Geography of mount Kenya: Mount Kenya referred to as “Kirinyaga” by the Kikuyu people of the mountain is an extinct / stratovolcano in central Kenya, North East of Nairobi, the country’s capital city and majestically located just South of the Equator. This snow-capped mountain is just approximately 16 kilometers away from the Equator line.
The 2nd highest point in Africa after Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak (5,895 m) is Mt. Kenya’s Batian peak standing at 5,199 meters above sea level. The other 2 major peaks on the mountain are Nelion (5,188 m) and Point Lenana (4,985 m). These 3 major peaks aside, Mt. Kenya has several other notable peaks including the twin peaks of Tereri and Sendeyo, Coryndon peak, Point John, Point John minor, Midget peak, Point Piggot, Point Peter, Point Dutton, Krapf Rognon, Point Slade among others.
Mt. Kenya stands majestically and proudly above the rest of the land in Kenya as the highest mountain in the country.
GEOGRAPHY OF MOUNT KENYA:
Situated within the borders of Mt. Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Kenya.
Mt. Kenya is an extinct volcano that is not expect to erupt again.
It was formed millions of years ago by a volcanic activity within the Rift valley.
Its highest elevation is at 5,199 meters at the Batian point. Followed by Nelion at 5,188 meters and Lenana point at 4,985 meters. These are the 3 main peaks of Mt. Kenya.
Mt. Kenya is blessed with about 12 glaciers including Lewis and Tyndall which are the largest. Climate change is greatly affecting the existence of the glaciers on the mountain.
Mount Kenya is part of the Great East African Rift Valley.
Mt. Kenya’s rich diverse system has different vegetation zones and landscapes that make up its scenic views. Grasslands, lush green forests, bamboo forests, heath and moorlands, alpine zone, rock and ice and beautiful glaciers.
The different habitats on the mountain’s lower slopes especially the forested areas support a diverse wildlife. Making Mt. Kenya an adventure and wildlife destination catering both adventure and nature lovers.
The streams and marshes on the mountain and at the slopes of the mountain are fed by the glaciers on Mt. Kenya.
Halford John Mackinder a British Geographer was the first to summit Mt. Kenya accompanied by Cesar Ollier and Joseph Brocherel.
Mt. Kenya coordinates 0.1500 degrees North, Latitude and 37.3167 degrees East, Longitude.
