Mount Kenya Afroalpine
Mountain & Alpine
Plants
Advanced
Kenya — Mount Kenya
January to February
Overview
Explore bizarre giant groundsels and lobelias in Africa's equatorial alpine zone.
Equipment
- Plant identification guide
- Camera with macro lens
- Altitude medicine
- Warm waterproofs
Safety Notes
- Altitude sickness serious above 4,000m
- Rapid weather changes — carry all layers
Identification Tips
1
Giant groundsels grow above 3,500m — each mountain has unique species
2
Giant lobelias close their rosettes at night for frost protection
3
Sunbirds pollinate giant lobelias at high altitude
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Groundsel | common | Above 3,500m in moorland |
| Giant Lobelia | common | Wet valleys 3,000-4,500m |
| Scarlet-tufted Sunbird | common | Feeding on giant lobelias |
| Rock Hyrax | common | Rocky outcrops near huts |