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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The entry gates of Mount Kenya National Park open at 6am and close at 6pm daily.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 4 nights,5 days Mount Kenya trek is via the scenic sirimon and exit through Chogoria route.
The Chogoria route is our recommended and arguably the most magnificent ascent route to the summit area. It is the driest route up the mountain and the walk beside the Gorges Valley truly spectacular.
The Sirimon route is the least used of the three main routes, but features the most gradual ascent profile and best acclimatization options.
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
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