Elephant Hill x Mt. Kinangop Southern Breach
More than 2,000m elevation gain. A formidable high-altitude challenge.
Elephant Hill X Mt. Kinangop Southern Breach
If you are an accomplished hiker worth the title, join us in traversing the unequally yoked Southern Nyandarua twins with the worst reputation. Whether this is your first time attempting either Elephant Hill or Kinangop, you have heard of the notoriety of the two trails.
We leave Nairobi at 3:30 in the morning and drive to the Njabini Forest station, aiming to hit the trail by 6:00 a.m. Our hike takes us 9km to the Elephant Hill summit, down and up the treacherous climb to the Kinangop peak (6km), back up a steep climb to the Elephant Hill Summit, and back down to exit through the Njabini Gate.
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 on the Elephant hill trail have very steep, slippery, and rocky sections. A trekking pole is helpful but not mandatory. Furthermore, the section between Elephant Hill and Kinangop is very boggy. Therefore, waterproof boots with good traction and leg gaiters are crucial for this hike.
Elephant Hill X Kinangop Southern Breach Distance & Stats
Hiking Distance: 30km
Maximum Elevation: 3,906m
Total Elevation Gain: 2,009m
Hiking time: 12-14 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, relatively level, rugged path to the peak.
Difficulty Rating: Very Strenuous
Beginner-friendly: No
Child-friendly: No
Elephant Hill X Kinangop Southern Breach Itinerary
3:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
3:30 a.m Departure for Njabini Forest Station.
05:30 a.m Arrival at Njabini Forest Station.
06:00 a.m Hike Starts
01:00 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent in order to avoid encounters with wild animals after dusk
EST 07:30 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Mode of hiking: Time target-based
You shall receive targets to evaluate your progress throughout the hike. The entire group’s turn-back time is 1:00 p.m.
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 5,500 | KES 4,100 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 6,050 | KES 4,650 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 112.00 | NA |
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.
- At least one skilled paramedic (up to 5 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.
- 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!