Want to learn more about the mountains of Kenya? A geographically and topographically diverse country, the Republic of Kenya has beautiful mountains that are more than just a geographical feature! Please read this article to learn about the features of the mountains, their cultural significance, as well as their beauty.
There are almost 3888 mountains, out of which 3856 are named mountains. Mount Kenya is the highest peak of all these mountains, with an elevation of 5199 meters. It is one of the second-highest mountains in Africa and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa, more towards the southern horn of Africa, with diverse geographical features ranging from towering alpine peaks to mangrove swamps. The mountains’ beauty adds to the country’s natural features, making it a perfect place to visit!
Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya!
As a country with a topographical contrast, Kenya is located in the eastern section of Africa. The equator crosses the country across Nanyuki, Maseno, and Timboroa. These features highlight Kenya as a stunning destination that many wish to visit!
Being a topographically diverse country where the forests offer diverse wildlife, it is perfect to visit if you love taking safaris. There are also coasts and grasslands, making the location more diverse.
The nation is also highly agricultural, with diverse produce, including vegetables, fruits, and animals, even though the location is remote and can be difficult for regular travel.
An African safari holiday is a dream for every hodophile, and Kenya offers the perfect backdrop. With spectacular wildlife, astounding landscapes, and a melting pot of culture, Kenya ranks at the top of the travel list of everyone!
Moreover, the beautiful mountains play an important role in making Kenya a fascinating place! The country borders nations such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia. So want to know more about the up-warped giants of the earth? Read along!
Highest Mountains Of Kenya
The total area of Kenya is 586,000 square kilometers, with high-rising regions such as high plateaus, mountains, arid deserts, and low-lying coastal areas, including islands and coral reefs. 7 freshwater and salt lakes are creating the Great Rift Valley cutting the country in half!
Kenya has two of the tallest mountains on the continent. There are several other mountains, most inactive or extinct volcanoes. The landscape is diversified, yet the mountains are as beautiful as ever! Read more on some of the noteworthy mountains in Kenya.
Mount Kenya
The highest mountain in Kenya is Mount Kenya, located in the center of Kenya, approximately 100 miles northeast of the Capital, Nairobi.
The mountain has several summits. Nelion, Lenana, and Batian are some. Bastian is the highest, with 17,058 feet, indicating the mountain’s peak. The mountain formed about 3.5 million years ago.
A well-known tourist destination, the Mount Kenya National Park surrounds Mount Kenya at the base. You can see elephants, buffalo, as well as colobus monkeys in the park.
You can trek the mountain’s peak of Lenana Summit as it is feasible without any mountaineering expertise. The rock kente is only available on Mount Kenya as well as the Antarctic, situated at the South Pole.
The Spiritual Connection Of Mount Kenya
Riuki is found on Mount Kenya, which in a spiritual context is considered the symbolization of the throne of God. Riuki is regarded as the pathfinder by the Gikuyu medicine men. They also believe it therapeutic as they put pebbles at risk as seers.
The history of Mount Kenya is interconnected with the Egyptians, Jews, and Ethiopians. Mount Kenya is called Ta-Neteru by the Egyptians, which means the abode of the gods. The God Hapi or lotus, the gods of the Nile Floods, lived on the mountain.
The farming communities that settled in Egypt in 7000 BC before the inundation of the Nile corresponded with “Isis,” the heliacal rising of the star. It was after the water from the Nile flooding receded, leading to rich dark silt across the Central African countries and highlands.
The land is called “Kemet,” which is fertile land ready for planting. They consider the lands around Mount Kenya as one of the fertile lands. It also believed that the goddess Isis hid her son, her husband Horus, to raise him from the dead.
They say the mountain has medical properties, and the locals consider it amazing. They pray to the mountains for protection and safety. Communities such as Maasai and Samburu are semi-nomadic people who use the northland of the mountain as a paying ground.
Mount Elgon
The second tallest peak in Kenya is Mount Elgon, located on the country’s western side, closer to the Kenya-Uganda border. The mountain has distinguishing characteristics, such as having one of the largest volcanic craters.
