1) Mount Kenya
2 famous mountains of Kenya
The highest national park in the world, arguably, is located in Mount Kenya. This volcanic mountain is a national icon, a wildlife preserve, a natural world heritage and a climber’s Mecca. But to appreciate Mount Kenya’s beauty and its moods it is necessary to climb through the juniper and bamboo forests, garlanded with Spanish moss. These climbs alter all the time in quality because of the unpredictable weather changes. For example, an ice pitch can turn into a treacherous slush during sunny days. And mountain climbing carried out in the rains has never been successful conquests. For this reason, climbing is best done during the two dry seasons of Kenya – July to early October and January to early March.
Translucent mountain snow
At the height of 3,000 meters, Mount Kenya appear pellucid, and at 4,000 meters, the ice-cliffs sparkle. The sun during the first and the second half of the year is in the southern and northern hemisphere respectively, which creates a unique phenomenon to Mount Kenya. The south receives direct sunlight and provides ideal rock climbs in the first six months. The north face remains iced-up because it is excluded from direct sunlight and offers ice climbs. Then within days in the second half, as the solstice changes, the situation reverses. For amateur climbers, it is possible to ascend Lenana Peak, but the higher peaks are for hardcore mountain climbers. Even then, it is highly advisable to climb very carefully because it has the world’s highest incidence of pulmonary edema due to no motor access to great heights.
2) Aberdare mountains
The Aberdare is the third tallest mountain of Kenya. Plains and moorlands break these high woods, and through the tree cover, there are abundant views of Mount Kenya and Rift Valley. The woodland is a world of wildlife. The dense vegetation provides perfect shelter for these countless animals. Vast herds of buffalo and elephant move almost silently through the undergrowth. Overhead, colobus monkeys and noisome birds dominate the canopy. The forest comes alive at night with a procession of game emerging to these clearings. Then one can plainly hear the distinctive rasping growl of leopard among the trees and the cries of hyrax. Besides, there are mountain streams that are inhabited by trout. And there are a series of waterfalls along the range.
Amateur climbers
The Aberdares can be explored either on foot or by vehicle. There are trails throughout the forests and moorlands. They are Kenya’s best treks. The foothills are ideal for exploring on horseback. They are the ideal places for guests to observe game at length. Elephant herds surround and drink from the waterholes and then fade away. Occasionally a rhino or the bongo antelope visit the waterhole. Buffalo bulls fight over territory. Genet cats descend and slip through the halls.
To receive a colourful digibook about accommodation with videos, images and text, please fill out the following form or simply email us on safaris@safari-center.com
