Since we specialise in helping you obtain Kenya’s travel authorisation (eTA), we might be a bit biased here… But hear us out! Mount Kenya is the perhaps underrated gem you didn’t know you needed on your travel list. Sure, Kilimanjaro might be taller, around 700 meters, but does it have the charm of Mount Kenya? Let’s dive into the details of these two iconic mountains to help you decide which one to visit.
Where is Mount Kenya Located?
Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa, is right in the heart of Kenya, about 190 kilometres north of Nairobi city centre. It’s situated in the Mount Kenya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is teeming with unique wildlife, from elephants to various bird species, making the journey there an adventure. The best way to get to Mount Kenya from Nairobi is by road, with a drive that takes roughly 3-4 hours, giving you a scenic route filled with stunning landscapes and a lot of greenery and other mountains; enter from gate Sirimon or Chogoria.
With its rugged, glacier-covered peaks and lush, forested slopes, Mount Kenya offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in East Africa. The park where Mount Kenya lies is also home to around 20 lakes and tarns, as well as many wildlife, such as elephants, buffalos, and leopards.
How High is Mount Kenya?
Standing proudly at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa, right after Kilimanjaro. Unlike Kilimanjaro’s solitary peak, Mount Kenya has three prominent peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Point Lenana. Batian and Nelion are for the more experienced climbers, while Point Lenana is a trekker’s dream, providing a thrilling yet accessible climb for those with moderate experience. Not to mention, the stunning glaciers, tarns, and diverse vegetation make it a picturesque journey.
What to consider visiting Mount Kenya
All visitors are required to enter the park with a qualified, certified guide. Guides and porters carry identification cards issued by park management. A day trip pass costs around $52 for foreigners, while a 3-day hiking package costs about $156. Additionally, there’s a vehicle entrance fee plus the cost of your guide and porter if you’re hiking. If you’re not planning to hike, visiting Mount Kenya might not be worth it—you’ll only get to see the mountain from a distance. If hiking isn’t your thing, we’d recommend visiting the nearby Aberdare National Park and its stunning waterfalls instead.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro Located?
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It’s part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, about 400 kilometres from Nairobi. While technically in Tanzania, it’s often associated with both countries due to its close proximity to Kenya. To get to Kilimanjaro from Nairobi, you can either take a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport or drive, which would take about 7-8 hours, depending on the route.
Is Mount Kilimanjaro Part of Kenya?
This is a common misconception! While Kilimanjaro offers breathtaking views from the Kenyan side, the entire mountain and park is located in Tanzania. The confusion often arises because Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes are visible from Amboseli National Park in Kenya, offering some of the most iconic views of the mountain. So, while you can admire Kilimanjaro from Kenya, you have to cross the border into Tanzania if you want to climb it.
How High is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), making it the highest mountain in Africa. Unlike Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro is a free-standing volcanic mountain with three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The most popular route to the summit is via the Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its relative ease and the availability of huts along the way. However, this “ease” is relative—summiting Kilimanjaro is still a significant challenge due to the altitude.
Mount Kenya or Kilimanjaro?
Both mountains offer unique experiences. Kilimanjaro might be calling your name if you’re seeking the prestige of climbing Africa’s tallest peak. It’s a challenging trek with the reward of standing on the “Roof of Africa.” However, if you’re looking for a more varied adventure with fewer crowds, then Mount Kenya is your best bet. Its dramatic peaks, alpine scenery, and diverse ecosystems provide an experience that’s as enriching as it is breathtaking.
And remember, since you’re already considering a trip to Kenya, why not make things easier and go to Mount Kenya? Plus, we can help you get that Kenya visa in no time. So, pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure, and let us handle the stress of applying for a visa.
Simplify Your eTA Application with ExpressETA
We might not be experts in hiking mountains, but we are here to make your journey even easier by handling the visa or ETA application process, taking that extra burden off your shoulders.
At ExpressETA, we specialize in transforming your travel dreams into reality with a seamless, stress-free process. We turn the complicated and tedious process into a simple, swift experience.
Our one-page application form takes less than three minutes to complete. We only require your details, such as name, email, date of birth, and phone number. Then, upload two documents: your passport picture and a photo of yourself.
After that, get your eTA approved and in your inbox within 24 hours.
Choosing ExpressETA means choosing peace of mind. While we handle the paperwork, you can focus on planning your exciting trip to Kenya. Whether it’s a safari adventure, a beach getaway, or a cultural tour, we are here to make your travel preparations effortless.
Let us handle the complexities while you prepare for an unforgettable journey.
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