The top of the mountain is a flat-topped plateau made of basalt. The total height of the mountain is 13,852 feet, with lava tube tunnels across the mountain.
Elephants and buffaloes often visit the lava tube tunnels. A national park surrounding Mount Elgon also has rhinos, eagles, leopards, and duikers.
Mount Longonot
Mount Longonot is an inactive volcano that last erupted in the 1860s but is not completely extinct. The height of the mountain is 9108 feet, and the mountain’s slopes are filled with ridges.
Mount Longonot is a mountain in Kenya. A park nearby has plenty of wildlife, such as zebras and giraffes. The mountain is situated approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
Travelers can visit the park by car, and the base of Mount Longonot has a lot of forest, even around the top crater. Compared to many stony mountains, this one is thickly wooded across the slopes and the summits.
Satima
Mount Satima is also “Ol Donyo Satima,” which roughly translates to “Mountain of the bull calf.” It is one of the Kenya mountains! It is the highest mountain across the Aberdare range, with a height of 13,127 feet, and is located on the northern side of the mountain range.
The mountain has tussock grass and rocks in some areas and rainforests. There are bamboo forests and Moorland across a section of the mountain. The mountain has a collection of 150 species of plants, such as Podo and Cedar.
The mountain is part of the water catchment area for both the Sasumua and Ndakaini dams. The two dams for Nairobi City are the primary source of water.
Kinangop
Kinangop is a dormant volcano in the Great Rift Valley and the west of the Kinangop Plateau. It is also situated in the Aberdares, with extensive bamboo forests across the mountain in the lower portion. The height of the mountain is 12815 feet.
Moreover, the higher sections of the mountain are covered with tussock grass. The top of the mountain is rocky with open moorlands. The top of the mountain is quite chilly and turns freezing at night.
Ngiro
Mount Ngiro is located in the northern region of Kenya, with a height of 9344 feet. The mountain is part of the Great Rift Valley to the west overlooking the Suguta Valley. The upper slopes have forests, while the mountains is popular for cultivating bees.
The mountain falls under the territory of the Samburu people, while the Lmasula phratry performs bee cultivation. The clan claims exclusive rights to the water and the land.
Several other mountains and hills are situated in the nation, creating an exciting place for vacationing. If you are a hiking person, Kenya is the perfect place to visit as there are several advantages. There are enough mountains in Kenya for you to go hiking, as well as trails.
It is a perfect spot to share holidays as well as weekends with your hiking partners. Some of the tallest mountains are situated in East Kenya.
Kulal
The mountain Kulal is identified as a biosphere reserve with lava fields, and the origin of the mountain is a volcano. The moisture in the biosphere leads to rain as well as mist, providing hydrological services to the people in northern Kenya.
The mountain is located in the middle of East Africa, with steep slopes while deep canyons go across the mountain. It is also one of the driest places in Africa. There are forests across the mountain, a habitat for black rhinoceroses and elephants.
Marsabit
Mount Marsabit is surrounded by Mt. Marsabit National Park and Reserve, with a height of 1703 meters above sea level. The mountain has many craters, while the hills around it highlight the mountain.
Across the mountain are many low-lying arid plains with elliptical shapes 70 km long on the northeast-southwest as well as 45 km wide on the northeast-southwest. The mountain comprises weathered lava flow.
Mogila
Mogila is one of the mountains of Kenya with a height of 1698 meters. A local relief of 300 meters, steep slopes, and a small summit area characterize the mountain. Moreover, it is located in the Turkana, creating the Great Dividing Range.
Namanga Hills
The mountain is in the southern part of Kenya. It is located on the borders of Tanzania, with the highest point being 2548 meters.
The Great Rift Valley has four peaks: Suswa, Paka, Namarunu, and Menengai. The hills have a collection of hyenas, zebras, ostriches, as well as Antelopes.
Cultural Relations Of The Mountains Of Kenya
According to the Kikuyu tribe, they say the local Kikuyu god, N’gai resides at the summit of Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is one such place that the local cultures worship. They consider these mountains the home of spirits as well as gods.
