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 reasons but also to preserve the beauty, biodiversity, and most importantly, the area’s role as a key water catchment area.

Entrance Fees & Permits

The cost to enter Mount Kenya National Park is currently USD 60 per adult and USD 25 per child under 12 years old. This is valid over 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 sees 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 of January and February.
The days are clearest from late December to the end of February—ideal for climbing Mount Kenya—though warmer.
The short rains fall in November, with the rainy season occurring between March and May.

Avoiding Crowds

The best months to avoid crowds are June, September, and early October—outside of the popular climbing and safari months (late June to August and January to February).
During these off-peak months, visitors will find more availability and more accommodation choices.

Value for Money

Most accommodation options in and around Mount Kenya National Park offer moderate lodging at reasonable prices.
These are perfect for travelers exploring the park or resting before or after a Mount Kenya hike.
Pricing ranges from USD 100 to USD 400 per person sharing, per night, inclusive of breakfast.

Wildlife and Landscape

Popular Wildlife Sightings

Mount Kenya National Park is home to the “Big Five”: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo.
These majestic creatures roam the moors and forests of the park. Guests may also encounter rare animals such as the Giant Forest Hog, Bongo, and Tree Hyrax.
Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting some of the over 130 bird species recorded in the park.

The Terrain

The park features diverse terrain, from dense montane forest to steep mountain slopes topped with glaciers.
The vegetation is predominantly alpine, and the beautiful scenery supports around a dozen endemic plant species.
Unlike other parks in Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park lacks open plains.

Experience

Game Drives

Visitors can enjoy enclosed 4×4 game drives through the forest and around the base of Mount Kenya in search of wildlife.
Due to the nature of the terrain, most exploration here is done on foot rather than in vehicles.

Guided Walking Safaris

Experienced guides lead guests through the diverse terrain of Mount Kenya National Park, highlighting native flora, fauna, and wildlife including zebras, elephants, and waterbuck.
These walks also offer breathtaking views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding forested reserve.

Organized by: Adventure In The Wild Safaris