Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa. It has an area of about 150,000 square kilometers. Kenya enjoys an equatorial climate with average annual temperatures of about 26C and diurnal temperatures of about 30C.
With sandy beaches and great safaris, Kenya is a very popular tourist destination and also a hotspot for climbing and hiking. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest in Africa. It is one of the few places near the equator on Africa with permanent glaciers. Mount Kenya is located 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and it can often be seen from high-rise buildings in Nairobi and from Thika. It is an extinct volcano, which formed thousands of years ago.
The mountain is located in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a designated protected area around the mountain above 3200m altitude. The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the park. The national park covers an area of 700 square kilometers and was established in 1949. The mountain is an important water catchment area and many rivers such as the Naro Moru emerge from the melting glaciers. Mount Kenya also has a fair splattering of wildlife, particularly on the lower slopes of the mountain. You can expect to see elephant, rhino, buffalo leopard, bushbuck, several species of duiker, giant forest hog, colobus and Sykes monkeys. There is also prolific birdlife around the mountain, ranging from huge eagles to multicolored sunbirds.
Most visitors are content to marvel at the mountain's beauty but some will want to attempt to reach the peaks; a feat requiring considerable rock climbing skill. But the mountain's lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by the fit and the adventurous. Point Lenana, 4985m, can be easily reached. In fact, the majority of visitors go to the mountain to enjoy the walking and especially the high-level hut-to-hut hike round the mountain with its humbling vistas.
For the adventurous and outdoor types, there are a variety of hiking and mountain climbing trails to choose from. For those safari enthusiasts who enjoy 'taking it easy' - Mount Kenya Safari Club is the place to stay. Mount Kenya Safari Club has been a Mecca for the rich and famous ever since it was founded in 1959. Set in beautifully manicured grounds, this is definitely the most sophisticated and romantic way to experience the area. Serious climbers may seek advice from the Mountain Club of Kenya. For those who wish to savor the mountain air, the glorious views and the peace and tranquility which emanate from the mountain, there are many other hotels around Mount Kenya's foothills.
Apart from mountains, Kenya has some beautiful beaches. Kenya beaches such as Bamburi beach, Diani beach, etc. are lined with protective coral reefs, creating ideal waters for swimming and water sports. For the more adventurous, there are diving and big game fishing. Time spent relaxing on these beaches makes the perfect end to any adventure in Kenya - be that safari or mountain climbing.
A stay incorporating Kenya's beaches can be tailor-made to suit your budget and the time you have available.