Mount Kenya is a spiritual mountain, as the local communities think of it as the residence of God. Ethiopians also consider it the home of God and revered in its presence. The belief gains further confirmation because of the snow at the top of the mountain.
The mountain is very close to the equator. Hence, it is quite surprising that there is snowfall at the top. There are thick forests around the mountain, and initially, the military dug the woods to flush the Maumau freedom fighters.
According to the traditional version of Mount Kenya in Kikuyu, a star fell on the ground with a bang and formed the mountain. The mountain has volcanic ashes and oozing magma which forms the Kenyte.
Mount Longonot has its Masai name, “Oloonong’ot,” meaning “mountain with many spurs.” The mountains are important as well as are traditional sites for worship by the local populations.
Some vow in the mountain’s name, while some send prayers based on cultural traditions. Both visitors and the natives join in collaborative activities such as mountain climbing and hiking.
Are The Mountains Of Kenya A Cult?
The high places in Kenya, especially mountains with snow caps, high mountain ranges, and island mountains, are cults. There are psychological roots of the communities who believe that mountains act as a heavenly ladder.
Besides the spiritual connection for the community, mountains are also helpful natural elements for humans as they bring rain, while they also have volcanoes. Volcanoes have a fiery side to them, representing the element of earth.
According to the myths based on the world’s origin, mountains are the first natural element from ancient water. The indigenous people believe mountains are a great phenomenon of the earth, symbolizing cosmic connection.
The local communities consider the mountains as shrines or altars for the Gods and worship them. For example, people in Africa often blame an earth deity when there is an earthquake.
They also consider snakes to be culprits, a belief that their cult teaches in the cultural practices of Africa.
Conclusion
Did you notice something unique about the mountains of Kenya? Most of these mountains have physical features giving an Alpine appearance. There are many ridges across the mountains, giving it a ragged nature.
So now you know about the beauty of the mountains, especially when it comes to the cultural aspect of it. People worshiping mountains is one tradition that integrates respect and protection of the natural elements.
People from different cultures in Kenya believe in spirituality and offer prayers to the mountains. Let us know in the comments below if you see any culture where people worship mountains too!
Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.
One response to “Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya!”
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If you are planning an upcoming vacation to Mexico, then you must visit Tolantoongo, which is a box canyon, which is in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. The canyon is 1.5 hours of northwest, Pachuca, and about 198 km which is about four hours from Mexico City.
So if you wanna know more about this exceptional natural escape with beautiful hot water springs and natural pools and rivers with caves. To know more details about the Grutas de Tolantongo, then keep on scrolling down.
How Will You Reach The Las Grutas De Tolantongo?
With diverse natural resources, Mexico is a haven for visitors and travelers. The Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a natural system of grottoes and caves. The beautiful water flows from the Grottos to the river of Tolantongo, which flows through the hot springs, which act like swimming pools like natural pools.
If you don’t know what a grotto is, then it is a type of cave that is naturally made underground and flows through for thousands of years. Rainwater could easily seep down piercing calcareous rocks, which dissolved them.
Then the result that formed was a mesmerizing aquatic heaven with rivers, waterfalls, and even hot springs, that became Tolantongo.
How To Reach Las Grutas De Tolantongo?
Now that you know where this aquatic heaven is, you should be able to reach the place easily, as there are many options you can avail to reach the place. Here are the options you can select from.
1. Renting A Car Service
One of the most popular choices of transportation from Mexico City to la Grutas de Tolantongo. Although a car service can be expensive, it is still one of the expensive options.
So if you have a hefty budget, then you can easily avail of a car service. Well if you love a long stretch of road, then you will love the surrounding atmosphere while traveling.
2. Take The Bus
One of the cheapest forms of transportation is the bus service. The bus is public transportation that any tourist can avail of. The easiest way for you to get a bus service is through Mexico Terminal TAPO.
From the ADO bus service, you can reach Pachuca. The journey is a 2 hours journey by bus, although the buses run every 3 hours, then plan your timing accordingly.
