Mount Kenya at 5,199 m, Africa's second highest peak, and its twelve receding glaciers
Background
Mount Kenya National Park and Natural Forest is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under natural criteria (vii) and (ix).
At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa.
The mountain carries 12 remnant glaciers, all receding rapidly.
The property covers 217,711 hectares with a buffer zone of 53,961 hectares.
The site was inscribed in 1997 and its boundaries were significantly modified in 2013.
The World Heritage property comprises Mount Kenya National Park together with the surrounding natural forest.
Height:
5,199 m
Rank in Africa:
Second highest peak
Glaciers:
12 remnant glaciers
Property area:
217,711 ha
Inscribed:
1997, criteria (vii) and (ix)
Why it matters for exams: Africa's highest peaks are asked in order, and Mount Kenya's height and its place after Kilimanjaro are a recurring pair.
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In plain words
Buffer zone Buffer zone — The protected surround of a World Heritage property that shields it from outside pressure.