Elephant Hill Conquest
The notorious, smallest Aberdare peak!
Elephant Hill: The Ultimate Hiking Destination
Here’s your chance to go on a journey through The Ultimate Hiking Destination in the Elephant Hill Hike. Located about 100km from Nairobi CBD, Elephant Hill is dubbed the ultimate hiking destination—and rightfully so. The “hill” presents the perfect challenge for the novice hiker looking to conquer tougher terrain and acclimatize to higher altitudes. This is the first high-altitude hike in our Beginner to Mt. Kenya program series, so you will be in good company!
The 9.5 km Elephant Hill hike trail starts at the Njabini Forest Station gate, at an elevation of 8,202ft (2,500m) above sea level, and ends at the summit, at an elevation of 12,000ft (3,658m) above sea level. The terrain is mostly wet and slippery within the bamboo forest, and rocky as you approach the summit.
Things to Keep in Mind
- This is a high-altitude hike, therefore, come prepared to take it very slow from start to finish so you have an enjoyable experience. Stop ascent if you feel unwell.
- The weather in the high altitudes changes fast. Please remember to pack rain clothes and a warm jacket.
- The two bamboo footpaths have very steep, slippery, and rocky sections. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory. However, waterproof boots with good traction are crucial for this hike.
Elephant Hill Hike Distance & Stats
Distance: 19km
Maximum Elevation: 3,658m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 1,189m
Duration: 7-10 hours
Trail Grading: Initial very gentle incline to the Bamboo Gate; very steep, slippery bamboo trails with some rocky sections up to the Tail, and a final brief fairly level rugged path to the peak.
Difficulty Rating: Difficult ​​
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: Fit 12+
Elephant Hill Hike Itinerary
4:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
4:30 a.m Departure for Njabini Forest Station.
07:00 a.m Arrival at Njabini Forest Station.
07:30 a.m Hike Starts
02:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent in order to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 06:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 4,800 | KESÂ 3,400 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 5,350 | KES 3,950 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 106.00 | NA |
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rate
Mpesa Till 989985
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
Included in your ticket
The Outdoorer Promise:
- 7:1 hiker to guide ratio on day hikes and 4:1 hiker to guide ratio on expeditions.
- Additional guidance and support from Outdoorer Champions.Â
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5Â depending on the group size).
- A thorough emergency action plan for any emergencies that may arise.
- Other ticket-includes as detailed below.
Day Hike-Includes:
- Transport from Nairobi and back
- Park fees & charges
- Armed ranger fees where applicable
- Guide services
- Paramedic services
- A liter of water, glucose, and fruits
- 5% discount on gear purchases
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
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.Â
- 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.
- Cut your toe nails!
- Have a generous breakfast at least 3 hours before the start of the hike. This ensures that most of the food has been digested by the time you begin the hike, giving you the much-needed energy while ensuring your stomach is not too full for comfort.
- Use the bathroom before leaving the house to reduce the need for bathroom breaks on the commute.
- Set your mind up for conquering yourself. Hiking is more about your mindset than physical preparation. Once you win the battle in your mind, everything else contributes less than 10%. You can do it!