MOUNT KENYA NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy spectacular scenery and a variety of different ecosystems in this beautiful national park.

Established to protect Mount Kenya and the surrounding area, this national park offers breath-taking scenery and several different ecosystems as you ascend the mountain. The landscape here is a combination of glaciers at the summit and forest on the mid-level slopes as well as tropical and bamboo forest and upland heath.

Experience elephants and buffalo a mix of African and alpine flora, and a variety of birdlife from the Alpine Swift to the Olive Ibis.

There are some spectacular wildlife conservancies close to Mount Kenya where you can experience an amazing safari in a more authentic and exclusive way. The Borana is spread across 91,000 hectares, shared with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Made up of Mount Kenya’s snow-covered peaks and sparkling glaciers and mountains and desert to the north, this is a particularly astonishing setting for a safari.

Here, you can find over 400 species of bird and some spectacular wildlife including leopards, impala, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. This is also one of the best spots for more endangered species including herds of elephant and rhinos. The conservancy here works hard to protect the wildlife in an area that is under threat from poachers. Visiting and taking part in the activities on offer is a fabulous way to learn about the work of the Borana Conservancy and support their essential work. Enjoy traditional game drives as well as horseback riding, fly-fishing, treetop canopy tours and trail running.

Another conservancy situated in the shadow of Mount Kenya is Ol Pejeta. A private wildlife conservancy on a huge ranch, it is a hotspot for endangered species and is known for having one of the highest densities or predators outside the Maasai Mara. It is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa and is home to the last white rhino on earth.

Ol Pejeta is also the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. Home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established with the Jane Goodall Institute and known as a lifelong refuge for these spectacular mammals.

Ol Pejeta without doubt a leader in conservation and manages the balance between this important practice and the management of livestock. Its smart fencing techniques permit free movement of migratory wildlife, and it is an important destination not only for the amazing variety of wildlife on offer but also the chance to learn about the importance of the conservation practices and the work here.

WHERE TO STAY

Our favourite luxury hotels

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp 

On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Laikipia is Alex Hunter’s authentic and informal Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Here you will share your space with the last three surviving northern white rhino in the world. Ol Pejeta’s six rustic, traditional safari tents offer an excellent base from which to explore the conservancy – from pioneering conservation projects to spectacular sightings of black and white rhino and the Big 5. There’s lot to do, including a visit to the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, day and night game drives, bush walks and local community visits.