Mount Kenya is one of the highest peaks in Africa, second only to Mount Kilimanjaro. At an elevation of 12,549 feet, the glacier-covered mountains provide an excellent source of water for much of Kenya. Here are some more quick facts about the mountain that named the country.
1. Mount Kenya is a dormant stratovolcano. It has spewed lava that quickly hardened, thus creating the conical shape for which it is famous. If the mountain is cut transversely, visible layers of lava, tephra, pumice and ash will be found depending on the sequence and type of volcanic eruptions. The rich soil is a perfect habitat for a variety of plants.
2. A National Park of 715 square kilometers is located around the central mountain. The park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its geological features. It is a famous tourist spot and receives 16,000 visitors a year.
3. There are four ethnic groups that live around Mount Kenya. The Gikuyu are the cultivators or farmers. They take advantage of the high fertile land on the western side of the mountain. The members of the tribe build their houses with doors facing the mountain, as they believe it is the throne of God on earth. This practice is observed by the Embu tribe, who say that Mount Kenya is the sacred abode of God. The Ameru have made the eastern and northern slopes their home, while the Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who occupy the northern part of the mountain with their cattle.
4. The center of the mountain has a similarity to the terrain of the Alps. The peaks have a rugged nature and alpine plants that grow in the crevices of the rocks. Each of the peaks has a name, the highest reaching 17,057 feet high and is called Batian. Batian’s first known climbers reached the summit in September 1899. It took three attempts before they successfully reached the top.
5. It is more difficult to climb Mount Kenya than Kilimanjaro. The former is listed on The Seven Summit, a popular wish list for mountaineers around the world. Special equipment and proven rock climbing skills are required to reach the twin summits of Batian and Nelion.
6. This equatorial mountain has the same number of hours for day and night. Sunrise and sunset occur at 5:30 almost constantly every day. There is also only a minute difference between the shortest and longest days.