All About Mt Kenya The Volcano

All About Mt Kenya The Volcano

       Discovered by Dr. Johann Ludwig Krapf in 1849, Mt. Kenya is primarily a dome-shaped extinct volcano with the highest peak situated at an elevation of 5,199 meters above the sea level. The last recorded volcanic eruption was some 2-3 million years ago.

Listed below are some interesting facts and happenings around Mt. Kenya.

1. Volcanic eruptions have resulted in the formation of several peaks on Mt. Kenya. While the Baltian is the highest peak, other important ones include Nelion, Coryndon and Lenana.
2. The mountain is made up of several types of volcanic rocks. Most common among these is basalt.
3. 240 square miles of area around this mountain has been declared as the Mt. Kenya National Park that attracts around 15,000 visitors every year.
4. Global Atmosphere Watch’s atmospheric monitoring stations are located on Mt. Kenya.
5. There are several local tribes living around Mt. Kenya that consider the mountain as an integral part of their life. Prominent among these tribes are Gikuyu, Ameru, Embu and Masai.
6. Mt. Kenya is home to several important rivers in Kenya that originate from the glaciers located on top of this mountain. Lewis Glacier is the largest one. Other major glaciers include Northey, Krapf and Tyndall. Two most important rivers in Kenya for which Mt. Kenya acts as a major catchments area include the Tana and the Ewaso Ngiro.
7. Mt. Kenya is an interesting mountaineering destination that is best climbed in January and February from the south side. Mountaineers use the northern side of the mountain during August and September. The first recorded ascent was made by Halford John Mackinder, Cesar Ollier and Josef Brocherel on 13 September 1899. After that, several climbers have made successful ascents to the peak.