Discover Kenya’s Four Highest Points
MOUNT KENYA “A place of summer at daytime and winter at night”
Mount Kenya creates a gorgeous sight in Kenya. It is the second highest mountain in Africa. A hike up the mountain gives a splendid tour that is full of interesting bird species, plants and animals. Regardless of the mountain lying along the equator, the mountain tops are covered with snow glaciers.
The mountain has several peaks named after Masai chiefs. The three outstanding peaks are Batian-5,199 metres, Nelion -5,188 metres and Point Lenana -4,985 metre. In 1963, on Kenyan independence Kisoi Munyao raised the Kenyan flag at the top of the mountain. In the early 1970s the Mount Kenya National Park Mountain Rescue Team was formed, and by the end of the 1970s all major routes on the peaks had been climbed
God’s Mountain is what the Kikuyu community refers to this stratovolcano mountain created millions of years ago. They believe their God lives in the mountain. Even today a group of elderly men go around the mountain offering sacrifices to cleanse the mountain from any pollution.
Although many routes can be used to climb the mountain, Lenana peak is more accessible but for experienced technical climbers, peak Batian and Nelion will give an unforgettable challenge.
Mount Elgon -“The Border Mountain”
Uganda and Kenya share the glory of having the land mark mountain. It’s named after the Elgeyo tribe, who once lived in huge caves on the south side. The major peaks are five and “Wagagai” is the highest point (4320 meters) and entirely located in Uganda.
The Caves are what majorly define the beauty of the mountain. The biggest Kitum cave is 200 meters long and 30 meters wide. It is habitually visited by wild elephants that lick the salt exposed by gouging the walls with their tusks. In 1994 Mt Elgon became notorious following the publication of Richard Preston’s book “The Hot Zone”. It was associated with the Marburg virus (the Virus is in the same taxonomic family as Ebola) after two people who had visited the cave in 1980 and 1987 contracted the disease and died.
It’s cool heights offer relief for humans from the hot plains below and its higher altitudes provide a refuge for flora and fauna.
Mount Longonot
With a peak of 2780m, Mount Longonot has a very rare feature. On the sides of the mountain are V-shaped valleys and ridges with little vegetation, on the other hand a forest of small trees covers the crater floor, and small steam vents are found spaced around the walls of the crater.
The mountain is home to various species of wildlife, particularly zebra, giraffe and buffaloes and hartebeest. Leopards have also been reported but are extremely difficult to spot
The mountain with the round encircling crater got its unique name from Maasai word “oloonong’ot” meaning mountain of spur
It’s located southeast of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.
Mount Kilimambogo- Buffalo Mountain
Most of its surface is covered by a forest inhabited by grazers such as buffaloes, monkeys and antelopes. At highest it stands at 2145m above sea level.
Hikers take pleasure in 10km climb to the top. All along the way up, one encounters eye-catching array of flora that thrives here undisturbed by human exploitation. The hike takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on the level of fitness. However, proper caution is provided to prevent any attacks from buffalos. Lord William MacMillan was the first American to see the mountain. As a result, he owned the mountain. Former US President Theodore Roosevelt and British Prime minister Sir Winston Churchill were hosted by Lord William during their Safari to Kenya. Close to the peak is the grave of Lord Macmillan, his wife and their dog. Also, there is an extra grave of one Louise, who started working for the Macmillan’s when she was age 13 until her death.
Fourteen Falls is a gorgeous landmark about 3kms from the mountain. As the name indicate there are 14 falls found along Athi River, an attraction not to be missed when you are in the locality.
