Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenya highlands and is often obscured by clouds but when it clears a magnificent snowy peak appears and dominates the skyline and permanent glaciers grace its slopes. It's existence was confirmed to the western world in 1849 but it still took another 50 years before anyone climbed to the 16,900-foot summit.

It is an ancient extinct volcano, during whose period of activity (3.1-26.6) million years ago it is thought to have risen to 21,300ft.

There are 12 remnant glaciers in the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the u-shaped glacial valleys. With it's rugged glaciers-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscape in East Africa.

Kenya Central High lands are full of intrigue and the local kikuyu people believe that their God inhibits Mt. Kenya. As a result they always position their houses to face towards this sacred peak. The park was inscribed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a biosphere reserve, covers 715 sq kilometers and includes small salient. The climate, Flora and fauna vary with altitude.

The altitude ranging between 11,000 and 16,900 feet the National park is only 175 kilometers north of Nairobi approximately 3 hours drive with the equator line running through the area? There are a number of airstrips in this area which is also serviced by a daily scheduled flight.