Mountains in Kenya

Kenya boasts a stunning array of beautiful landscapes, where towering peaks punctuate the horizon, creating a breathtaking mosaic of nature’s grandeur. The diverse mountainous terrain in Kenya isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s a testament to the country’s geographical richness.

From the rugged highlands to the sweeping escarpments, these elevations carve their presence into the fabric of Kenya’s topography, offering a myriad of ecosystems and habitats. Other than wildlife, one can enjoy a hike in some of the highest mountains in Kenya for a lifetime of breathtaking experiences.

Below is a list of the mountains in Kenya;

Table of Contents

1. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in the country at 5,199m (17,058 feet). It has peaks like the Batian, Nelion and Lenana each at 17,057 feet, 17,021 feet and 16,355 feet respectively.

The mountain is a natural ecosystem, covered by natural forests which act as significant water catchment areas. Also, there is wildlife inhabiting the mountain, including tree hyrax, antelopes, buffalo, hyena, leopards and elephants. Hiking, Camping and cave explorations are the activities that people visit Mt Kenya for.

Mt Kenya Location

West side of Naru Moro, 200 kilometers from Nairobi

2. Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon is the second highest mountain in Kenya at 4302m. It is estimated to be about 24 million years old and is the seventeenth highest mountain in the continent.

The highest peak of the mountain, Wagaga, lies in Uganda and elevates to 14,177 feet. Other than Wagaga, the mountain has four other peaks namely Sudek at 14,114 feet, Koitobos at an elevation of 13,852 feet, Mbuiyi elevated to 13,816 feet, and Masaba standing at 13,652 feet.

Activities that take place at Mount Elgon are hiking, biking, escarpments viewing, cave exploration, birding and primate viewing.

Mount Elgon Location

Kenya Uganda boundary

3. Mount Satima or Mount Lesatima

Mount Satima is the highest elevation in the Aberdare mountain ranges in Kenya at 4001m. It derives its name from the Maasai community, Ol Donyo Satima, translating to “Mountain of the bull calf.” The northern side of the mountain is the host to the mountain’s highest peak at 13,127 feet.

It serves as the water catchment area for both the Sasumua dam and Ndakaini, serving millions of people living in Nairobi City and its environs.

Mount Satima or Mount Lesatima Location

Northern side of Aberdare ranges

4. Mount Kinangop

Mount Kinangop is the fourth highest mountain in Kenya at an elevation of 3,906 m. It is one of the significant influencers of the weather conditions around the region with the leeward side facing the central Nyandarua and its environs. Due to its strategic location in the county, the area is characterized by cold weather conditions and throughout the year rainy seasons.

Mount Kinangop location

Kinangop, Nyandarua County

5. Mount Eburru

It is the fifth most iconic feature with an elevation of 2855m. It serves a significant role mainly as a water catchment source due to its natural forestation and other plantation.

The streams that flow from the mountain is a source of water for farmers downstream who depend on agriculture as their primary source of income and livelihoods.

Furthermore, it is a tourist attraction for the county attracting mostly domestic tourists, who make good of the natural resource in their neighborhood.

Mount Eburru Location

Great Rift Valley, northwest of Lake Naivasha.

6. Mount Ng’iro

Locally, the mountain is surrounded by a desert region, but the upper parts is covered by a natural forest. It has a height of 2848. The main inhabitants of the area where the mountain sits are the Samburu people who practice beekeeping, including setting beehives on the mountain.

Ideally, the mountain creates the proper conditions for supporting the beekeeping activities of the locals through the rich natural vegetation on the mountain slopes

Mount Ng’iro location

Northern parts of Kenya, Great Rift Valley, Suguta Valley.

7. Mount Longonot

Mount Longonot is one of the most iconic mountains in the country, given its structure and design. It has a height of 2776m.

The vents and holes at the top of the mountain are characteristic features that attract researchers from all spheres who are keenly interested in the volcanic formations and its effects.

It also attracts academic institutions comprising of both high schools and colleges who visit the mountain for their research and studies.

8. Mount Silali

Mount Silali is a dormant volcanic mountain located in Kenya and has a height of 2355m. It is approximately 70 kilometres north of Lake Baringo and lies in Suguta valley near Lake Turkana.

The dormant volcano is part of a group of other volcanoes hills in Kenya located in the desert regions of Baringo and its environs.

The most recently active volcano was between 400,000 and 220,000 years ago and continued until 7,000 years ago. It is both a tourist attraction and research scenery for geologists.

Mount Silali Location

the Gregory Rift Valley, near Kapedo

9. Mount Kulal

Mount Kulal is an extinct volcano mountain eroded down over the years to a state of dormancy. It has a height of 2285m. Since 1978, Mount Kulal has been as biosphere reserve since it’s the only place where one can find the exotic Kulal white-eye chameleon.

Mount Kulal Location

northern parts of Kenya, East of Lake Turkana

10. Mount Ol donyo Sabuk

It was named by the Maasai pastoralists whose intention was to describe the “big mountain.” Its Kikamba name Kiima kya mboo is a translation to “Buffalo Hill”. It has a height of 2145m.

The serene location of the mountain has since attracted numerous investments in the hotel business, with custom designed rooms that provide guests with stunning views.

One can also enjoy the surrounding settings characterized by immense pineapple plantations along the way as well as nearness to the Fourteen Falls, one of Kenya’s most iconic and spectacular landmarks.

Ol donyo Sabuk Location

Machakos County near Thika town

In conclusion, as guardians of Kenya’s natural heritage, these peaks beckon explorers, conservationists, and nature lovers to appreciate and preserve the delicate balance that exists within these elevated realms. May the mountains of Kenya continue to inspire awe and serve as reminders of the profound connection between nature and humanity.