Mount Kenya Climbing Tours

Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano which originally rose an estimated 3 million years ago and last erupted an estimated 2.6 million years ago. Mount Kenya National Park was formed in 1949 and in 1978 the site became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve before finally being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro, and the three highest peaks, Batian Nelion and Lenana are named after Masai Chiefs.

At present, there are 11 small glaciers on Mount Kenya. However, they are shrinking, and with snow now rarely falling on the mountain, no new ice is formed. In fact, researchers predict that the ice will completely disappear 2050 unless current temperature and precipitation changes occur, which appears unlikely given current patterns emerging as a result of global warming.
In terms of modern history, Mount Kenya National Park was first designated in 1949. Decades later, in 1978, the site became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, before finally being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

At Mount Kenya, the sun sets and rises at the same time every day, with both the day and night lasting 12 hours. In fact, there is only a 1-minute difference between the shortest and longest days in the year. This is due to it being situated so close to the equator.

The mountains three summits, Batian, Nelion and Lelana are named after Maasai chieftains. Several tribes remain in the region. For instance, the Gikuyu tribe, who call the mountain “God’s throne”, and build their huts facing its slopes. The Kikuyu people, who live on the southern and western sides of Mount Kenya, firmly believe that their God (Ngai) lived on the mountains peak when he came down from the heavens.

Sir Halford John Mackiner, Josef Brocherel, and Cesar Ollier were the first to ascend Mount Kenya’s highest peak, Batian, in September 1899. Prior to their success, the trio had made three unsuccessful attempts.

Mount Kenya is part of Mount Kenya National Park, which encompasses 276 square miles (444 sq. km).