Five interesting facts about Mount Kenya? Mount Kenya is not only famously known as the highest peak in Kenya but it is also ranked as the second highest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya is a perfect destination, which is commonly visited because of its striking beauty and unique features hence making it a fascinating for tourists to tour and explore. In addition, in the context below; are the five interesting facts about this mountain.
- Ecological Diversity.
Mount Kenya has a diversity of ecosystems rising from the lowland plains to its snow-capped peaks. In addition, its ecological diversity has attributed to the variation in altitude across the mountain. The lower parts of this mountain are dominated and surrounded with dense forests, which include; montane forests and bamboo and these act to be a home to a rich array of flora and fauna. More so, as you ascend through this mountain, the vegetation changes for example; the moorland with tussock grasses and giant lobelias and alpine desert zones which are characterized by sparse vegetation. In addition, glaciers, snowfields at the highest elevations, dominate the beautiful landscapes of Mount Kenya. These features act as good natural habitats to wide range of wildlife species such as; elephants, buffalos, various antelopes among others and to numerous bird species like; the endangered Abbott’s starling, distinctive mount Kenya mouse bird and many others.
- Cultural Significance.
Mount Kenya is also well known for holding profound cultural significance because of the neighbouring indigenous communities around its slopes such as; the Meru people, Kikuyu and Embu people. More so, this mountain is considered a scared site, which is usually referred to as “Kirinyaga” meaning “the place of brightness” or “Shining Mountain”. More so, it is also believed to be a dwelling place of Ngai who is a supreme creator in the Kikuyu cosmology. In addition, there are very many rituals and ceremonies, which are performed by the local people in order to honor the mountain and seek blessings from the deity. Additionally, Mount Kenya features in many oral traditions and folklore of each of these communities. Therefore, visiting there will grant you chances to learn about stories of many heroes and mythical creatures associated with its peaks and valleys.
- Glacial Retreat.
Mount Kenya is also known to be experiencing retreats of its glaciers and ice fields due to the fact that climate changes just like any other equatorial mountains all over the world. The mountains glaciers have been shrinking continuously over the past centuries and these glacial retreats have far-reaching implications such as; water availability for ecosystems and downstream communities, alterations in the local weather patterns. However, many scientists and environmentalists who closely monitor all these changes in order to understand what causes these changes and then develop strategies for managing the effects of these climate changes on Mount Kenya.
- Technical Climbing Challenges.
Mount Kenya has very many climbing routes that are always available for climbers to use depending on their different skill levels and preferences. And some of these routes include; the Sirimon route which is considered as the most popular route and going through this route gives tourists chances to capture stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. In addition, there many other notable routes such as; the North face standard route which seems abit challenging to climb but rewarding and many others.
- Conservation Efforts.
Considering the ecological and cultural importance of Mount Kenya to the country, many concerted efforts have been introduced with the main purpose of protecting and conserving its natural heritage. More so, Mount Kenya and its surrounding forests are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is part of Mount Kenya National park, which was officially established in 1949. In addition, Government agencies work together with various organizations with the main purpose of sustaining a good management of the Mount Kenya’s resources and by this; they have introduced community based conservation programs, reforestation projects and ecotourism initiatives among others. and the advantage of these efforts is that they have helped a lot in seeking the balance of the mountains biodiversity together with the needs of people in the local communities and they have lead to high demands of tourism hence ensuring the future generations in order to continue and enjoy all the benefits from the majestic natural wonders.
Contact our trusted tour operators about interesting facts about Mount Kenya and book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on safari in Kenya.
