Mt Everest in 1935.

Bird watching

There are at least 160 bird species existing in Mount Kenya National Park, with 53 of Kenya’s 67 African Highland biome species, including the rare and threatened Abbott’s starling. It is home to 6 of the 8 bird species that are endemic to the Kenyan Mountains. The park is also home to several species of eagles that sometimes soar high above. Over 130 bird species have been recorded.

Golf Playing

For the traveling Golfer teeing off in one of Kenya’s many world-class golf courses makes for a perfect break from a safari. Kenya’s weather is ideal for golf all year round making it one of the world’s top golfing destinations. Golf is undoubtedly one of the world’s best traveling sports. Golf offers the chance to relax and unwind in a natural environment while participating in a highly competitive and skilled game. For the traveler seeking a diverse range of golf courses, combined with world-class standards and service, Kenya is a perfect choice. Kenya’s courses offer international golfing standards and some of the world’s finest design and landscaping. Our golf and country clubs have the best facilities in the region and high-quality service built on Kenya’s reputation for welcoming warmth.