The mountain rises from farmland and rainforest through bamboo, then moorland dotted with giant groundsel and lobelia, to bare rock and ice. The two highest peaks, Batian and Nelion, are technical climbs requiring ropes and experience.

Point Lenana, the third summit, can be reached on foot by fit trekkers and offers sunrise views of the main peaks and, on clear days, over the plains of Kenya. The mountain also supports elephants and buffalo in its lower forests.

Mount Kenya is an ancient extinct volcano and the second-highest mountain in Africa. Its highest peak, Batian, rises to 5,199 metres, with its twin Nelion close behind at 5,188 metres. During its active period, roughly three million years ago, the volcano may have reached some 6,500 metres. Erosion and glaciers have since carved the jagged summit towers you see today.

The mountain sits almost on the equator in central Kenya, yet its upper slopes are cold enough to carry glaciers. These have been shrinking fast. UNESCO counts twelve remnant glaciers and warns that they may disappear within a few decades, a striking reminder of climate change on the equator.

The Kikuyu and Meru peoples regard Mount Kenya as holy. They associate it with Ngai, the creator, and with his wife Mumbi, and traditionally people faced the mountain when they prayed. Kenya itself takes its name from the mountain. Climbers and visitors are asked to treat it with respect, to carry out all litter and to follow park rules.

The forest on the lower slopes holds elephants, buffalo, black rhino, leopard, black-and-white colobus and other monkeys, along with many bird species. Most animals are shy in the thick forest and are rarely seen by trekkers, but signs of elephant and buffalo are common on the trails. Higher up, rock hyrax and sunbirds live among the moorland plants. Electric fencing along part of the boundary keeps elephants out of farmland, which is an important part of reducing conflict between people and wildlife.

Altitude is the main challenge on Mount Kenya. Headaches, nausea and poor sleep are common as you climb, and serious altitude sickness can develop. A slow pace, plenty of fluids and an extra acclimatisation day all help. Anyone who feels seriously unwell must descend. You should be comfortable walking for several hours a day, and a medical check before you go is sensible. Nights above 3,000 metres can fall below freezing, so bring a warm sleeping bag and proper layers, waterproofs, a hat and gloves.

A hike on Mount Kenya fits well with Ol Pejeta, Lewa and Samburu, or the Aberdares.