description Mount Kenya Overview
Mount Kenya, at 5,199 m (17,057 ft), is the second-highest mountain in Africa and the highest in Kenya. This extinct stratovolcano, located in central Kenya just south of the equator, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is protected within Mount Kenya National Park. The mountain features twelve remnant glaciers on its slopes, though these have been retreating significantly, and its highest peaks—Batian and Nelion—require technical climbing skills to summit.
insights Ranking position
Mount Kenya ranks #29 of 187 in the Mountain ranking, behind Rakaposhi, ahead of Mount Logan.
help Mount Kenya FAQ
What is the elevation of Mount Kenya?
Standing at 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, behind only Mount Kilimanjaro. Its highest peaks, Batian and Nelion, require technical rock climbing to summit.
What kind of mountain is Mount Kenya?
It is an extinct stratovolcano located in central Kenya, just south of the equator. Over millions of years, erosion has stripped away the outer layers of the volcanic crater, exposing the jagged, steep central peaks that remain today.
When did Mount Kenya become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Mount Kenya was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 to protect its unique ecology and vital water catchment areas. It is protected within Mount Kenya National Park, a vital reserve for the region's wildlife.
Can you see snow on Mount Kenya despite being on the equator?
Yes, despite its equatorial location, the mountain's high altitude supports several small glaciers and snowfields near the summit. However, these equatorial glaciers have been rapidly retreating over the past few decades due to global warming.
explore Explore More
Similar to Mount Kenya
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
