Mt Kilimambogo Hike – Oldonyo Sabuk
A beginner-friendly, scenic hike near Nairobi.
The perfect trail for beginners looking for a challenge
We kick off a new Beginner to Mt. Kenya season with gentle trails all over again, and Mt Kilimambogo hike is our first trail of choice. The perfect trail for beginners looking for a challenge to kickstart their outdoor fitness journey, Mt. Kilimambogo is located within the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park along the Thika-Garissa highway.
The mountain rises to 2,145m above sea level on a gentle 6.5km trail. The round hike to the summit and back to the gate covers approximately 13km and is typically completed within 4-6 hours of hiking at a moderate pace. If you like a slightly bigger challenge, you can skip the footpath and take your entire hike on the dirt road winding up the mountain. This adds 3km to your hike each way. Expect breathtaking views of the surroundings along the way, as you trek through the virgin forest.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Kilimambogo is hot most of the year. Sun protection will go a long way, and a sun hat or cap will be especially useful.
- The two footpaths have some steep, rocky sections. A trekking pole is useful but not mandatory.
Mt Kilimambogo Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 13km
Maximum Elevation: 2,145m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 720m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Trail Grading: Two short, fairly steep paths connecting to a paved road that leads to the peak.
Difficulty Rating: Fair to moderate
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 5+
Mt Kilimambogo Hike Itinerary
5:15 a.m Meet up on Simba Street, off City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:30 a.m Departure for Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
07:15 a.m Arrival at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.
7:45 a.m Hike Starts
12:30 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent
EST 04:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
* Children: Ksh 300 off the adult rateTicket
By Bus
Self-Drive
Kenyan & EAC Citizen
KES 3,700
KES 2,550
Foreign Kenyan Residents
KES 3,900
KES 2,750
Non-Resident Foreigners
US$ 76.00
NA
* Non-Resident African Citizen: $30 off the non-resident rateMpesa Till 989985
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
Kilimambogo Hike Virtual Tour
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 before 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 toenails!
- 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!