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Mt
Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of
the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu home were built to face
this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.
The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Its ragged series of peaks are
crowned with snow, and its slopes are thick with forest. The mountain is
best seen at dawn, when the days early light silhouettes its impressive
summit high over the surrounding plains.
While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak
of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek
takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests,
wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and
finally one of the worlds rarest sights, equatorial snow.
For those who don’t want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands that
surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game
viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that abound with
Trout....
Main
road access to Mt Kenya is via Nanyuki or Naro Moru, both easily accessed
from Nairobi by bus/matatu or private transport. Some trekkers and Climbers
access the Mountain from the small village of Chogoria. There is an airstrip
in Nanyuki, with both scheduled and charter flights available. Many trekking
companies can organize transfers from Nairobi to Mt Kenya. See the Trekking,
Mountain Climbing and Safaris and Tours sections for details. |