Kijabe Hills Hike
Kijabe Hills Hike & Dark Tunnel Experience
Hiking the Kijabe Hills presents a good challenge to every adventure-seeking lover of the outdoors. Join us as we set out to discover the magic of the Kijabe Hills Hike. Our expedition starts at the AIC Kijabe Hospital, cutting through thick forest vegetation, to get to the caves and hot springs. We shall then proceed towards the dark tunnel, an underground man-made water tunnel, with no light at the end. [Pun very much intended.] If you are bold enough, you will attempt to get to the end of the 1km pitch-dark tunnel. Fret not, though, you do not have to pass through the tunnel.
Next, we will conquer ourselves by scaling the three Kijabe Hills, to get to a maximum elevation of 2,688m above sea level. Here, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the Rift Valley, with Mt. Longonot standing gracefully just a few kilometers across. Finally, we shall descend toward the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, to exit via Soko Mjinga, where we shall connect with our transfer vehicles to Nairobi.
Kijabe Hills Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 11km
Maximum Elevation: 2,688m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 773m
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
2023 Dates: June 10, October 14
Kijabe Hills Hike Itinerary
5:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:30 a.m Departure from International House Parking, City Hall Way
07:30 Arrival at Kijabe Town
08:00 a.m Hike Starts
EST 03:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
- Kenyan Citizens - 2,600/=
- Foreigner with Kenyan Residency - 2,900/=
- Non-Resident Foreigner - 3,100/=
Trip Includes & Cancellation Policy
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!