Ragia Forest & Falls Hike
A hidden gem in the heart of the Southern Aberdare forests
Join us on an exciting excursion in the Southern end of the Aberdare Forest, where we chase the famous Ragia Waterfall #18. Our hike starts by Sasumua Dam near Chinas Camp Gate and takes us through an initial 2km gentle trek on a forest road. The path then detours into a bamboo forest, following elephant pathways, before taking a sharp drop down to Sasumua river, in order to access the magnificent Ragia waterfall 18.
Having reached the breathtaking waterfall and savored our time there, we commence our exit, starting with the cumbersome incline, back through the bamboo forest, and back to the starting point.
Ragia Forest Hike Distance and Stats
Distance: 9.5km
Maximum Elevation: 2,742m
Maximum Elevation Gain: 545m
Duration: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Beginner-friendly: Yes
Child-friendly: Yes, 7 years and above
Ragia Forest Hike Itinerary
5:15 a.m Meet up at International House Parking, City Hall Way. Boarding opens.
5:30 a.m Departure for Ragia Forest
07:45 a.m Arrival at Ragia Forest
08:15 a.m Hike Starts
01:30 p.m Mandatory turn-back and descent
EST 04:00 p.m Departure for Nairobi
Charges
Ticket | By Bus | Self-Drive |
Citizen | KES 3,550 | KES 2,200 |
Resident | KES 3,750 | KES 2,400 |
Non-Resident | KES 3,900 | KES 2,500 |
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!