Mount KENYA NATIONAL PARK

Jun 10, 2025 African Safari Kenya No Comments 11 Views

Mount Kenya National Park

Location

Mount Kenya National Park is located in Kenya’s northeast region, approximately 110 miles from the capital city, Nairobi.

Size

Mount Kenya National Park is 276 square miles in size.

History

Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 when the government set out to protect Mount Kenya, its surrounding environment and wilderness. Formerly a forest reserve, the park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and, along with the surrounding forest reserve, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The creation of Mount Kenya National Park was not only for tourism purposes, but also to preserve the beauty, biodiversity, and most importantly, the area’s important role as a key water catchment area.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The cost to enter Mount Kenya National Park is currently USD60 per adult and USD25 per child under 12 years old. This is valid for a 24-hour period.

Hours of Operation

The gates of Mount Kenya National Park open at 6am and close at 6pm, daily.

How to Get There

By Road

Mount Kenya National Park is 110 miles from Nairobi, an approximate four-hour drive. It can be reached via the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru or via Chogoria using the Embu-Meru road. There are six entry gates into the park: Naro Moru, Kihari, Mawingu, Sirimon, Kamweti, and Chogoria Gates.

By Air

A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip takes approximately one hour. The drive to the Sirimon Gate of Mount Kenya National Park is a 20-mile drive.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Mount Kenya National Park experiences daily temperatures around 60°F in the drier, cooler winter months of July and August, and up to around 80°F in the summer season during January and February. The clearest days occur from late December to the end of February, ideal for climbing Mount Kenya. The short rains fall in November, while the rainy season occurs from March to May.