Rising majestically from the heart of Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park is both the second-highest mountain in Africa (5,199 m) and one of the continent’s most important natural sanctuaries. It is an ancient extinct volcano, which during its period of activity (3.1–2.6 million years ago) is thought to have risen to 6,500 m. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997) and Biosphere Reserve (1978), recognized globally for its ecological, hydrological, and cultural significance. Mount Kenya National Park was established in 1949 around Mount Kenya to protect its surrounding environment and wildlife. Initially, it was a forest reserve before being announced as a national park. Currently, the national park is encircled by the forest reserve.

Located about 180 km north of Nairobi, the park spans the counties of Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Meru, covering approximately 715 square kilometers of alpine peaks, glaciers, and montane forests. Surrounding it is the Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, forming a larger conservation complex of more than 2,100 square kilometers.

Mount Kenya is not only a geographical landmark but also a lifeline, feeding rivers like the Tana and Ewaso Ng’iro, supplying nearly half of Kenya’s fresh water, and anchoring ecosystems that support millions of people downstream.

For the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru peoples, Mount Kenya is the home of Ngai, the creator God. They call it Kirinyaga “Mountain of Whiteness” and traditionally built homes with doors facing the summit to honor Ngai’s presence.