You would have to take a bus again till Ixmiquilpan, the bus is about 2 hours journey which runs about five times a day. Then from Ixmiquipan, it is about a 14 minutes walk, from where you can get a bus to Tolantongo.
The bus journey is very jarring and tiring and it might take you 6 hours to complete the whole journey. And it will cost you about $12 to about $22. Since this method is so tiring and long, it is not recommended for tourists, as it would take them a whole day.
3. Join A Tour Group
Another possible transportation you can get to Las Grutas de Tolantongo is by organizing to join a tour group. If you are staying in Mexico City, for a few days, then the easiest way of traveling to Grutas de Tolantonga is with a tour group.
What Are The Things To Do In Las Grutas De Tolantongo?
Upon reaching Grutas de tolantongo, there are a lot of places you can do there, and a few of these things that you can do. The area is divided between two areas, which are La Gruta Zone and El Paraiso Escondido.
1. Tolantongo Hot Springs (El Paraiso Zone)
The hot springs of Tolantongo in the El Paraiso Zone are known as a stunning sight to see. There is a variety of hot springs, present here are mostly infinite pools, built on the side of grottos, cliffs, and swimming pools.
The temperature is somewhere around 96F and 100F. The hot springs were very relaxing and very popular, which have people flock there for this relaxing activity, so having a swimsuit with yourself is a must if you wanna go to the hot springs.
Read More: Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter
2. Tolantongo Cave & Tunnel (La Gruta)
There are beautiful dark and wet caves and tunnels that you can visit and explore by yourself. Since the walls of the caves and tunnels are wet, you should carry water shoes, to avoid slipping. You can also go swimming in the pools in the caves, where you will find beautiful waterfalls.
3. Tolantongo River (La Gruta)
All of you who want to stay overnight at Tolantongo would mostly camp out near the Tolantongo river. The blue and warm Tolantongo river is a beautiful place to camp. There is more open space for people to gather and enjoy themselves.
Read More: 7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas
4. Suspension Bridge (El Paraiso)
One of the famous places of Tolantongo is the swing bridge which allows visitors a beautiful and luscious green environment.
The suspension bridge is an attractive tourist destination when you are visiting Grutas de Tolantongo. You should remember to wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking for a while.
5. Zipline (El Paraiso)
If you are an adrenaline junky and love adventure sports, then you are going to love Ziplining through the greenery of Tolantongo. Although it is not free, the price for ziplining is not as much, only about $10.
Wrapping Up!
Now that you know that Grutas de Tolantongo is a beautiful place state in Mexico. Then if you are visiting there you will find a comfortable grutas de tolantongo hotel. Or if you are staying there only for a night, then camping is the best option.
So if you think this article helped you in knowing more about grutas de tolantongo, then give your own article a like and comment down below.
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When we are researching a new place to visit, we look for certain specific reasons why we should go there. And today, I am going to do just that, is loranocarter+california really worth all the hype and worth visiting?
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Wrapping Up!
Now that you know a lot about loranocarter+california, you can decide when you wanna visit this hub of wonderful beaches, a fancy lifestyle, and amazing entertainment opportunities.
There is a lot you can do here, so book your tickets now. If you liked this article, then give it a like and comment down below.
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Visions of crystal clear water lapping at pristine white sandy beaches, a glass of vintage wine on an exclusive rooftop bar overlooking a breathtaking cityscape, or perhaps a relaxing day at a world-class spa in an exotic location - luxury travel often evokes such dreamy thoughts. But alas, are such extravagant getaways limited only to the affluent? Not necessarily.
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In conclusion, luxury travel, contrary to popular belief, is not just the exclusive domain of the ultra-rich. With careful planning, making thoughtful choices, and using technology like Travel Planning Virtual Assistants to our advantage, we can all have luxury vacations while staying within our budget.
Remember, luxury doesn't always come with a giant price tag. Sometimes, it is hidden in the heart of a priceless experience. So, pack your bags, plan wisely, and embark upon your dream luxury vacation without squandering your life savings.
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