Mount Kenya, at 5199 m, is the highest mountain in Kenya and the
second highest in Africa. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5895 m is
the highest. The central twin peaks, Batian (5199 m) and Nelion
(5188 m) can only be accessed by climbing, whereas the third highest
peak, Point Lenana (4985 m) can usually be ascended by a suitably
equipped walker. The mountain was gazetted a National Park in
1949.
When you visit Mount Kenya, you visit an absolutely unique environment.
It is actually so unique that it has been declared an International
Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The high altitude equatorial environment
has led to the evolution of several specially adapted species
of plants, animals and birds. In the 700 square kilometre park
are 81 plant species found only on Mt. Kenya, as well as a wide
variety of wildlife.
GEOLOGY
Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano, 50 km in diameter at the base,
that was built up by intermittent volcanic eruptions 3.1 to 2.6
million years ago. What remains now as the central peaks was the
core of the volcano, all the crater rim having been eroded away.
Originally the summit of Mount Kenya must have reached well over
6,500 metres.
Lying only 20 km from the equator, there are nevertheless numerous
glaciers because of the high altitude climate, although these
all have receded significantly in the past two decades.
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VEGETATION
The Parks elevation range is approximately 3200 metres to 5200
metres and includes several distinctive vegetation zones. Gallery
Forest, Bamboo, Giant Heath and Hagenia, Moorland Tussock Grasses,
Giant Senecio (Groundsel), Thistle and Lobelia -- and at the uppermost
elevations, rock and ice. Several species of flora and fauna are
unique to this type of high altitude equatorial environment. |
The vertical bog on
the Naro Moru route. |
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WILDLIFE
In the forest zones, the Sykes Monkey, Bushbuck, Elephant and
Cape Buffalo are common. Most of their movements are by night,
or at dawn or dusk. Buffalo are often seen, but the other large
mammals are usually only evident from their droppings and tracks.
Common among the birdlife is the Hartlaub's Turaco, with its magnificent
crimson-red underwing in flight. |
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Ulf's footprint, boot size 44, inside an elephant's footprint.
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Above, in the moorland zones, larger mammals are very rarely seen,
but include Hyena, Buffalo, Leopard and Cerval Cats. Evidence
of their tracks and droppings can often be seen along the paths.
The tracks of Hyena and Leopard can sometimes be seen in mud.
Both are very similar and about the size of a mans hand palm.
Almost always these will be Hyena, which being in the dog family,
the claws are visible in the print. Leopard in the cat family,
has its claws retracted. The most common birds are Malachite Sunbird
and Rock Chat. |
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Higher still in the alpine zones, Rock Hyraxes are common, particularly
now around the established camps. These mammals are ratlike in
appearance, but with a stumpy tail, and about the size of a domestic
cat. Despite their size and appearance, their closest living relative
in the animal kingdom is the Elephant. |
Although not visible, Hyraxes have suprisingly large tusks. Occasionally,
the Mackinders Eagle Owl can be seen or heard at dawn or dusk.
LOCAL PEOPLE
To the local Kikuyu tribe, Mt. Kenya is the home of their God,
Ngai, and the location of their creation mythology. It is, therefore,
a place to be treated with respect and reverence by the more than
15,000 people who visit the mountain each year.
Batian and Nelion are named after Maasai gods. Lenana is named
after a Maasai leader.
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
Recently, every two or three years, it has become necessary for
Kenyans to organise litter cleanup expeditions. Each trip typically
brings down 400 to 600 kg of litter. This is entirely due to careless
visitors.
Any visitor to Mount Kenya (or any of the other East African mountains)
should therefore do their best to preserve this unique environment.
By abiding to a few simple guidelines you can do a lot to save
Mount Kenya's beauty for visitors coming after you. |