Mount Kenya National Park

Nestled in the heart of Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park is a true gem that is not to be missed. Established in 1949, the park was primarily set up to safeguard the precious Mount Kenya and its surrounding environment, which is home to a rich variety of wildlife. The park is also a vital source of water for Kenya, making it an essential part of the country’s ecosystem.Once a forest reserve, Mount Kenya National Park has since evolved into a national park, surrounded by a forest reserve. The park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in April 1978 and was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The government of Kenya had four main reasons for establishing the national park: to promote tourism and boost the local and national economy, to protect an area of great natural beauty, to conserve biodiversity within the park, and to safeguard the water-catchment for the surrounding region.The park covers an extensive area of 715 square kilometres, with most of it located above the 3,000-metre contour line. The forest reserve, which surrounds the national park, spans an area of 705 square kilometres. Together, they make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers a vast area of 1,420 square kilometres. The volcanic sediment in the surrounding soil and the abundant fresh water flowing down the slopes make the area particularly fertile, making it a hub for agriculture.Mount Kenya National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black-and-white colobus and other monkeys, Cape buffaloes, and the occasional elephant. To prevent wildlife-human conflict, some parts of the park’s borders near human populations have electrified fences to keep elephants out of surrounding farmland. In 1993, a massive male lion weighing 272 kg was shot near the mountain, a testament to the park’s rich wildlife diversity.In summary, Mount Kenya National Park is an extraordinary destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and a vital ecosystem that is essential for Kenya’s survival. A visit to this park is an opportunity to experience the best of Kenya’s natural beauty and to appreciate the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.