Pristine Wilderness Glaciers & Number Of Endangered Species
USD100 - USD400 Per Person Sharing, Including Breakfast
Mount Kenya
Jun - Sep
Jul - Sep
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 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 over a 24-hr period.
Hours of Operation
The gates of Mount Kenya National Park open at 6am and close at 6pm, daily.
By Road
Mount Kenya National Park is 110 miles from Nairobi, an approximate four-hour drive along can be reached via the Nyeri-Nanyuki road near Naro Moru or via Chongoria using the Embu-Meru road. There are six entry gates into Mount Kenya National Park, namely 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.
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 January and February. The days are clear from late December to the end of February for clients looking to climb Mount Kenya, however the temperatures will be higher than in early June or late September. The short rains fall in November, with the rainy season occurring between March and May.
Avoiding Crowds
It may be best to visit Mount Kenya National Park in June and again in September and early October to avoid visitors looking to climb Mount Kenya or enjoy a safari in the cooler months between late June and end of August and again during the sunny, clear days of January and February. The park will see less activity and there will be more availability when it comes to accommodation choices.
Value for Money
Most of the accommodation located in and around Mount Kenya National Park offer moderate lodging at good prices, suited to clients looking to experience the wonders of the park and for those guests needing to unwind before and after their hike up Mount Kenya. Pricing ranges from USD100 to USD400 per person sharing, per night, inclusive of breakfast.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in the Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is home to the “Big Five” namely, elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. These sought-after favorites can be seen wandering the moors and forests of the park, with the option to spot rare animals such as the Giant Forest Hog, the Bongo and Tree Hyrax to name a few. You can find over 130 species of birds in Mount Kenya National Park.
The Terrain
Mount Kenya National Park comprises a diverse terrain that ranges from thick montane forest to sheer mountain slopes topped with glaciers. The vegetation is Alpine due to the altitude and the beautiful scenery is host to around a dozen endemic plants. Unlike other parks in Kenya, there are no real open plains in Mount Kenya National Park.
Game Drives
Visitors to the Mount Kenya National Park can enjoy an enclosed 4×4 vehicle drive within the park in search of wildlife scattered through the forests and around the base of magical Mount Kenya. You won’t see many vehicles around, as most activities in this area are enjoyed on foot.
Guided Walking Safaris
A guide will take you through the diverse terrain of the Mount Kenya National Park, observing flora, fauna and keeping an eye out for zebras, waterbuck, buffalos, elephants and a plethora of birdlife. Keep an eye on the impressive slopes of Mount Kenya and the natural scenic beauty of the park and forested reserve.
Within Mount Kenya National Park, there are a variety of campsites and chalets, all catering to the hikers looking to tackle Mount Kenya. There are a few more classic and semi-luxury accommodations located in the park and just outside, offering a more comfortable stay to visitors to the park and surroundings.
Mount Kenya National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel
Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Fairmont Mount Kenya National Park
21 miles from the Sirimon Gate in a northeasterly direction
Anabas Adventure
15 miles from the Chogoria Gate in an easterly direction
Mau-Mau Caves
Visit these historical caverns set deep in the Nanyuki Forest, close to Mount Kenya National Park. Admire the beautiful waterfalls present and discover the history behind how the tunnels were used by the Mau-Mau Freedom Fighters in the 1950s to hide supplies.
Animal Orphanage
An opportunity awaits for you at the Animal Orphanage to meet the endangered Mountain Bongo and visit with other injured and rehabilitating animals, all to hopefully be released into the wild when healed.
Nature Trails
Take a walk on the wild side in Mount Kenya National Park, a qualified guide showing you the wonders both great and small, making your way through varied vegetation, keeping an eye out for animals and birdlife all around you.
When is the best time to visit Mount Kenya National Park?
Consider visiting Mount Kenya National Park either during the cool, dry months of June, July and August or in January and February, when warmer weather and clear skies may encourage hikers to tackle Mount Kenya. To avoid crowds, late May or late September are good options.
How much does a safari in Mount Kenya National Park cost?
Guests to Mount Kenya National Park can choose to stay in the park or just outside, with accommodation and package options ranging from USD100 to USD400 per person, with most inclusive of breakfast. Day visits are possible with entry permits costing USD60 per adult and USD25 per child under 12 years old.
How to get to Mount Kenya National Park?
The drive from Nairobi takes approximately six hours, the 110 mile journey taking guests along the Nyeri-Nanyuki Road. Visitors can fly into the Nanyuki Airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, the flight time taking around one hour.
What makes a Mount Kenya National Park safari so special?
The breathtaking scenery, diverse landscape and iconic Mount Kenya are key reasons visitors take time to experience and explore Mount Kenya National Park. The mild climate and moderately-priced accommodation nearby are also appealing.
What animals can I see in Mount Kenya National Park?
Mount Kenya National Park is home to the “Big Five”, namely elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo, as well as rare species such as the Giant Forest Hog and the Bongo. There are around 130 species of birds in the park.
When is Mount Kenya National Park open?
The entry gates of Mount Kenya National Park open at 6am and close at 6pm daily.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Mount Kenya National Park?
Guests would pre-book their visit to Mount Kenya National Park as part of their safari package. They may be staying outside or inside the park. Either way the experience would be booked ahead of time.
What’s the best way to see Mount Kenya National Park?
Traveling by road from Nairobi or a flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport are the two ways to get to Mount Kenya National Park. Traveling by 4×4 vehicle in the park is a great way to experience the landscape and wildlife in the park. Nature walks are a popular activity in Mount Kenya National Park.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Mount Kenya National Park?
While there are many campsites within the Mount Kenya National Park, situated close to entry gates mostly, there are a few semi-luxury and comfortable accommodation options within the park and nearby. Anabas Mount Kenya National Park is located within the park while the resort property of Fairmont Mount Kenya is located just outside the park, 21 miles from the Simiron Gate.
What restaurants are near Mount Kenya National Park?
Guests staying in the campsites or at accommodations located within the Mount Kenya National Park will enjoy meals provided or available for purchase at their accommodation sites. Guests staying outside the park will have access to hotel restaurants, as stand-alone restaurants are not available in the area.
What attractions are near Mount Kenya National Park?
Mau-Mau Caves offer a fascinating look back to the history of the 1950s while emotions are evoked when visiting the Animal Orphanage, home to the rare Bongo. Visitors can enjoy a nature walk in Mount Kenya National Park while guests staying at the Fairmont can enjoy bird watching outings departing from the grounds.
