Kenya
Mount Kenya
Welcome to Kenya! Mount Kenya is Africa's second-tallest mountain, and even though it sits nearly on the equator where it's usually hot, its jagged peaks stay capped with ice all year round.
Why is it special?
Mount Kenya is the second-tallest mountain in all of Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro.
It sits almost exactly on the equator, yet its highest peaks are covered in snow and ice — a surprise to many people!
How was it formed?
Mount Kenya is the worn-down remains of a huge volcano that stopped erupting long ago.
Wind, rain, and ancient glaciers carved its once-smooth cone into the sharp, jagged peaks you see today.
Amazing facts
Its tallest peak, Batian, rises 17,057 feet — nearly as tall as 12 Eiffel Towers stacked up.
It has small glaciers even though it's less than 100 miles from the equator.
Quick facts
- Its tallest peak, Batian, rises 17,057 feet — nearly as tall as 12 Eiffel Towers stacked up.
- It has small glaciers even though it's less than 100 miles from the equator.
- Water flowing down from its slopes helps supply millions of people with fresh water.
- It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for its unique plants and animals.