TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The reserve is for the adventurous and strong enough to take the challenge to scale the 5199 metres to the top of Mt. Kenya, the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The reserve straddles the equator. The entire mountain contour forms Mt. Kenya National park. The kikuyu who live in these areas of central Kenya referred this mountain as Kiri-nyaga whose literal meaning is 'has ostriches’. The kikuyu also fondly refer during adoration to their God (Ngai) as ‘Mwene nyaga’ meaning the ‘owner of Ostriches’ and that Mt.Kenya was the seat of their God. The name Kenya comes from the inability of the British to pronounce and write Kirinyaga correctly.       

The scenic beauty is quite superb as Mount Kenya, East Africa’s second highest mountain soars towards the skies. Forest belts play host to a great variety of animals and plants which include several unique species. Occasional sightings of albino zebra, black leopard, and the rare and elusive bongo have been recorded in the upper reaches of this fascinating game park. Other animals in the park includes elephants, buffalo, lion, antelope.
Mountain climbers must take time to undergo acclimatization (to become used to the high altitude) before climbing to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. The best time for mountain climbing is January, February, august, and September. For those who many not wish to climb the mountain and nevertheless want to enjoy the mountain air, the wonderful scenery, peace and serenity that emanate from the mountains, there are many lodges and hotels around the foothills.