Looking for a climbing adventure on the African continent and still bothered on the best destinations to quench this thirst? The travel to the magical Republic of Kenya will take away your worries. With a total area of approximately 580,367 square kilometers, the country encompasses over 3856 mountains including the volcanic, plateau, dome, fold and block mountains. These mountains are positioned in different directions of the country and among them include; Mount Kenya, Elgon, Satima, Kinangong and many others. If you would like to go on a safari in Kenya, here are the best six best mountains to hike in the magical country of East Africa;
Mount Kenya
Carrying the name of the magical country – Kenya, Mount Kenya stands as the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro of Tanzania with an elevation of approximately 5,199 meters. It is located in the former Eastern and Central provinces of the country with its peak – Batian forming the intersection of Meru, Embu, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Tharaka Nithi countries. Mount Kenya is a volcano that was created about 3 million years ago after the opening of the East African Rift. Aside the highest peak Batian, Mount Kenya also features other peaks / massifs elevating at different heights. Among these peaks include; Nelion (5,188 meters) and Point Lenana (4,985 meters).
Protected by Mount Kenya national park, there are other activities to do in the area apart from mountain climbing and among these include, game viewing, bird watching, nature walking and others.
Mount Elgon
Located on the border of Uganda and Kenya, north of Kisumu and west of Kitale, Mount Elgon is the oldest extinct shield volcano in East Africa and the second highest mountain in both Uganda and Kenya. Its highest peak Wagagai elevates at a height of 4,321 meters and it is located entirely in Uganda. The mountain features other peaks apart from Wagagai and among these include; Sudek (4,302 meters) on the Kenya/ Uganda border, Koitobos (4,222 meters) in Kenya, Mubiyi (4,211 meters) in Uganda and Masaba (4,161 meters) in Uganda.
Mount Elgon is protected by Mount Elgon national park thus offering other activities during the visit apart from mountain hiking. Among the other activities include, nature walking, bird watching, game viewing and others.
Mount Satima
Also known as Lesatima, Mount Satima is the third highest mountain in Kenya and the highest in the Aberdare Range with an elevation of 4,001 meters. The highest peak of the mountain lies at the end of the Aberdares which are located along the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. Around the mountain, you will spot a number of sharp volcanic cones called the Dragon’s Teeth.
Mount Kinangop
Located within the premises of Aberdare national park, Mount Kinangop is a Kenyan mountain situated in the southern Aberdare ranges. It is a dormant volcano mountain and the second highest in the Aberdares after Mount Satima. During the hike to its summit of 3,906 meters in height, you will pass through several vegetation zones that include the extensive bamboo forests. Since the mountain is in Aberdare national park, you will be able to take part in other park activities like nature walking, game viewing, bird watching and others besides hiking experience.
Mount Kipipiri
With an elevation of 3,349 meters, Mount Kipipiri is an isolated volcano in the wanjohi valley on the Kinangop plateau near the Aberdare ranges. It is situated about 32 kilometers northeast of Lake Naivasha which is visible from the summit. Since the mount is part of Aberdare national park, you will be able to spot several wildlife species like elephants, buffalos, colobus and Sykes monkeys, and abundant birdlife.
Mount Mtelo
Ranked as the seventh highest mountain in Kenya after Mt Kenya, Elgon, Aberdares, High Cheranganis and Mount Kipipiri, Mount Mtelo is situated in the North west highlands of west Pokot County about 120 kilometers north of Kitale town. The hike to the summit of the mount which elevates at a height of 3,336 meters will expose you to thrilling and amazing features since you will pass through different vegetation zones like the cultivated areas of the Pokot, forest, bamboo, open moorland, up to Marich Pass field Studies Center which is a good base for mountain exploration. At the summit, you will also have extensive views of eastern Uganda and north-west Kenya on a clear day.
For all hiking safaris in Kenya, one has to possess a hiking permit and thus recommending you to get it on time for better planning.
