Mount Kenya National Park was established to protect the region surrounding Mount Kenya. Initially a forest reserve before being designated as a national park, the area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park encompasses a diverse range of environments, from high-altitude alpine moorlands and glaciers to lower altitude forests that provide a critical water catchment area for the country. Mount Kenya itself is an ancient extinct volcano and the second-highest peak in Africa, featuring a rugged topography with several summits. The park's ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the African elephant, black rhinoceros, and the rare bongo antelope. It is also a significant habitat for the endemic Mount Kenya mouse shrew and several unique high-altitude plant species. The area is a major destination for mountaineering and trekking, with technical climbing routes to the highest peaks and more accessible trails for hikers. The park plays a vital role in conservation and is an essential part of Kenya's natural heritage.