The Central Highlands: Kenya’s Highest Peak

About the Central Highlands

Kenya’s Highest Peak The range of scenery in the Central Highlands from colorful jungles to sloping farms to windswept plains is a huge draw for travelers. Slightly to the north of Nairobi is Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak towering at 5,200m above sea level. It was recognized as a world heritage site in 1997. And it forms part of the Mt. Kenya national park. The mountain provides a challenge for climbers, trekkers and hikers.

Where are the Central Highlands?

Kenya's Central Plateau (or Central Highlands) stretches from the Matthews Range in the north down to Nairobi in the south, and borders the Rift Valley to the west.

Forests and Parks

Its forests and high altitude lakes, perfect for trout fishing and horse riding, are home to endangered wildlife species and in the historic Mau caves, a legacy of the Kenyan spirit. It is unique in that it is the only snowcapped mountain straddling the equator.

North Eastern is home to one of Kenya’s newest attractions: the Meru National Park. This park is an isolated, wild and undisturbed heaven for the wildlife enthusiast and was reborn through concerted conservation efforts.

Further to the east, the little explored Bisidani and Rahole Reserves await exploration by those daring enough to take up the adventure. In the beautiful Laikipia Plateau and the Matthews Ranges, you’ll find stunning lodges and camps owned and run by the local communities that offer the last word in wilderness luxury and a greater opportunity to get to know Kenya’s least known cultures.

Unique Selling Points

Often referred to as upcountry, the Central Highlands are the home of the Kikuyu, who comprise the largest ethnic group in Kenya. The biggest draw here is Aberdare National Park, home to the well-known Ark and Treetops lodges. The highlands also boast Mount Kenya itself, the second highest mountain in Africa. Climbing Mount Kenya is one of the classic rites of passage of African travel.

Attractions

The main attractions in the Central Highlands are the Aberdare ranges as well as the beautiful Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdares National Park, Meru National Park, lakes (Lake Alice & Lake Rutundu), rivers (Tana) and waterfalls. Private ranches & conservancies such as Ol Pejeta, Il Ngwesi, and Lewa, Sagana rapids, Laikipia plateau, and local tribes such as the Agikuyu and the Ameru are also significant attractions.

Activities

Much of the activity for tourists in the Central Highlands is understandably centered around the mountains in Aberdares National Park and, of course, Mount Kenya, which offer plentiful opportunities for hiking, climbing, and even horseback riding along the verdant, green foothills.

Activities such as these are a great way to get to know the landscape. True adrenaline-junkies may wish to go whitewater rafting on the Sagana River or ziplining in the forest canopy nearby.

Experiences

In addition to adventure activities around Mount Kenya and the Aberdare, and cultural experiences, visitors to the Central Highlands may wish to call on the glamorous Mount Kenya Safari Club, a refurbished 1950s-era hunting lodge in the Mount Kenya foothills with a beautiful dining room and bar, Tusk Restaurant and Terrace.

Once a private club that counted Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, and Bing Crosby as members, it is now owned by Fairmont and offers a slice of Kenyan history and a dose of Hollywood glamour in the bush.

Mount Kenya

Climbing Mt. Kenya is one of the classic rites of passage for any traveler. One can climb to any of the peaks, weaving through the towering spires, sheer cliff faces, jagged ridges, and snow-capped peaks. The diverse range of terrains and conditions makes Mt. Kenya a haven for climbers, hikers, and trekkers alike. The mountain consists of three principal zones: the rocky peak area, with its mantle of glaciers and snowfields; the alpine zone with its distinctive giant vegetation; and the vast gentle lower slopes drenched in mountain forest and bamboo jungle. While the 5199-meter summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker.

This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, and unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and groundsel, and finally one of the world’s rarest sights, equatorial snow.

There are three main routes to climbing Mt. Kenya that cater to all trekkers visiting the mountain, namely: Naro Moru Route, Sirimon Route – which is the most popular and considered an easier route as it climbs relatively gradually with a couple of steeper sections, and Chogoria Route – which is the most attractive trail for climbers but a bit longer compared to the other two.

Best time for Mountain Climbing

Mt. Kenya is climbed at all times of the year. However, if possible, it is best to try to avoid the rainy seasons that may start in mid-March and last through till mid-June (the long rains), and the short rains from late October through till the end of December. The driest times on the mountain are usually January till mid-March and again July through mid-October.