Mount Kenya National Park

Kirinyaga/Nyeri Counties, Kenya

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Mount Kenya National Park lies in central Kenya, straddling Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties, and centers on Mount Kenya, an ancient extinct volcano and the second‑highest peak in Africa at 5,199 meters. The park and surrounding forest reserve together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, protecting a unique Afro‑alpine ecosystem that changes from dense montane forest through moorland and alpine meadows up to glaciers and rocky summits. It covers about 715 square kilometers of steep slopes, forests, glacial lakes, tarns, and six main peaks, with Batian (the highest), Nelion, and Point Lenana being the most prominent. The area is vital as a water catchment for much of Kenya and supports diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, and over 130 bird species, making it a popular destination for hiking, climbing, birdwatching, and nature‑based tourism just a short drive northeast of Nairobi.