Kenya (5,199 m) – 2nd Tallest Mountain in Africa
Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. Consisting of a central inactive volcano surrounded by a series of smaller volcanoes, Kenya has a very rugged system of peaks despite its height. The mountain is famous for its highly diverse regions, from small glaciers at the top to forest and cultivated land at the bottom. Kenya derives from a local word which means “God’s Resting Place”.
Like Kilamanjaro to the south, Kenya has been known since earliest times thanks to its location where humanity had its origins hundred of thousands of years ago. The area around the mountain has been inhabited since prehistory, and is still inhabited by local tribes. The first known, successful ascent by westerners took place in 1899.
Located in the middle of Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya is in the heart of safari country, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in East Africa. It is located about 100 miles north of the capital Nairobi, and there is substantial road and tourist infrastructure supporting visitors to the park, making the mountain extremely easy to access. The park also has some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent.
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