Mount Kenya Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Kenya

Highest point
Elevation	5,199 m (17,057 ft)
Prominence	3,825 m (12,549 ft) Ranked 32nd
Listing	Seven Second Summits Country high point Ultra
Geography
Location	Kenya
Geology
Mountain type	Stratovolcano (extinct)
Last eruption	2.6–3.1 MYA
Climbing
First ascent	1899 by Halford Mackinder, with guides César Ollier and Joseph Brocherel
Easiest route	Rock climb

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 metres (17,057 ft)), Nelion (5,188 metres (17,021 ft)) and Point Lenana (4,985 metres (16,355 ft)). Mount Kenya is located in the former Eastern and central provinces of Kenya, now Meru, Embu, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Isiolo counties, about 16.5 kilometres (10.3 mi) south of the equator, around 150 kilometres (93 mi) north-northeast of the capital Nairobi. Mount Kenya is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

Mount Kenya is a stratovolcano created approximately 3 million years after the opening of the East African rift. Before glaciation, it was 7,000 m (23,000 ft) high. It was covered by an ice cap for thousands of years. This has resulted in very eroded slopes and numerous valleys radiating from the centre. There are currently 11 small glaciers. The forested slopes are an important source of water for much of Kenya.

There are several vegetation bands from the base to the summit. The lower slopes are covered by different types of forest. Many alpine species are endemic to Mount Kenya, such as the giant lobelias and senecios and a local subspecies of rock hyrax. An area of 715 km² (276 sq mi) around the centre of the mountain was designated a National Park and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The park receives over 16,000 visitors per year.

Images for kids

Mount Kenya, as seen from a SkySat satellite
Several ethnic groups that live around Mount Kenya believe the mountain to be sacred. They used to build their houses facing the mountain, with the doors on the side nearest to it.
The central peaks of Mount Kenya are volcanic plugs that have resisted glacial erosion. (Left to right: Point Thompson (4955m), Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5188m))
The Lewis Glacier is the largest on Mount Kenya
Frost heaving causes patterned solifluction lobes below Mugi Hill.
Runoff from Mount Kenya provides water for over 2 million people.
The timberline forest is commonly in cloud. The trees are relatively small and covered in lichens and mosses.
Many plants that live on Mount Kenya, like this Senecio keniodendron, have to be specially adapted to the extremes in temperature.
Hyrax are able to cope with a more extreme climate and are found up to the highest elevation.
Safari ants swarm around the forest in long columns. They are easiest to see when they cross the tracks.
In January the Intertropical Convergence Zone is at its southern extreme over the Indian Ocean. In July it is at its northern extreme over Tibet and Arabia. As it passes over the equator, Mount Kenya experiences a wet season.
In the dry season, mornings are typically clear and cool, but the mountain is hidden in cloud by mid-day.
Joseph Thomson reached the foothills of Mount Kenya and confirmed Krapf's discovery.
Count Sámuel Teleki was the first European to set foot on Mount Kenya. His expedition reached 4,350 m (14,270 ft).
Shipton and Russell made the first ascent of Point John up the south-east gully in 1929
There are many peaks on Mount Kenya that require rock climbing.
Batian on the left, Nelion on the right, and Slade in the foreground
Lenana, the third highest peak, is the most ascended
Mount Kenya, left to right: Point Lenana (4985m), Nelion summit (5188), Batian summit (5199m)
Krapf Rognon (4,800 m or 15,748 ft) and Krapf glacier
Midget peak can be climbed in a day.
Terere and Sendeyo are two craggy outlying peaks
Mugi hill and the Giant's Billiards Table offers some of the best hillwalking in Kenya.
Nelion from Batian in Dec 1974
Looking down the Diamond Glacier to Pt John
The Gorges Valley is a major feature on the Chogoria Route.
Vertical bog on Mount Kenya on the Naro Moru Route.
Looking towards the peaks up the Mackinder Valley on the Sirimon Route.
Austrian Hut is found near the Lewis Glacier on the slopes of Point Lenana. The hut sleeps 30 people, with Top Hut nearby for porters.
Liki North Hut is a small bothy in the Liki North Valley. It offers little more than shelter from the weather.
Shipton's Camp is at the top of the Sirimon Route. It has a large communal area and running cold water.
Camping is allowed anywhere within the National Park.
Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is a resort located in Nanyuki at the base of Mount Kenya. The resort has over 120 rooms and is one of the most exclusive in the region.

Mount Kenya facts for kids

Images for kids

See also