5 Top Highest Mountains in Kenya
Do you enjoy going on hikes? If that’s the case, Kenya is the place to be. Well-known for its enticing top-tier tourist spots, beautiful culture, and spectacular weather patterns, Kenya also has several stunning mountains in various country sections. Apart from the well-known mountains that most people are familiar with, did you know that Kenya has over 20 different mountains? The mountains range from high mountains to low height mountains, which offer an ideal opportunity for hiking and breathtaking scenery. Below are some of Kenya’s tallest peaks.
1. Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, with a height of 5,199 meters. Dr. Johann L. Krapf, a German missionary, christened Mount Kenya “Kenya” in 1849. The mountain is located within Mount Kenya National Park, a beautiful protected area in the country’s central region surrounded by incredible wildlife. Mount Kenya contains three summits, the tallest of which is Batian (17,057 feet), followed by Nelion (17,021 feet), and Lenana (16,355 feet). Mount Kenya’s slopes are covered with forests, which serve as key water sources for major rivers like the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro. a person can climb Mount Kenya in 7 to 10 days with the help of competent guides.
[the_ad id=”1692″]
2. Mount Elgon
located near the Kenya-Uganda border, Mount Elgon is Kenya’s second tallest mountain. Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano mountain with five peaks: Wagaga, Sudek, Koitobos, Mubiyi, and Masaba. Mount Elgon’s Wagaga, at 14,177 feet, is its highest point. The Suam, Nzoia, and Lwakhakha rivers flow through Mount Elgon’s catchment region. The mountain has a caldera, a warm-water spring, Endebess Bluff, various caves, and massive summits. Interesting fact The mountain is estimated to be around 24 million years old.
[the_ad id=”1692″]
3. Oldoinyo Lesatima
Mount Satima is the tallest mountain in the Aberdare ranges, standing at 4,001 meters above sea level. The mountain’s highest point, at 13,127 feet, is found on the northern side of the Aberdare. Its name Satima comes from the Masai words Oldoinyo Lesatima, which means ‘mountain of the bull calf.’ The mountain has a Rainforest which gives way to the bamboo forest, which subsequently gives way to Moorland. Satima is a rocky bluff with tussock grass growing on it. It also serves as a water catchment area for the Ndakaini and Sasumua Dams, two of Nairobi’s key water sources.
4. Mount Kinangop
With 3,906 meters, Mount Kinangop is Kenya’s fourth-tallest peak. The mountain, located in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, is one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. Mount Kinangop is situated within the Aberdare National Park, home to lions, antelopes, buffalos, gazelles, hyenas, and leopards, among other types of birds and wildlife. Mount Kinangop is also a prominent contributor to meteorological conditions in the region, with the leeward side facing central Nyandarua and its environs.
[the_ad id=”1692″]
5. Mount Mtelo
situated in the North West Highlands of West Pokot County, mount Mtelo is the fifth highest mountain in Kenya. Mount Mtelo stands at the height of 3,336 meters. The mountain is believed to be a sacred mountain and the cradle of the Pokot people. It serves as a holy worship place for the local community living within the mountain’s vicinity. It takes approximately three days to hike to the top and back.
[the_ad id=”1692″]
In addition to these five highest mountains, Kenya has many other spectacular cliffs worth visiting. With the help of our experts, visit and enjoy the magnificent sights of Kenya’s mountains.
