Ngong Hills Hike
Ngong Hills Hike
A Beginner-Friendly Walk Near Nairobi
Located approximately 30km from the capital, the Ngong Hills hike is a relatively easy hike and a suitable choice for beginners—and virtually anyone looking for a gentle day hike not too far from the capital. With a gradual incline up and down the undulating landscape, the Ngong Hills hike features seven hills and a primarily grassland terrain. The hike treats you to panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges, as it has several incredible viewpoints. Our hike up Ngong Hills starts at the northern foot of the hills, covering 6km to the top of the highest hill at 2,460m ASL.
Ngong Hills Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 12km
Maximum Elevation: 2,460m
Maximum Elevation Gain: ~600m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Fair to moderate
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
Ngong Hills Hike Itinerary
5:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:30 a.m Departure for Ngong Hills Forest Station.
06:30 a.m Arrival at Ngong Hills Forest Station.
7:00 a.m Hike Starts
12:30 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent
EST 04:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Kenyan & EAC Citizens | KES 3,350 | KES 2,200 |
Foreign Kenyan Residents | KES 3,350 | KES 2,200 |
Non-Resident Foreigners | US$ 30.00 | NA |
Mpesa Till 989985
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!