Weather and Climate of Mount Kenya National Park: Mount Kenya National Park has a subtropical or temperate climate with two dry seasons and two rainy seasons as a result of the monsoon. From mid-March to June the heavy rain season, known as the long rains, brings approximately half of the annual rainfall on the mountain. This is followed by the wetter of the two dry seasons which lasts until September. October to December are the short rains when the mountain receives approximately a third of its rainfall total. Finally, from December to mid-March is the dry, dry season when the mountain experiences the least rain. This weather varies by altitude, with the height altitude being freezing, misty and windy. Mount Kenya is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a realm of the mythical Kikuyu god known as Ngai. The ancient Kikuyu people built their customary homes facing this sacred peak as they believed it was a place of light, hence the name Kirinyaga. Here are some details about the weather and climate of Mount Kenya
Current Climate of Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya has a climate that is generally wet, though it’s drier now compared to how it used to be. The temperature varies significantly with elevation. In the lower alpine areas, it usually stays above 12 Degree Celsius (54 Degree Fahrenheit). From March to December, visitors can expect regular snow and rain, particularly during the two main wet seasons. These rainy periods bring in most of the park’s annual rainfall, accounting for around five-sixths of it. The weather patterns are largely influenced by the monsoon, which brings south-easterly winds for most of the year, while January and February see a shift, with winds coming from the northeast.
Temperature in Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya experiences a wide range of temperatures, especially noticeable on the lower slopes of the moorland. At around 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) above sea level, the daily temperature can swing by about 11.5 Degree Celsius. As you climb higher, the variation decreases; at 4,200 meters (about 13,800 feet), the swing drops to 7.5 Degree Celsius, and at 4,800 meters (approximately 15,700 feet), it’s just 4 Degree Celsius. This means that temperature changes are more dramatic at lower altitudes and become more stable the higher you go.
During the day, warmth from the sun causes the ground to heat up quickly, which in turn warms the air near the surface. However, once clouds cover the sky, this air cools down rapidly. At night, when the skies are clear, the ground loses heat quickly, resulting in cooler air in the valleys. This cooler air then flows down from the higher ridges into the valleys, making the valley bottoms colder than the ridges around them. For example, in the Teleki Valley, temperatures can be about 2 Degree Celsius lower at night compared to the slopes nearby.
Due to these temperature changes, plants like senecios and lobelias have developed height as part of their survival strategy. They need to stay tall to prevent freezing, as extreme cold can be fatal to them.
What are amazing things to do while at Mount Kenya National Park
Mountain Climbing and Trekking
Mount Kenya is home to three stunning peaks: Batian, Nelion, and Lenana, with Batian being the highest at 5,199 meters. Climbing these mountains varies in difficulty; while both Batian and Nelion require experienced climbers equipped with the right gear, Lenana offers a more accessible option for many adventurers.
The most popular route for reaching Point Lenana is the Naro Moru Trail, which takes about three days to complete. This path starts in the town of Naro Moru on the western side and leads up to Mackinder’s Camp. From there, climbers connect to the Peak Circuit Path, a challenging 10-kilometer climb around the impressive Batian and Nelion peaks. It’s wise to avoid climbing during the rainy seasons, as the trails can become quite slippery. The ideal times for a successful trek up Mount Kenya are during the dry seasons, which run from June to October and January to March. For those seeking different experiences, routes like Kamweti, Marania, Burguret, and Themwe are also available and do not require entry through an official gate.
Wildlife Viewing
Mount Kenya National Park is rich with wildlife, offering a chance to see remarkable animals. During your wildlife viewing safari, visitors may encounter majestic creatures such as Elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and black rhinos. Additionally, a variety of smaller mammals, including tree hyrax, white-tailed mongooses, black-fronted duikers, and waterbucks, call the park home. Enjoying a game-viewing session allows you to relax and take a break from strenuous activities like hiking, making for a wonderful experience in nature.
Cave Exploration
The park also features fascinating caves perfect for exploration. One notable site is the Mau Mau Cave, which draws many visitors due to its historical significance. This cave was once a hiding place for the Mau Mau warriors during the struggles for independence, where they stored supplies. People are often eager to see these caves, intrigued by the stories and history they hold.
Camping
For those looking to spend a night beneath the stars, Shipton’s Camp is situated just below the summit of Mount Kenya, surrounded by breathtaking, snow-covered peaks. This camp has an alpine hut where climbers can rent bunks and rest before their ascent to the mountain’s peak. Nearby, adventurers can also explore Shipton’s Caves, making it an exciting spot for anyone seeking a little thrill during their stay.
Bird watching
Mount Kenya National Park is blessed with a number of bird species, over 130 bird species have been recorded living within the park giving visitors a perfect birding experience. During your bird-watching tours, you will have the chance to spot a variety of colorful bird species such as Crested Guineafowl, Moorland Francolin, Jackson’s Francolin, Scaly Francolin, Little Grebe, Speckled Pigeon, Rameron Pigeon, Delegorgue’s Pigeon, Lemon Dove, Dusky Turtle-Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Dideric Cuckoo, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Abyssinian Nightjar, Mottled Swift, Common Swift, Nyanza Swift, African Swift, African Rail, Eurasian Moorhen, Green Sandpiper, White Stork, and Marabou Stork among others.
