Mount Kenya, more than 17,000 ft/5,200 m high and 100 mi/160 km north of Nairobi, is actually made up of several peaks (and 12 glaciers). The area above 8,000 ft/2,480 m is protected forest, and the area above 10,500 ft/3,200 m is designated as the park. Animals living there include cape buffalo, elephants, antelope, hyraxes and leopards.
The principal lodgings are at the Mount Kenya Safari Club, with its beautiful golf course, grounds and setting. The club also offers half-day trips to the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary (the Jane Goodall Institute had chimps moved there from Burundi). A boat trip on the Ewaso Nyiro River takes you through the sanctuary where it is possible to spot the 42 orphaned chimps. It's also possible to arrange climbs, hikes or leisurely treks around Mount Kenya—the most popular starting point is from Naro Moru.
If your time and budget permit, spend at least one night in the park, and if you want to climb to the top of Mount Kenya, you will need a minimum of four days. Mount Kenya can be reached by car or small aircraft (landing at the nearby town of Nanyuki).
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