Ngong Hills Hiking

Overview

Summary Of Ngong Hills Hike from Nairobi

The hike or climb starting point is at the Ngong Police Station and the ending point is Kona Baridi. The walking duration takes about 4 to 5 hours. The terrain initially is a dirt road till the radio masts then trail over the rolling hills for the rest of the way. The hike is moderate difficulty and can get very windy. The Ngong hills’ proximity to Nairobi, about 22 km southwest of the city, makes it a very popular weekend destination for visitors from all over the country. Some come for walks while others picnic or worship on the hills. Professional and amateur runners will also be found in the morning jogging up and down the steep slopes. The whole mountain range is a gazetted forest reserve covering an area of over 21,000 square kilometers, with the highest peak on the knuckle-shaped Ngong hills at 2460 meters above sea level. Ngong hills walking hiking climbing running day tour starts from Ngong town at the northern foot of the hills 1961 meters above sea level and traverses the whole range to the southern end at Kona Baridi. This takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on fitness levels. The first 2 km from Ngong Police Station are a gradual ascent through human settlements until you get to a Kenya Forest Service (KFS) barrier indicating the start of the Ngong Hills forest reserve. From here on, you go past a wind farm, before climbing the first steep hill leading to an area populated with radio repeater station masts. The trail thins out and descents into a trough before you climb the next steep hill. Just when you think the worst is over, the rolling hills seem to keep popping up, with each taking its toll on you. Thankfully, the views all around are magnificent, making the effort worthwhile. On a lucky day, you are likely to encounter buffaloes around the fourth hill, on account of the abundant bushes at these higher altitudes on the range. To your right is a fantastic view of the Great Rift Valley, while on the far left is a view of the city of Nairobi.

How to Prepare for the Hike

• Engage in active cardio exercises such as aerobics, walking, running, cycling, and swimming among others the week prior to the event.
• Set aside the day before the hike for resting--take a break from exercises.
• Increase your hydration at least two days to the hike.
• Purpose to get enough rest the night before the hike.
• If on intermittent fasting or on a diet, take a break in the period one day before and after the hike. This way, you will build up your energy reserves for the arduous task ahead.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

What to Wear

• Quick-drying tshirt
• Quick-drying pants
• Fleece jacket
• Sun hat or cap
• Well-treaded hiking shoes

What to Carry

• 3L water and suitable snacks
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Trekking pole
• Identification documents

Itinerary

Ngong Hills Walking, Hiking, Climbing and Running Tour Itinerary

0800 Hours

Pick up from your hotel/ residence and depart by road to the Ngong Hills.

0900 Hours

Arrive at Ngong town Police station and start the hike. The hike could start at the entrance gate (6 hours walk) or you could start to be driven to the last wind turbines in Ngong hills to start the hike from there (4 hours walk).

1300 Hours

Arrive at Kona Baridi for photos/ rest. Depart for Nairobi with lunch at a restaurant in Karen town or a place of your choice. (Lunch is optional and at an extra cost).

1400 Hours

Depart for Nairobi.

1500 Hours

Arrive in Nairobi and drop off at your hotel/ residence.

Photos

Price