Why Mount Kenya is Popular among Local and Foreign Tourists

Mount Kenya is among the most popular mountains in Africa. It is the second highest mountain in the continent after Mount Kilimanjaro. Apart from its height, there are other factors that make this mountain popular among locals and foreigners. Mount Kenya has equatorial snow and ragged peaks that are clearly visible from a distance. Its verdant belt of forest and vibrant tea bushes are equally fascinating to tourists. 

There are many people who like spending much of their time interacting with locals around Mt Kenya while on a trip to this country. The communities living around this mountain, commonly known as the GEMA are knowledgeable about the mountain and its environs. GEMA stands for Gikuyu, Embu and Meru Association. These are native communities that live around Mount Kenya. 

Apart from the beautiful view of this mountain and its environs, cultures and religious beliefs of these communities are closely associated with this mountain. For instance, according to the traditions of the Embu and Kikiyu communities, houses were built facing the peak of Mount Kenya. This is because the peak was considered sacred and a source of light. Fit trekkers can easily reach this peak within three to five days. 

The God of these communities known as Ngai, Mwenenyaga or Murungu was also believed to live in this mountain. Sacrifices and prayers were offered by community elders facing this mountain. Whenever there was a lengthy famine or a disaster befell a community, it was believed that God was unpleased with the people and a sacrifice had to be offered to appease him. A sheep or goat was slaughtered and other rites performed by elders facing Mount Kenya as they chant words aimed at appeasing their God. 

Some of the elders who performed these rituals are still alive and they share their culture and religious believes with local and foreign tourists. The forest surrounding this mountain was also a good place for strategizing and organizing counter-attacks during the Mau-Mau war. This was a war that locals waged against the British colonizers. Trenches and caves that were used by the Mau-Mau veterans still exist today in the forest. 

Game viewing is also another aspect that makes this mountain popular among domestic and foreign tourists. Cool highlands that are found at the base of this mountain offer a fascinating place for viewing unique wildlife. While on a trip of Mount Kenya, you can have a view of unique grounsel and podocarpus vegetation as well as deer, hyenas, monkeys and elephants among others. 

Easy accessibility of Mount Kenya has also made it popular among tourists. You can access this mountain via Naro Moru, Chogoria or Nanyuki. All these places are easily accessible from Nairobi via road. There is also an airstrip at Nanyuki that has charter and scheduled flights. Tour companies that operate in the country can also organize trips to the mountain from Nairobi. If you are planning to visit Mt. Kenya on your own, you can also get locals in Embu, Meru or Kikuyu guide you around the mountain.